Did you get your fill of holiday bird? I’m serving my version of leftovers: Baltimore’s Sports Turkeys for 2007. What’s the criteria for earning turkey honors? It’s self-evident. Dig in!

Aubrey Huff. He’s the first guy who came to mind when I considered our local turkeys. This Oriole chirped out of turn when he called Baltimore a “horse-bleep” town during a raucous satellite radio interview. A professional athlete just has to be more responsible and aware. He knows better.Ray Lewis. It’s not what he does, but what he says. Ray remains a dominant, physical specimen on the field, but off the field he lets his frustrations get the best of him with the “our defense is better than our offense and I play defense” line of commentary. The classic was his bragging about how well the defense stopped the run in a 38-7 loss to Pittsburgh. That’s talkin’ turkey, Ray.

The Orioles bullpen. It’s a season-long honor, but giving up 24 of the 30 runs scored by the Texas Rangers in the 30-3 debacle is the clincher.Kevin Millar. I’m a big fan of 1-5, but he can’t escape turkey recognition for throwing out the first pitch at a Red Sox playoff game.

Steve McNair. 9 turnovers to go with just 2 touchdowns in 2007. Ouch.Jim Duquette and Mike Flanagan. The O’s g-m tandem re-built the bullpen and brought in Huff and Jay Payton. Duquette has walked away.

Jon Ogden’s big toe. After uncertainty over whether he’d play this year or retire, JO’s toe made the decision and the season even more painful.Pete Morelli’s officiating crew. They got the call right- Phil Dawson’s field goal was good, but the process was badly mishandled.

Dannys Baez. The Tom Turkey of the terrible bullpen: 0-6, 6.44 ERA at $6M/year…for 3 years.Brian Billick. Every time the Ravens pass, the fans think the team should’ve run…and vice-versa. Play-calling hasn’t been this scrutinized since the days of Matt Cavanaugh.

Jay Gibbons. O’s outfielder can’t hit and can’t field, bad combination for a guy getting $5M/year. Throw in an HGH scandal and this Jay is a dirty bird.

Me. For thinking the O’s would win 80 games and the Ravens would win 10. I’m a turkey for those calls!

Posted on Friday, November 23rd, 2007 at 3:37 pm.
Categories: Opinion.
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