As I reflect on my life during a rainy, gloomy day – and that’s never really a good time to reflect – I thought of 10 things I’d like to see besides a break in the clouds and a third knob on my sink that produces Merlot:                      The new Ravens quarterback showing up today wearing a sticker that says, “Hello, My Name Is John Flacco” 

Another player bringing Flacco over to meet Troy Smith and saying, “So, have you met Tony?” 

Ray Lewis doing his dance again…right after signing a contract extension. 

George Sherrill taping Charlie Brown cartoon to his locker. 

Roger Clemens admitting that he once had a relationship with the entire cast of Hee Haw. 

Somebody in one of my fantasy baseball league’s offering to give me Cliff Lee as a belated birthday present. 

Eider Torres, who’s been called E-der, I-der and A-der since spring training, announcing that his name actually is pronounced O-der. 

The Lakers and Celtics wearing the tight throwback short shorts if they meet in the finals. 

The Utah Jazz finally changing its nickname, since I haven’t found one good jazz club in Ogden. 

One more healthy season for Jonathan Ogden, which would definitely have me jazzed

About six months ago, while broadcasting the Willis McGahee show from Michael’s Pub in Columbia, a fortuneteller of sorts shot me a text during a break. We had been discussing the ins and outs of the upcoming 2008 NFL draft and who we thought Ozzie would choose in the first round. The text message read…”Anita, just remember the name Joe Flacco.” I said to myself, “Joe Flacco, the guy from Delaware. The school with the mascot of a BLUE CHICKEN!!” What about the big name guys, the guys in the headlines, you know Chad Henne, Matt Ryan, Brian Brohm. Maybe this texter was only sending this message because he had graduated from the same school fifteen years prior or maybe he did it because Joe has been described as… “arm like a bazooka”…”tons of leadership ability”…”calm presence and composure”… “led his team to the National Championship game”… “excellent size and a big frame”… “quick delivery” … “throws a terrific deep ball” … “tough and durable” His stat line is phenomenal – 63.5% completion, 4,263 yds in 15 games, 23TD and only 5 picks. And, honestly, the Blue Hen’s division, the CAA, is a FAR CRY from Pop Warner. The Colonial is perhaps the strongest division in small college football. Has everyone forgotten who Rich Gannon was (let me give you a little help….NFL MVP 2002!!!) Joe appears to be ready for the NFL and is comfortable and prepared to take the Raven’s starting QB job this season. No more Steve, Kyle is inconsistent, Troy is not the “proto-typical” anchor. I know the Charm City is ready to greet Mr. Flacco with open arms and cheer him on as he brings the Baltimore Ravens back onto a winning path. To that anonymous texter…the next round is on me!!!

Of all the numbers that Daniel Cabrera throws at you – and the most astonishing up to this point in his career have involved his height, the miles-per-hour on his fastball and his loss total from last season – here’s one that jumps out at me like the living dead in a horror flick: 

Zero! 

Sound wimpy? Guess again. 

That’s how many walks Cabrera allowed in his last start, when he muscled his way through eight innings to beat the Seattle Mariners. (Formerly the Seattle Sherrills before they made the mistake of trading this guy. Seven-for-seven in saves! But that’s another set of numbers for another time.) 

Cabrera used to be wild - as in frat-house wild. As in mosh-pit wild. He was born to be wild. But not anymore. He’s throwing strikes. He’s pumping fastball after fastball at hitters who can barely see them, let alone hit them. And he’s winning. 

When a pitcher is 6 foot 9 and throws as hard as Daniel, he should be collecting Cy Young Awards. He should be scaring the pants off batters. (Aubrey Huff didn’t count when he played for Tampa Bay.) But there’s nothing intimidating about a guy who can’t get the ball over the plate – unless it’s coming at your head! 

This is the Daniel Cabrera that we’ve been waiting for since he left the minor leagues. We already knew that he was strong. In his last three starts, he’s got an ERA to match it - 2.18. 

Now THAT’S strong! 

And really, do any of us want our D-Cab decaffeinated? 

Not me!

I could use a little help here. No matter how many Web sites I check or how many phone calls I make, I can’t seem to find out when Orioles playoff tickets go on sale.

It’s got to be soon…right? I mean, what are they waiting for?

OK, maybe I’m jumping the gun here – and no, that’s not a Luke Scott reference, though he’s one reason that I’ve come down with a severe case of pennant fever. It’s just that after 10 straight losing seasons, fans have a right to go a little overboard after a 6-1 start.

Heck, I’m reading to dive in head-first and swim laps.

Don’t be shy. The water’s perfect!

Why would anyone hold back their excitement just because it’s still early April? Wait too long, and you risk missing out on all the fun.

The way most people were talking in spring training, the Orioles were supposed to be 0-7 right now. They were supposed to lose every game, even the ones that were rained out. And we were supposed to walk around the harbor with brown paper bags over our heads, counting down the days until the Ravens gathered for mini-camp.

Well, count me out.

I’m having too much fun watching Scott belt line drives all over the place, and Adam Jones covering all that ground in center field, and Aubrey Huff making amends every time he swings the bat, and Nick Markakis being…well, Nick Markakis, which should be good enough for all of us. And then there’s George Sherrill proving to his doubters that going from eighth-inning duties to ninth-inning duties isn’t that big of a jump. It seems more like a hop and a skip.

The bullpen has been nearly perfect. And so has manager Dave Trembley, who keeps putting guys in the right spots while preaching WINNING TEAM BASEBALL.

It’s not just a catchy slogan anymore.

Who knows where this team will be in July? But more importantly, who cares? It’s the first month of the season and the Orioles have turned the standings upside down.

Stop talking about 1988. Find a support group that can help you recover from it and move on – all the way to April, 2008.

There’s no better place to be right now. Grab a few friends, find a comfortable spot and enjoy!
Leave a comment

Opening Day…

An event… A happening… A day to take off work and enjoy America’s favorite pastime… Baseball

BUT…did you enjoy it?

Did you enjoy the 6-2 loss… watching Jeremy struggle with his command… Mora commit an error that resulted in a run… Adam Jones going 0 for 4…???

Well…you may feel - this is a sign of what’s to come this season - and you may be right…

BUT!!!

Are you willing to ride out the rough times - so you don’t have to call yourself a “BAND WAGONER” during the good times…?

That’s really what it comes down too Baltimore…

The O’s are rebuilding… They have young talent making their first start in the BIGS… They have vets playing rolls to help keep this team united… but it may not be pretty this year or next… it might not be pretty for a while…

But are you willing to ride it out and support this team at their worst… BELIEVING - it will get better…

Are you willing to dance with the ugliest girl on the dance floor…knowing she will eventually be the prom queen in a few years… GROWING PAINS my friends!

Ask yourself…

Today is my last day with the boys of summer… and it’s been an exciting week of Spring Training!

* I asked myself today…”What pro sport would I want to play - if given the opportunity” and I have to say MLB is where it’s at!   Yes - it is a grueling 162 game season, but the feel I got all week at O’s Spring Training was little league baseball- ALL GROWN UP!

* A few starters made the trip to Ft Myers today to take on DICE K and the Red Sox…Mora, Markakis, Huff, and Scott.  O’s lose (7-4) in the 7th (rain out)

* Jon Leicester - competing for that 5th spot in the rotation - did not win any brownie points today - he gave up 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 HR’s (1 to Manny and 1 to JD Drew)

* SHOUT OUT to Melvin Mora - RBI KING of this Spring Training - add 2 more today to his total of 11

* Adam Loewen had to cut off the blond locks today… which he seemed more concerned about than his sore shoulder

* Pigskin Talk with Jay Payton today… if he had to put together a team to take on the Ravens from the O’s roster - he would have Jeremy Guthrie at QB (i’m thinking he might even beat out Kyle), Adam Jones and Nick Markakis at WR, B Rob at slot (our own Wes Welker), D Cab at TE, and of course Millar at center… Jay said he would have to carry the rock at RB!  I would love to see that game be played!

* Adam Jones gave me a Wii tip today - if you have the”Fabulous Four” game… use both nunchucks, pound them both down as hard as you can - and all the bad guys blow up!

* Interviewed B Rob today… possibly the last time I will talk to him in an O’s uni… pretty sad, but I wish him the best and if that means playing for a team that has a better opportunity to make it to the Series - then so be it.

 I begin my vacation at 6pm this evening… and back in B-more Monday, March 24th.

Marks Out!

A lot to report…

* Orioles beat the Twins today 3-1 in Ft. Lauderdale… they are now (7-6-2) in the Grapefruit (I like sugar on top) League! 

* Garrett Olson - who is competing for the 5th spot in the rotation- was solid…he went (3 INN/ and gave up NADA hits nor runs, 2 walks, and 1 K)

* meanwhile - back at the farm…Hayden Penn was sent down to Triple A - out of the race… it is now down to Olsen, Albers, and Burress

* Delmon Young made the trip for the Twins and was able to refrain from throwing a bat at anyone… baby steps DY

* B Rob did hit a woman in the jaw with a foul ball  - she was attended too and returned to her seat to watch the game.  B Rob - being the class act he is - sent her an autographed bat and ball…

* Adam Loewen is experiencing soreness in his shoulder…he was scratched from tomorrow’s start… but he talked to the media today and does not think it is anything to worry about.

* Kenny Chesney was a NO SHOW today… maybe he had a date with a sexy tractor??? (If you dont listen to CW - forgetaboutit) No Shirts… No Shoes… No Kenny today!

* I was eavesdropping on Trembley’s speach this morning…he said “Winning Team Baseball” at least 11 times… WTB baby…the phrase that pays, all season long!

* Kevin Millar was on the show today… Since he is the team prankster, I gave him a Fart Machine to use for the remainder of Spring Training… Can’t wait to see who he is going to PUNK!

 more tomorrow… stay tuned!

img_0642.JPG

Oriole’s Spring Training - Day 3…

* The Orioles lost to the NY Mets today (6-2) in Pt. St. Lucy…

* Jeremy Guthrie had another SOLID outing (4 INP, 3 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 4 K’s)  He has my vote for OPENING DAY STARTER!

* Luis Hernandez had ANOTHER error today - that cost the O’s a run… for a guy who is COMPETING for the starting SS position - NOT SO MUCH… Go Fahey! (no only am I a member - but founder of the Brandon Fahey fan club)

* Steve Trachsel was so kind to offer me coffee this morning… Cream, 2 Equal please! It’s nice when a pro athlete actually is kind to the media - BEDRARD TAKE NOTES!

* While a portion of the club headed north to take on the Mets… some big names stayed back to take BP (B Rob, Millar, Mora, Ramon, just to name a few)

* B Rob is upset with me… I still voted for David Archuletta from Idol last night - even though he forgot his lyrics… B Rob had to remind me that it is a COMPETITION and that if David cant get the job done on Idol - would I still pay money to go see him perform in concert…? good point…but I LOVE ME SOME DA

* found out today that Nick Markakis is a STUD bowler! He has not been to B-more since Mustang Alley’s opened… count on seeing him there A LOT! his BA .476 / his bowling avg. 275 - IMPRESSIVE!

* Millar put on a show for us today - impersonating Mike Piazza and John Madden - had me crossing my legs and galloping to the ladies room… what a GREAT teammate to have on your team!

* BTW - Kenny Chesney will be making an appearance tomorrow…good friend of Millar’s - COWBOY UP!

more to come tomorrow…stay tuned!

A few things to report…

* Birds went NORTH to Jupiter to take on the Cards today - they kissed their sister with a 2-2 tie in the 10th

* Cabrera still stuck in the WALK ZONE… tosses 31 pitches in the 1st INN and loaded the bases to finally get out of the jam.  I am getting the feeling he likes to do this on purpose - to get our panties in a bunch! Wipe the brow!

* Freddie Bynum is traveling back to B-more today to have surgery on his torn meniscus…SPEEDY RECOVERY FREDDIE!

* My highlight of the day… I got to CHUCK THE ROCK with CF - Adam Jones! He ran into the clubhouse to get George Sherill’s football to test out the USC’s fball skills… I hope I impressed! I really dig the young man - great personality and attitude… I know O’s fans are going to LOVE him!

* While interviewing Ramon Hernandez - water that leaked from his ice pack formed a puddle on the bench I was sitting on…I stood up and BJ Surhoff asked if I had SWAMP A _ _…! How embarrassing!

* LF - Luke Scott is a health nut! He took Kevin Millar to Vitamin Shop for a purchasing extravaganza! They both cant stop talking about Cayenne Pepper pills… Luke says it lowered his cholesterol from 300 to 195… wow! go out and grab you some!

* Aubrey Huff says Daniel Cabrera is the FASHION GURU of the team… If he could wear a uni made by Gucci and a glove designed by Prada - D Cab would be all over that!

Tomorrow the teams travels to Pt. St. Lucy to take on the Mets…stay tuned!

Day 1 at Orioles Sprint Training…

A few things to report…

 * Young players and media want the O’s spring training to STAY in Ft. Lauderdale… Why? The nightlife! More fun hanging at Shooters on the bay with the J LO look-a-likes… than playing shuffleboard in Vero with Martha Stewart! The upside to Vero is being closer to the minor league facility.  A decision will be made by the end of the month. My gut is telling me Vero…but my heart is telling my Liqourdale!

* Dave Trembley has this camp running like a fine oiled machine… Players respect the man and feel this is the best camp a lot of vets have been in - despite the run down facility…

* Steve Trachsel is AWESOME! Very personable and down to earth! Very happy with his decision to come back to Baltimore and is embracing the LEADERSHIP role that is expected from him…

* Ramon Hernandez is physically and mentally ready for this season. He looks good…is in better shape than last year…and knows a lot is riding on him to help this young pitching staff perform!

* Adam Jones is a big kid! He’s a lot of fun to interview and loves to play… Not just baseball! But Wii, football…you name it and he is up for the challenge. He is comfortable here and seems excited to be a huge intricate part of this rebuilding process.

* I think I sold Kevin Millar into making the switch from a Harley to a Victory bike! I have been talking it up for a year and yesterday he asked me when we are going to go riding… As you know, I have an “07 Vegas and I LOVE IT!

* Brian Roberts was the last player to leave… after playing a solid game  vs. the Dodgers, he stayed to workout and actually showed me a “core” workout he does with an 8 pound ball - thrown against the wall. He’s a stud!  It is only a matter of time before he gets traded to Chicago - a real shame for the O’s, but a great opportunity for B Rob!

 stay tuned for Day 2…