How nice is it that an advance look at the Orioles‘ Opening Day rotation doesn’t induce mania?
I didn’t do a position-by-position series last year. If I had I would have struggled to write a post on the starters. Reason being, in case you’ve forgotten, the O’s opened last year with the following five names [...]

Is Andy MacPhail a mad genius or just lucky?
Probably both. When he left Steve Johnson unprotected in the Rule 5 draft this winter, opening the door for the Giants to rush in, it was widely viewed as a misstep. That all got erased today with news that the right-handed prospect is returning to the organization. [...]

Two bits of troubling news came across the wire today. First, the revelation that Brian Roberts is headed back to Baltimore for another look at his wonky back. Then, Britt Ghiroli’s report that Nolan Reimold’s running doesn’t look good (coupled, naturally, with word from the team that it’s no big deal).
I wouldn’t say I’m worried. [...]

Our steely resolve in the face of great February turmoil is about to be rewarded.
Nothing beats March Madness. Nothing. The World Series and Stanley Cup finals sometimes come close, and occasionally the Super Bowl is interesting, but nothing tops the Tournament for year in, year out excitement. It’s that much better when the Terps have [...]

It’s fitting that Nick Markakis patrols right field a few steps away from Adam Jones. I see them as two sides of the same valuable coin. Complementary. Different in many significant ways but aligned to the same purpose. Two talented young players that, in their own ways, represent the mixed bag of personalities and approaches [...]

Mike Flanagan is an odd case. Even in baseball, a world filled with oddball lifers, his trajectory stands out. Try to name another guy who went from Hall of Fame Cy Young pitcher to coach to broadcaster to General Manager to “is he still with the team?” then back to broadcasting again. I could be [...]

A few site-related matters to pass along:
– I’m experimenting with a version of TLC that’s optimized for touch-based mobile devices (iPhone, iPod touch, Android, etc). I installed a plugin called WPtouch that detects if you’re viewing the site that way and feeds you a stripped down version. I’ve tested it on my phone and it [...]

There’s a lot to like about this team, as we know. A lot of talent, a lot of potential. Several guys with both to spare. But if I had to pick just one who most embodies the next era of competitive Orioles baseball, it’s Adam Jones.
No disrespect meant to Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, or any [...]