Some Monday ramblings.

*While I don’t have a big problem with Kevin Millar throwing out the first pitch at game seven of the ALCS in Boston, I do have a small problem with it.

The Orioles need more players like Millar with his fire and intensity and more who come thru in the clutch often like he does.  But what he did was a little dis-respectful to the Orioles.  It’s okay for him to talk with Boston players before a game between the teams, or even talk about his fondness for the city and his time there.

But leading cheers during a pre-game piece on Fox, and throwing out the first pitch crosses a line that should not have been crossed.  The Red Sox are an O’s bitter rival and while he’s employed by the Orange and Black, he should lead cheers for only one major league team - the Orioles.

*Hank Steinbrenner just couldn’t let Joe Torre have the last word.

After the Yankees offer was termed “insulting” by Torre, George’s kid fired back saying “where was Joe’s career when dad hired him in 1995.”

Well, Hank, where were the Yankees in 1995?  They were a team with one playoff appearance and one first-place finish in the 14 seasons before Torre.  With Torre they made the playoffs 12 of 12 times with 10 first-place finishes.

The Yankees owe Torre far more than he owes them.  He proved to be the one man who could get along with Hank’s dad, win games and championships and earn his players respect along the way.

The one-year offer, at a 33 percent pay cut, was an insult and class-less act.  Threatening Torre’s job during the ALDS was another class-less move.  The Yankees may find out the hard way over these next few seaons, just how good Torre was.

*Around this time last year, the Maryland football team was beginning a five-game win streak that gave them a shot to make the ACC championship game, going into the final regular-season game.

Now, the Terps could be headed in the opposite direction.  They already have two conference losses, one in overtime and Saturday’s one-point loss to Virginia.

Injuries are mounting, the defense has given up 438 yards per game the last three contests, and the offense is not making big plays down the field.

A strong finish might require Ralph Friedgen’s best coaching job yet.  It’s possible, but the outlook for the Terps is shaky.

*Is it just me, or does it seem like Brian Billick is in a real hurry to finish those post-game press conferences.  Is he double-parked or something. Coach, what’s the rush ? 

Posted on Monday, October 22nd, 2007 at 10:02 am.
Categories: Orioles, MLB.
Track comments to this post: RSS 2.0.

POST A COMMENT  |  TRACKBACK