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Peter Gammons is a boob

I'd believe Karl Ravech before Peter Gammons. I've never known Gammons to be too accurate. Everytime he sounds certain of something, the opposite happens. Just my take.
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The only question I'd counter with is, how many stories has Karl Ravech broke? I always saw him as the guy who reported what others were writing/saying. Maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Watch some mystery team swoop in at the end. Teixeira will be seen holding up a Royals jersey. - Roch

Roch,
I was just listening to SportsCenter and I don't recall hearing Gammons say it was between those two teams... I also didn't hear him mention 48 hours. He was mostly talking about Manny Ramirez maybe going to the Angels, and maybe having Boras have both LA teams battle for Manny. I heard Gammons mention the east coast, and Boston and Washington... he didn't mention Baltimore, but he also was just listing cities, not going with chances... am I missing a SportsCenter episode that someone else saw?!
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OK. I didn't see it. Was going by what someone else heard. - Roch

Actually he said it was between the Nats and Red Sox. Not buying it.

I have never understood why Gammons gets awarded any credibility at all. Every word that comes out of his mouth has passed through his, "I'm a Red Sox fan and proud of it," filter.

Has he ever done a report that has not included the words, "Boston Red Sox" in it?

it seems whether the orioles are in it or not, people don't want them there. it seems like most people at espn have been begging the sox to sign tex since the meetings. The only time i've heard Buster Olney mention the orioles or nats was in a blog entry that said they shouldn't be trying to sign tex. He's entitled to his opinion but what does he care? If he doesn't sign with the sox or angels he won't get to talk about him as much? This whole thing has been intriquing yet annoying. Please just sign...somewhere. I'm almost more intrigued on how i'll react more than who he'll sign with.

The Royals? Ha ha, good one Roch. Heck, I heard he was signing with Rodrigo's old team... the Culiacan Tomato Growers.

Problem with ESPN's info and Gammons as well is this. They are so hard on Boston's privates that ESPN comes off as the Red Sox's version of the YES network sometimes. So since Tex filed they been saying "Oh boston is front runners" they tooted that when Boston didn't even have a bid, and they will until the day he signs and just claim it came out of no where. Gammons is a nice guy, but you cant forget this guy covered the red sox when they sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees, hes a life long fan and just wants to see Boston sign Tex. So even if he did say the front runners were Boston hes just stating his personal opinion so he can exclude us, ESPN always does. I know ill be there laughing if we land him. At least Karl Ravech acknowledges that we are even a player, the entire time ive been watching this besides the bogus ravens game rumor and this ravech thing we have barely even been mentioned as if we are some black sheep, even the Nats got more a mention. Just more bias from ESPN.

Roch,

I did see the report. you pretty much got it covered. gammons said the sox and halos were the finalists and the gnats were almost out of it. he also said a decision would be made in 24-48 hours. for the record, gammons is an old fart.

Cat fight: Gammons vs Firestone! Roch as ref.

Gammons a 3:1 favorite

Gammons' favorite team is the Red Sox. Everyone knows that.

Anyone else remember when we signed Javy Lopez Gammons reporting that we were going to sign Ivan Rodriguez as well possibly by the end of the night? I'm paraphrasing of course...

Roch nobody knows whats going on it seems like every one is saying red sox or angels. But i think Tex will sign a few days before christmas as a present to his family and friends. But most important to the fans.

What do u think Roch?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The only thing I'm positive about is he wants to sign by Christmas...but I'm not even sure that will happen. I like the odds, but who knows? Time is running out for that to happen. - Roch

This whole thing is like Major League Baseball's version of "Who's on first?"

Hey Roch, any chance that MASN gives us a messageboard to play with around here? Might help to pass the time for those of us who don't seem able to pull themselves away from the computer for long during the "Where's Tex?!" saga.
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Haven't heard anything along those lines, but they read these comments. Maybe you just planted an idea. - Roch

Gammons did mention Boston and Washington in the report, but still... for those who didn't see the report, don't panic. He basically used a sentence where he was talking about Teixeira's potential east coast preference, and in that statement briefly mentioned Boston and Washington. It wasn't like he said "he's going to the Nats or Sox and no one else".

So basically, as Roch has said a billion times, it's a hot topic - there are a ton of rumors out there - let's not let it put us all in a rubber room. With that being said, I personally still enjoy any rumors or facts that Roch puts out there.

All in all, it looks like the dust may settle sooner than later and as of now, the O's still have a shot.

Hmm, maybe we should play Tex that Oriole Magic video from last year. Yeah, nevermind.

Roch,

Gammons actually said something to the effect of this:

In his opinion it comes down to the the Angels and Red Sox with geography being the key, unless the Nationals came with an out of this world offer to make him the face of the franchise. He also said he doesn't see Peter Angelos wanting to make Teixeira the face of the Orioles franchise...something I find shocking.

Gammons (aka Turkey neck) is a very lazy reporter at this stage of his career....he has little sources other than Boston & New York beat columnists.

You put him to shame Roch-O

Roch,

I'm done, I don't want to hear any more rumors, I don't think I can take it. The only problem is that I can't avoid the rumors because I'm constantly checking to see if anything has happened, quite the conundrum

Just read a report that Tex is between the Nats and Sox and that the Nats are 99% sure that Tex will sign with them. Tex and his family prefer to be closer to home while Boras is pushing for Tex to sign with the Sox. I hope this isn't the case...What do you think Roch?

http://www.centralmainesportsblog.com/2008/12/teixeira-to-nationals-99-according-to.html
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I'll definitely check it out. Thanks! - Roch

Gammons has loved Markakis since he entered the league and has consistently stated he will be an all-star caliber outfielder. Thus, I award him one bonus point. However, he jocks the Red Sox every chance he gets. Rumor #643: unsubstantiated. Roch- love your pace but you may need a one or two blog day soon to avoid burnout. Fantastic efforts as always!

Caruso, that blog posting is from 10 December, and is the Central Maine Sports Blog a credible source of information regarding Teixeira?

Why would Teixiera want to sign with the DC team if it came down to picking the Nats or the Orioles? The Orioles have Markakis, Jones, Roberts, Huff and some really solid minor league pitchers that are only a year or 2 away. They will be a young team with a future. What does Washington offer? Let's hope that money isn't everything when it comes to Teixiera making a final decision. When you are going to get $20 million+ a year, unless you are totally greedy, another million shouldn't sway him, particularly, if he wants to play at home. Plus, Camden Yards is a much cooler ballpark than the Washington stadium. As you can see I am trying to remain hopeful.

Gammons & Olney have NEVER included the Orioles in their coverage. However, Ravech is finally naming them. Also, on ESPN NEWS right now, 7:50, they are reporting this:

"A source close to 1b Mark Teixeira tells ESPN's Karl Ravech he's getting close to a decision on his next team, and that Orioles and Nationals are as much in consideration as Angels, Red Sox and Yakees because he is a Maryland native."

Then, they quote Scioscia endorcing the signing of Manny Ramirez. Concerning the offer to Mark Teixeira, he said: "We have taken our best shot."

Is AM at the Wharehouse? Are you home? or downtown? Tell him to UP THE OFFER!!!!

Hey roch if espn gets it wrong with teixeria going to boston or the Nats an go to the O's how would they spin it since they were leaving out the O's the whole time.
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They'll say, "As first reported by Karl Ravech." Or Steve Phillips somehow will get credit for it. - Roch

Gammons must be completely fretting about the Red Sox not getting their prized possession this winter. I wonder if his only source is Theo?

Well I was watching Sportscenter and Keith Olberman said that President Bush should be ashamed of himself.

Wait.

That's not Sportscenter?

That explains a lot.

I know the article in my previous post was a little old, but I figured it had a little relevance since it corresponded with what Gammons said about Tex narrowing it down to the Sox and Nats. Roch's on top of it anyway. Also, I may be wrong, but didn't Tex say that playing for the Orioles would be a "dream come true" two years ago when he was with the Rangers?

What is this "historic offer" Boston supposedly offered Mark? Any insight here? Could we match it? Could it be 10 years/$200M?? Or is Boras playing word games again?

Ooooohhhh... my head is going to explode! Time for Charlie Brown Christmas, and a few aspirin.

BTW: If we lose Tex, I will have that same depressed defeated feeling I had this past Sunday around 8pm.
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It was mostly speculation that they could offer $25 mil a year to top the deal they gave Manny. Something along those lines. - Roch

Gammons is a reputable journalist with great ties to the baseball industry who gives and receives trust and respect. His opinion is oftentimes informed and based on reasonably factual information amid an understandably uncertain Rumormill. That being said:

Gammons has been wrong before.

If we were to believe him, then Piazza and/or Ivan Rodriguez would have served time as Orioles. Vladimir would have become an Oriole the same year Tejada signed (i.e. Before the Angels swooped in at the very last minute!).

I'm guessing this Gammons thing is overblown. I'm also guessing a lot of these reported offers and front runners is fueled by Boras. I think a lot of people just need to consider the sources.

I'm guessing this gets done within the next few days because there is a lot of commotion, but I don't think any of us truly know whats going on.

"I did see the report. you pretty much got it covered. gammons said the sox and halos were the finalists and the gnats were almost out of it."

No he stated Sox and Nats

Roch,
Aside from the obvious Teixeira coverage, is it reasonable to assume that once that biiig domino falls, that it will in effect put in motion a lot of other internal decisions of our own? Like for instance, I think it immediately forces us to trade Roberts before the season starts to bring back the highest possible return. And, as well, opens up a lot of the long-range budget to finally sign Markakis longterm?

On Out of Bounds tonight, they had a report on Jay Gibbons. Don't know if you heard it. It was actually a pretty good report and lotsa luck to Jay signing on with a team this winter.

Did anyody hear the Gammons report correctly besides me? He definitely threw in a blurb towards the end about Peter Angelos being in pursuit, right after he mentioned the Nationals.

This is a comment posted by Forrester at WNST earlier today. He says the front office is confident that Tex is coming to us.

http://wnst.net/wordpress/drewforrester/2008/12/16/im-hearing-os-think-theyre-getting-tex/.

Gammons and Olney had Furcal in an A's uniform as late as Sunday, and we saw how that turned out.

Ravech's report is the most specific so far. Tex has Baltimore ties and has the opportunity to be the face of his hometown team. More importantly the Orioles seem more than willing to pay the big time contract. They met with him prior to the winter meetings, made a big initial offer (especially for the O's) and left plenty of cushion to go higher. Texeira could of gotten big deals from Texas, Atlanta (his college town), and the Angels (a supposed front runner) and turned them down. This tells me its not completely about the money. I know there is some wishful thinking involved, but when I put this puzzle together I see Tex wearing Black and Orange Opening Day.

I've reached the point where I find this kind of amusing. Teixeira may have made his mind up long ago and just be having some fun watching various big name reporters guess and try to look like they know what's going on.

Gammons is a huge Red Sox fan, but I'll always remember his bizarre man-crush on Bernie Williams.

Roch, the Gammons clip is up on ESPN's site....He just mentions the Sox and Nationals in passing while talking about Manny.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3774211&categoryId=2521705&n8pe6c=2

I'm just wondering something: Isn't the price of living more expensive in places like LA and Boston compared to Baltimore? Taxes and stuff included?

So if the O's offered the same contract that those teams offered wouldn't Teixeira make more money here?

Bill,

No offense buddy, but who cares about Jay Gibbons right now?

Wow. this is hilarious. Gammons did mention the Nationals and never said anything about 48 hours. Also on overthemonster.com someone said that Gammons announced the it was between the Red Sox and Nationals in the next 48 hours. What an idiot. All Gammons said during that interview was that "If Teixeira were to sign with an rast coast team, either Boston or Washington, I think the Angels will pursue Manny"

I have a interesting idea..LETS WAIT UNTIL MARK T. SIGNS WITH THE club he selects.

Also, if he turn down the Orioles, when the O's franchise need him the most. He should turn in his Cal Ripken, Jr. and Eddie Murray tee shirts he got free on tee shirt day at Camden Yards.

That report of Teixeira's family wanting him to go to the Nats comes from a source in the Nats minor league system. The only reasons the Red Sox are in this is because the Yankees signed CC and Burnett and because Boras has a good relationship with Boston. It's going to come down to an opt-out. Boston won't offer one, and the Nats will.
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I'm trying to figure out the logic in his family wanting him to play for the Nats. Severna Park is closer to DC than Baltimore? He grew up cheering for the Nats? He's always dreamed of playing on the same team as Willie Harris? He figures there's less chance of Elijah Dukes punching him if they're teammates? Puzzling. - Roch

I've never commented before but I just wanted to clear this up for everyone, there were 2 separate Gammons pieces, the one posted on espn only mentions what happens if Tex were to sign w/ an east coast team, its meant to be a hypothetical as to what the move for Manny would be at that point. The Gammons piece at the start of the 6 o'clock sportcenter said that he thought it was down to the angels and red sox for Tex, w/ the Nats being intriguing because they would make him the face of the franchise. Gammons ended with his opinion that Peter Angelos would not be interested in making him the face of the franchise. While I'm not sure the basis for that opinion it is what Gammons said. Lets all take a deep breath and collect the facts before we mock and ridicule what others heard. Thanks for all your hard work Roch and for staying above the fray in all this.
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Thanks for the explanation. Much appreciated. I say we all gather downtown once Teixeira signs and throw back shots until we're numb. Who's in? - Roch

I thought Karl Ravech sat at the anchor desk and read the teleprompter - since when does he have inside knowledge?

Roch - I heard a rumor Texieria was ordering pizza for dinner tonight. Can any of your sources confirm or deny this?
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One source says it's pepperoni, but another insists it's just extra cheese. However, ESPN is reporting that he hasn't made a final decision, and it's down to Chinese and McDonald's, though KFC is expected to make a late push. - Roch

Roch, Why wait for Tex to sign ?? Let's all get numb now, as if this process hasn't caused that. It's close enough to x-mas would be another excuse !!! I have a question, last year it was Bedard / Roberts every day for months, this year it's Tex day after day. Who will be in the spotlight 1 year from now ?

Like you Roch, I want this thing to be over, one way or the other. The thing that keeps bugging me is that if he was going to sign with Boston, I feel like he would of done it by now. Especially the way the Red Sox execs were acting at the winter meetings. I tend to believe Karl Ravech in that he keeps coming back to the O's in weighing his decision. I think we get him on Friday. Would have to be a big confidence boost for you if that happens and all the high profile ESPN guys are dead wrong.

IMO, that "source" Ravech talked to was Boras and he told Karl that Tex was leaning towards the O's so he would put it on the air to get Boston to up thier offer. In other words, Boras has been using the O's to get what he wants from who he wants..... BOSTON.
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I can't argue with that theory. - Roch

Roch, I just want to echo what John said and extend a much appreciated thanks for sorting through all this Tex headache. You're a better man than I. I'm curious to know if there has been any talk of Cal's potential involvement in trying to recruit Tex? I'd imagine he can offer a world of insight on whats its like to play for your hometown team as well as being the face of the franchise. Beers on me when Tex signs with the Birds...
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Thanks! Cal hasn't been asked to help out. I thought it would be a good idea, but I know some others disagreed. - Roch

I am just laughing at the entries by different people. And all of the ideas for the rumors. That "food" rumor is the best I've seen. KFC, Chinese, and McDonalds! Hilarious!

I also agree that while Peter Gammons is a good reporter, he never has that dispassionate side of reporting. There's always a bias in there somewhere. But I guess that is human nature. Lookit, I'm getting philosophical!

I just can hope that this Tex deal will be done sometime this week. To me, it looks like it's down to Boston or the Orioles. Honestly, and this is my dispassionate side -- I think Boston really doesn't need Tex and I know they think different because David Ortiz is "declining" and Lowell is old/needs to be traded, but the Red Sox already has a great offense and they're perfectly okay because they'll score runs without any problems since they have Beckett, and all these guys.

While on the flip side, Mark will already get richer with the contract he will get, so why bother trying to drive the price up? In addition, the Orioles need Teixiera and Mark needs us because he can easily just have his family here. He doesn't even need to move at all. Everything is here for Mark.

All in all, I hope Mark knows what is best for his family and for himself, know that he will potentially join a great team, and to start a new Oriole era.

I'd be willing to bet there are quite a few of us willing to take you up on a couple of rounds of shots. Whether he signs or not. And I thought nothing could top the madness of last year's "Is he a Cub or not?" mayhem...
That said, I love that you keep a sense of humor about this. I guess your options are "funny" or "crazy" and there are enough people replying here that have the "insanity" portion of the programming covered...
I may not bring the crazy, but I'll bring the tequila!

Remember that Peter Gammons is and will always be a huge Red Sox fan. If you ever watch his coverage he always picks the Red Sox and is a big homer for them. He knows he has the power to spin coverage the Red Sox way so he does on a regular basis. He is tremendously overrated in my opinion as a reporter. I can't speak to his journalistic skills because I never read the Boston paper. The sooner he retires the better. It was embarassing when they ran him out there so soon after cancer. He wasn't ready and they should have given him some time to get healthy. He is the Red Sox boy so they ran him out there anyway since the Sox were the returning champs. ESPN baseball coverage has gone downhill. Thank God for your blog Roch. It keeps us informed since ESPN has forgotten there are more than NYC, Boston in LA that play the game as well.

OK Roch... now I just saw the other clip that people have been talking about via Gammons on Sportscenter. It was during the 11pm show. Gammons said that he appears closer to making a decision, and that it could happen in 24-48 hours. He did mentioned that it appears like it would be between the Angels and Red Sox, unless the Nats really overwhelm them with a deal - and that Peter Angelos doesn't appear willing to go as far as the Nats are willing to go. Of course, before this old clip of Gammons was presented on the show, Ravech mentioned his same comment from earlier that Teixeira is very intrigued for playing for his hometown Orioles... so basically, it said everything all at once - but Gammons and his comments weren't so promising for O's fans, but as many have said, he's been wrong before (Vlad is one example).

Peter Gammons is a set of boobs.

Roch--You know me. Accentuate the positive. I truly believe the orange number 23 will be worn by Mark Teixeira when he homers against the Yankees on Opening Day in April.

I, too, am close to a decision. I believe I will have Cheerios for breakfast at 7:20 a.m. But, Entenmann's crumb topped donuts are also vying for my attention.

I just saw Mark TEX in MD !!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it certainly smells of a Scott Boras style deal-play both side against each other using a nationally respected media source to pad his wallet lol. I remember a time when Gammons was a big Orioles fan now I'm not so sure.

All joking aside the Orioles will probably end up taking it on the chin again and this time we can't blame Peter Angelos. Peter laid a fair offer on the table, reasonable enough to attract the talent that is the TEX. An earlier comment about the cost of living if higher in LA or Boston, oh yeah they are just make the trip there you'll find out how short your money goes their, but TEX will have plenty of those green backs to spread around so its probably not much of a concern to him. I am wondering right now what TEX's thought process is in picking his next offers.? Is he thinking about the impact of a hometown team supporting you are worth especially when your bat goes silent- and it will, or when you are returning from an injury. If he make a selection for a team other than the Orioles I will boo him whenever he goes out in the field or to the batters box. I hope all you Os fans out their support me on this.

Remember, at the beginning of today the Athletics were supposed to be in the "lead" for Furcal. Then by mid-day, the Braves came out of nowhere and supposedly had a done deal. Then in the evening, the deal was not done and the Dodgers were again major players.

Lesson: The media seems to know nothing more than educated guesses. Sometimes they'll be right, but sometimes they'll be very wrong.

I bet Peter Gammons could suck the chrome right off a tire.

That's all I'm sayin'

Roch- Gammons mentioned every team. He just says that Angelossssss will not spend the same money that the Nationals are willing to go. If all was equal, they say the O's would probably sign him. We have 47 million coming off the books for 2010. Our payroll this year is 67. Add 10 for Nick. That means our payroll next year will be 30 million. WE COULD DO WHATEVER WE WANT!! WE CHOOSE NOT TO.
OUR OWNER BLOWS DONKEY!!

Roch- Doesn't it concern you that the O's supposedly do not even match the top bid? I don't understand that. The hometown thing only comes into play in a tie. I am very worried about our chances in the next decade. The next free agent class with any kind of franchise player is 2012. Thats Pujols, Fielder, and David Wright I believe. And, the O's will have to overpay to get any of them without that hometown tag to wave around.
By not betting the Farm on Texiera, it really makes me wonder how committed the O's front office is to winning. To win, you have to have the BEST possible players you can manage at every position and rotation/bullpen spot. Without Tex, they are gonna come up a 1b short I am afraid. Not to mention, Mora, Huff, and possibly Roberts will be gone, with nothing on the Farm to replace them.
Say what you want, but, I have a feeling the Glory Days of O's baseball are long gone and gone forever.

Roch- There is a thread going around OH that says Tex signed late last night and they are going to announce it today. That would get out right? I mean if it were true? They say 8/176 with an opt out after 6 years.
They say Boston is at 6 150 in the Boston Media. If the O's are at 7 150.5 that 21.5 they might as well add on the 8th and go to 176. i hope they are right over there.

Maybe Gammons doesn't believe the O's would pony up that much money? I have a hard time believing it myself. Then again you could just have Borass making leaks to drive the price up for the Red Sux.I honestly don't think Tex wants to go to the nats or play on the westcoast,so I think it's between the O's and Red Sox assuming the O's made him a real offer.If a real offer was made it was Pete stepping in.McPhail is kinda ho hum about signing him.

How many of you are going to be pissed when this comes to a conclusion and Tex is in Washington or Boston

And better yet, how many of you are going to feel like fools for thinking for a moment that Angelos actually cares about nothing but the lowest payroll and the highest profits

GET RID OF ANGELOS and MACFAIL his PUPPET

The five teams left are like the five guys in entourage (if you don't watch entourage this won't make sense but shame on you guys you should watch it) vying to close one girl and only one of the guys gets her.

Boston is Vince. Clearly the favorite with a fantastic resume and if he REALLY wants her he probably will win.
Anaheim is Eric. Very business savvy and could make a potential push but certainly an underdog.
DC is Turtle. Really doesn't have a shot but is willing to work harder than anyone else to win.
New York is Ari. Arrogant jerk with a ton of money that will bully his way into anything.

Orioles are Drama. Older resume that isn't all that impressive yet feels as if he deserves the extra attention and is not willing to do the extra work.

I would say neither. The moment we will all remember is TEX signing with the ORIOLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is a baltimore boy and he knows how great the fans are!! They stick through the loseing and love the hometown guys. I am not crazy enough to think that he is another Cal Ripken, but he will be a hero in his hometown!!! Go on and mark your calenders December 22 a little past noon Andy and Peter will be announcing the hometown kid comming back home!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man, is this nerve wracking or what? I've gotta give you credit Roch, it is admirable that you manage to stay as neutral as you do, since your Oriole roots are strong. As someone from Baltimore, now living in Indiana, I thank you for for your unbiased, "try to get it right" attitude. Huge thanks to the poster praising Aubrey Huff, you gave me a good laugh. It's amazing what a good year will do. Last year he was being demonized for his comments about Baltimore, this year he has the key to the city. Oh well. I do hope Tex signs soon, regardless of which team (of course I's love it to be the O's), even if for no other reason than to end Boras' game of "who's the leader". I know that man is inventing suitors, and offers as he goes along. I'm thinking if the owners weren't so secretive about their offers, and just had an open bidding war, it would eliminate the agent's edge, and spare us all this speculation. Oh well, it's up to you now Peter. You've made an honest offer. Keep plugging, and we'll hope for the best. Cheers Roch!

Go O's!

So roch you said that Brian seems pretty excited about Cesar, so if the Orioles dont sign Mark....does that mean Brian will stay?

Man I really do hope so!