Last night, while listening to the radio broadcast, play by play announcer, Fred Manfra, made reference to the Orioles fans booing Mark Teixeira every time he made a plate appearance.
I know, I know. The guy betrayed Baltimore. He said he wanted to play closer to his home, and was allegedly offered a fairly lucrative deal to play for the Birds. He ended up taking the money ($30 million more) and the winning tradition in New York and betrayed his childhood team. We know it was a business decision, but then he had the nerve to talk about his love for the Yankees as a kid.
But really? That was over 3 years ago. Aren’t we bigger than this? Can’t we enjoy the Birds success without the hate? Can we just choose to move on?
NO FREAKING WAY! If he can live off the riches of his business decisions, he can face the consequences of being hated by another subset of fans. Keep it up O’s fans!
Hah! I was laughing at Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter as former Oriole 1st Rounder, Brandon Snyder, spanked the Orioles for 6 RBIs last night.
To be fair, Snyder had a hard time showing his promise as a member of the Orioles organization. He killed it in AA Bowie in 2009 when he had a .343 BA, .421 OPS, and 10 homers in 58 games. After that, he went to Norfolk where it seems that most O’s hitters go to die. That massive park seems to suck the life out of the prospects. He had chances with the big league club in 2010 and 2011, and he never seemed to catch the favor of manager Buck Showalter. Was it his Production? Attitude? Perception in the Clubhouse? Who knows except that the O’s were terrible and yet, he wasn’t getting the playing time.
This off season, Duquette and Showalter showed how they really felt about Snyder when they traded him a way for cash considerations in order to clear a spot for the amazing Jai Miller.
I have nothing against Miller. I am just bummed when I see the O’s give up on a #1 Draft pick for a player who can’t stop striking out. Former 1st Rounders, Billy Rowell and Matt Hobgood have been disasters. Snyder still had a chance to make something of himself. He could have been a late bloomer. It kills me to know that Jayson Werth was an O’s 1st Rounder and he didn’t show his mettle until after he left the organization. It wouldn’t shock me to see Snyder do the same and make a nice career for himself. READ MORE >>>
The headlines hit a little close to home this weekend. I was checking the scores on ESPN.com on Saturday evening when I noticed the headline “Police: Ray Easterling shot himself.” Easterling, who spent several years as a safety for the Atlanta Falcons in the 70’s, had been suffering from CTE, dementia, and other effects from concussions sustained during his football career. Now I wouldn’t consider myself a friend of Ray Easterling, but I did have the chance to interact with him, and I have nothing but positive things to say about the man.
About five years ago, I was enrolled in a weight loss program that Ray helped form. Easterling was in charge of assisting us with the exercise component, and he was an incredible motivator. He was tough. It was awesome learning from a former NFL player and he did a great job in helping me get in gear. Yet despite the mental toughness that he tried to instill in us, he also was kind, generous and understanding. As I try to think back on my last experience with Ray, all I can remember was him kicking my ass in a spinning class. After class, he told me I did a great job and that he thought I would continue to do well taking the classes.
This spring we have the pleasure of talking with Orioles Prospect, LJ Hoes, as he participates in his first big league camp. LJ has been gracious enough to meet with us on a weekly basis, talking about his experience working out with not only the big league players, but also, the big league coaches. If you have a question that you would like us to ask LJ, please email it to BaltimoreSportsReport@gmail.com.
These questions were from last week, since then LJ, Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado have been reassigned to minor league camp.
M- What happened since we last talked?
LJ- My birthday was on Monday, so that was the most fun thing I had all week. READ MORE >>>
This spring we have the pleasure of talking with Orioles Prospect, LJ Hoes, as he participates in his first big league camp. LJ has been gracious enough to meet with us on a weekly basis, talking about his experience working out with not only the big league players, but also, the big league coaches. If you have a question that you would like us to ask LJ, please email it to BaltimoreSportsReport@gmail.com.
M- When did you know you were going to be assigned to the big league camp? LJ- I guess a week before big league camp started. Maybe the 6th or 7th (of February). I was definitely shocked. We had a minicamp they were inviting me to, and then to find out so close to spring training that I was going to big league camp was exciting and very shocking.
M- What were you doing this offseason? LJ- Working out. Jest been lifting, throwing, running and hitting. Trying to get faster. Improve my speed.
After a week where they were banned from scouting in Korea, the Orioles finally made an attempt to resolve the situation by releasing this apology.
“On behalf of the Orioles organization, I offer a sincere apology to the Korea Baseball Organization and the Korea Baseball Association for the club’s unintentional breach of protocol in failing to tender a status check in the process of signing Seong-Min Kim. The Orioles respect Major League Baseball’s recruiting policies and the governing bodies and people that contribute to the growth of baseball around the world.”
This was a nice attempt by the Orioles, but it might be too little to late. The damage was done. Some people think this may not be a big deal, but Baltimore is looking for edge in overseas players and blatant disregard for customs, practices and protocols will close these doors ever so quickly. Let’s hope this relationship can be resolved.
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The O’s are searching for a new PA Announcer at Camden Yards. Dave McGowan, who has been the voice of Camden Yards for the past 14 seasons, is stepping down from the job. This is not a big deal at first glance, but then again it kind of is. McGowan’s voice is part of the game experience, even if it just lingers in the back of your subconscious. I remember being fully aware the first game I went to at Camden Yards and long-time announcer Rex Barney wasn’t there.
So if you are interested in the gig…..
The ideal candidate will have a strong voice with excellent enunciation skills *Marylandese . Prior experience working as an announcer in a collegiate or professional sports settingcalling into the Scott Garceau show is preferred. Applicants must be from Pasedena or Dundalk and should be available for all 81 home games, as well as any make-up dates or postseason games(that’s not happening), starting at least two hours before the scheduled game time. A complete job description can be found at www.orioles.com/voice. Those interested in applying for the position should visit the website to submit a voice recording based on the provided sample gameday script only after downing a shot a Jack and a pint of Natty Boh. Submissions will also be accepted via mail at Voice of Camden Yards Audition, 333 West Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Entries must be received by January 25, 2012.
As we await the news of the “supposed” immanent parting of ways between Andy MacPhail and the Baltimore Orioles, it’s time to start thinking ahead about who might replace him. We know that Buck might take the position, or he might just get one of his guys in there. That’s great and all, but I might be more excited if the O’s were to bring in some fresh blood. HBO’s lineup over the years has shown us some interesting characters that would might be good for front office management.
Eddard Stark- (Game of Thrones)- Okay, maybe what the O’s need is the ability to bring honor back to the House of Angelos. Eddard (Ned) has plenty of experience in supporting a strong minded yet incapable leader. Plus, it would be way too cool to have the title as “Hand of the Owner.” In the end, the job is worse than the deepest pit in the Seven Hells, and it wouldn’t be long before he was on the chopping block (too soon?).
Prop Joe- (The Wire) A true negotiator and a man of many talents. He could fix a clock and run an entire drug organization. A man with this many skills could be useful in what many consider an antiquated front office. Where Prop Joe would show his true worth his ability to find real trade value. Think Billy Beane with true street cred. READ MORE >>>
Something positive happened in the O’s organization this fall. For the 3rd time in this decade, the Frederick Keys have won the Carolina League and the Mills Cup.
The series clincher came in game 5 against the Kinston Indians. The Keys exploded for 11 runs, a postseason record, in the third inning and cruised to the victory. Manny Machado had four RBIs in the win including an emphatic three-run blast that capped off the big third inning. Machado was named the MVP for series for his efforts.
So the only thing we know for sure right now is that Syracuse and Pittsburgh have submitted their applications to the ACC. There are other sources saying that this is a done deal and announcements will come as soon as today. One thing I know for sure is that this is going to be the norm over the next couple months as the Super Conferences are able to form.
We know that both programs will bring over EXCELLENT basketball programs. So much so, that they will be competing with the Caroline teams for the ACC crown every year.
Both programs aren’t great in football, but they have storied programs that are rich in history. Jim Brown, Dan Marino. Ernie Davis, Larry Fitzgerald. These two programs may need a few years before they are competing for the league crown. There is no reason to think they can’t fit in right away.
With schools already traveling to Boston College, these two programs fit into the ACC’s geographical landscape.
These two schools are also attract strong television markets.
Assuming that this becomes a reality, what is next?
Does the ACC grab Rutgers and UCONN? Do they go west and bring in Texas and Kansas?
Do they lose VA Tech and one of the Florida schools to the SEC? It’s fun to speculate the future….
So are you happy about this move? What are the impacts for Maryland?
Last night, while listening to the radio broadcast, play by play announcer, Fred Manfra, made reference to the Orioles fans booing Mark Teixeira every time he made a plate appearance.
Hah! I was laughing at Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter as former Oriole 1st Rounder, Brandon Snyder, spanked the Orioles for 6 RBIs last night.
The headlines hit a little close to home this weekend. I was checking the scores on ESPN.com on Saturday evening when I noticed the headline “
This spring we have the pleasure of talking with Orioles Prospect, LJ Hoes, as he participates in his 
Eddard Stark
Something positive happened in the O’s organization this fall. For the 3rd time in this decade, the Frederick Keys have won the Carolina League and the Mills Cup.
So the only thing we know for sure right now is that Syracuse and Pittsburgh have submitted their applications to the ACC. There are other sources saying that this is a 
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