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Cereal Blogger said:
“ … The O's don’t pay those who criticize them. Actually they forbid employees from even communicating with them. That’s policy as well, ask Nestor about that. I’m just calling it as I see it … .”

Taking apart what you have to say and critiquing it is a growth industry … too bad it doesn’t pay.

C. Blogger: I’m not certain that you can handle the following on your own without me leading you through it: Think about the reason that MASN was created; then ask yourself if you think that MASN employees intuitively understand that it would shorten their employment by MASN if their reportage included references to “Ole Pete” and repeated claims that P.A. is not interested in putting a winner on the field, he is interested only in “fancying up” the bottom line.

I think it is safe to say that as a general rule: If you don’t sign your paycheck, you should be wary of the third rail that runs through every organization -- don’t speak ill of the big cheese -- no good will come of it.

I suggest you listen to Nestor and Drew, his Ed McMahon, because, unlike Roch, Nestor clearly is a man of integrity without an agenda lurking behind the “truth” he feeds to hungry, uncritical little minds.

Nestor is the biggest, little huckster to come down the pike since W.C. Fields portrayed Larson E. Whipsnade, or even better – the great Egbert Souse´ -- “not ‘Souse´,’ ‘Sou- say,’ accent grave** over the ‘e’” -- in “The Bank Dick.”*

What a phony … Nestor’s picture is on the $3 bill. He loves the sound of his voice more than I love to submit long posts.

If you are calling them as you see them, your name should be added to the list of equally nimble-witted, eagle-eyed arbiters: Tim McClelland, Mr. Foul Line Extended Phil Cuzzi, Dale Scott, Jerry Meals, and CB …

… Or, are you already on the list? I do believe I may have decoded the “CB” in CB Bucknor -- a guy who just calls ’em as he sees ‘em -- Cereal Blogger Bucknor.

*Released in England, in 1940, as “The Bank Detective,” which must have pleased W.C. Fields immensely. Fields was radio’s bad boy who couldn’t be totally trusted during live broadcasts; he was known for creating his own swear words to satisfy his need to be controversial without causing the censors to experience fits of apoplexy.
**Should be an accent aigu -- Souse`-- which, as an expert in 15th century French literature, me trouble vraiment.
***Did you mean "The Boys from Brazil?"

P.S. Cereal Blogger said:
Roch,
What international signings have the O's made this year besides Koji & the guys from Honduras?***
Thanks,
CB
CB: Why do I detect an “odor of treachery,” a set up question, perhaps with others to come, followed by a devastating “gotcha” waiting to be sprung on the unsuspecting Schoolman. Beware Roch, there is skullduggery afoot.
Oh, my bad, Schoolman: Your response nicely deflected the question; you were wary of this heavy-handed imp of the Diminuative Beelzebub.

Talk is CHEAP. Anyone can sit down with someone and have a conversation. It's the content of those conversations that really matters. If the FO is going to have a conversation with this guy, they NEED to show serious interest in him instead of being timid like they usually are. They need to make a genuine offer and they need to follow up ( hint hint Andrew, if they don't return your first call, keep calling!)

If Andrew and John are simply using this meeting with Chapman to make it look like the Orioles are pursuing a big name free agent, but have no intention of pulling the trigger, than it's probably safe to say they are wasting Chapman's time and feeding more BS to the fans and media.
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Shocking that you would use this entry to post another one of your tired rants, including how I'm once again being fed BS. You and Jack are on VERY thin ice right now. I had to delete one of your entries last night because it was so similar to an earlier one, just with the insults rearranged a little. And you've been warned REPEATEDLY to stop doing that. And I had to kill one of Jack's comments today because he crossed the line, and I'm sure he knows it. But for whatever reason, you guys insist on testing me over and over and showing me absolutely no respect. Well, I've had it. Don't be shocked if the doors to the School of Roch are locked for both of you Monday morning. - Roch

I think the Orioles interest in Chapman has been stated very clearly. After they have seen him throw they will determine if he is worthy of their investment. The numbers being mentioned are huge and no one has seen this kid in 18 months in a game. Alot can happen to an arm in that time and they should not get beaten up for simply being interested in seeing him throw.

I don't see Chapman as a good signing for the Yankees. The guy might have good stuff, but he there are too many unknowns to sink that much money into him. The Yankees don't really have a pressing need for starting pitching.

The Yankees currently have Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, Chamberlain, Gaudin and Hughes. Pettitte might retire within the next couple years.

Before the 2011 season they could sign Roy Halliday or Josh Beckett, or Cliff Lee. That's a really strong year for top notch Free Agent pitchers with strong resumes. Plus it might not be a bad thing to reunite Burnett with Halliday.

I actually thought my above post was a lot tamer than some of the usual stuff I write.

I'm trying to follow the rules Roch. Really I am. No more "BS to the media comments". Noted and apologies. I guess the journalist in me gets fired up when I see a cliché ridden comment from the FO.

In September you said no more of the ten posts in response to one entry. Check

You said to tone down the posts " Ole Pete, WTG ANDREW, Yes Man" Check

You said we needed to limit our rants. Check. This was my one and only risque post for today.

You said no more irrelevant posts that are way off topic and designed to start a war. Check

You said the posts need to be related to your entry. Check.

These are all the rules you have outlined so far. I'm trying to follow them. Really I am.

I do think the FO needs to be more aggressive, starting with Chapman.

A lot of people appreciate what you do, Roch. Keep up the good work.

Re: RK v BO
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Hey Roch, don't let haters get you down. I deal with them all the time in real life unfortunately because I wear all of my sports loyalties on my sleeve. Without trying to sound patronizing, Oriole fans are lucky to have you and all of your MASN associates. Thanks for the job you all do! Anyways, the postphonement of the baseball game is sort of a nightmare scenario for NY sports fans because the Giants are playing the Sunday night game tomorrow. I predict that the Yankees will probably win, but I'm obviously pulling for the Angels. I hate all Philadephia teams, so I'd rather not have to pull for the Phillies in a world series against the Yankees.

Roch said,
Shocking that you would use this entry to post another one of your tired rants, including how I'm once again being fed BS. You and Jack are on VERY thin ice right now. I had to delete one of your entries last night because it was so similar to an earlier one, just with the insults rearranged a little. And you've been warned REPEATEDLY to stop doing that. And I had to kill one of Jack's comments today because he crossed the line, and I'm sure he knows it. But for whatever reason, you guys insist on testing me over and over and showing me absolutely no respect. Well, I've had it. Don't be shocked if the doors to the School of Roch are locked for both of you Monday morning. - Roch
October 24, 2009 7:41 PM

Despite being sick and in bed all day, that post made my night. Thanks.

Holy Smokes, Roch! You were less than 5 hours from breaking your "consecutive blog" streak! You had me biting my nails for a second there............

Thanks Roch

Roch,

This would be an interesting turn if we got outbid by the free spending Twins for a $3 million dollar teenage potential phenom from the D.R but somehow signed Chapman who seems to be a talented but enormous question mark to a contract that would be larger than all of last year's payroll combined.

Hopefully the O's think he's the real deal and they actually put real money on the table. I want to believe...I want to believe...I want to believe. But as usual I have to be skeptical based on past behavior. Prove my skepticism wrong for once.

Regarding you post to Brummie/Jack (whichever alias he is right now, not sure)... Amen Rock. There are so many people, including myself, that enjoy coming here for updates from you each day. But obviously it kind of takes the wind out of the sails when we have to hear Brummie/Jack's nonsense like a broken record constantly.

Roch,

It's a shame you HAVE to read the garbage those two put out, most of the rest of us see the author and scroll on by. I think most of us would understand if you did the same {ie delete without reading}.

Baldy

Hey, Roch.
Don't let the trolls and the haters bring you down, Roch. You are a man. This is one of the best blogs I have ever read and I don't want anyone to ruin it. The School Of Roch is one of a kind. Keep up the great work, Roch. Go O's.

Roch drops the hammer on the trolls!

...

In that space, I tried explaining to Brummie what he consistently fails to understand about the sheer lack of creativity, perspective, and usefulness that characterizes his posts.

And then I realized that if he hasn't gotten it after over HALF A YEAR of people trying to explain it, I sure don't have a shot at convincing him now.

Let's hear it for:

Principal Kubatko and out-of-school suspensions
The Orioles' pursuing great young pitchers like Matusz, Arrieta, Hobgood, and now Chapman...(?)
The development of some great young talent like Bell and Waring
The signing of a quality starter to frontline the rotation... (?)
The 2010 ORIOLES!!!

West Coast O's Fan:

I live here and have been to every stadium used for the AFL. If you need any help/info on stadiums, game times, where to eat, etc......give me a holler.

I'm assuming Roch has my email address via blogging and I am okay with him giving it to you (rather than posting it on here) if you're in need of assistance for your trip.

Cheap baseball, good seats and great weather.....It's well worth it.

ouch, BRUMMIE...in the words of russ from mighty ducks 2..."HE DISSED YOU BAD, KID!!!!!!!"

I don't understand how anyone who has not seen Hobgood pitch can declare him a waste of a pick.

I don't understand how anyone who has not seen Chapman pitch can possibly say he is worth 40 million and is so good that he represents a line in the sand to prove or disprove the Orioles intention of competing.

I don't understand how anyone who dismisses all prospects, no matter how highly rated or how well they have performed at every stop, including short stints in the majors . . . can DEMAND that the O's pay 40 to 60 million for some pitcher who has never dominated any level of competition or whine about the team not signing some 16 year old kid who may never be allowed in the US.

I don't understand how someone can claim journalistic and moral indignation at cliches but has no morality when it comes to baseless personal insults to his host, lies, sophistry, misquotes, cowardice and a total, unrelenting lack of integrity in a year long campaign of slurs and slander and muckraking yellow journalism.

Roch,
In my earlier post which apparantly you had to "kill", what did I write which was so wrong?

Please enlighten me to what I said which was out of line.

To be honest, I am getting tired of constantly being reminded how I am on thin ice. If I come out and print something threatening, I could see. If I come out and question a decision made by the front office, that is not grounds to have a comment "killed"

You have a right to run this blog the way you see fit. But things will get pretty boring if all you see wrote here is how wonderful Andrew and Pete are doing things at the warehouse. If that is what you want, then so be it, make it that way. Come out and tell everyone exactly what they can write.

What ever happened to the Roch who used to be at the Sun?

I guess this will get "killed" also because it doesnt meet the guidelines. When you restrict freedom of speech and or press....well it is the downfall of many things! Roch, this will be my last posting because it is quite obvious what direction you want the blog to go in.

Brummie, CB and JPA, She nice knowing you guys as I am sure I will be booted after writing this post because it doesnt represent the "majority" And majority must mean job security!
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Thank you for AGAIN proving my point. After all this time, you still don't get it, which means you either suffered a head injury as a kid, you have a serious learning disability or you're just a bad guy. There's nothing wrong with criticism, but why do you (and Brummie) have to attach so much ugliness to it with personal attacks? You can't make your points without all the insults? And they're the same ones. Your last post wasn't questioning the front office. You know what you wrote. I post plenty of comments that are critical of ownership - and I dare anyone here to do that with your bosses tomorrow morning. Let me know how that works out for you - but you cross a line. I've NEVER been told by the higher ups at MASN to stop allowing negative comments into the blog, but I'm not going to let you or anyone else take over this thing, not while my name's on it. I've been extremely patient with you and have allowed you to keep speaking your mind while so many others have pushed for me to ban you, and this is the thanks I get? Don't let the door hit you on the way out. - Roch

Evening Roch, I wish I could be at the Meyerhoff for the Brooksie thing, BUT, I will be there Tuesday night...for VAN MORRISON!! Anyways, you are very much appreciated, and I can't wait till the Hot Stove starts to get warm. Have a great rest of the weekend!

you tell those guys, roch!! we're all very tired of the recycled negativisms which purvey jack/brummie's posts'. lock the door and throw away the key!!!

keep up the good work!! i may not post all the time, but i'm still reading you everyday. thanks!!

And Roch pulls it out with 5 hours to spare! So many doubters... thanks again for the daily dose.

It sounds like the O's are doing due diligence on this one. I don't expect them to pay $40-50 million but being the a top Cuban pitcher does outweigh being a good high school or college draft pick. What is the length of the contract? The guy is raw. If it is a long contract then that fits with our timeline. A signing of this level prospect would make my jaw drop. I can't fathom the Orioles pulling it off but I'm not being negative here. It just seems out of character for AM to put so many chips on the table. Do I think we need to gamble with a Chapman or a Sano and other hitters to step up in class? yep. But I won't begrudge them if they pass.

Brummie- what is your problem? people who read these posts know your stance- at least give them that credit. be creative. have fun. play devil's advocate with yourself. you above all people, a Man-U supporter, know that certain institutions are set up to help the rich get richer and the O's don't fall in that category. what GM would or could have done more than AM? i agree that more risk is needed and more money spent, but get over the stalker approach.

Who would you rather the O's throw $60 Million at, Chapman or Lackey? I'd take Lackey thank you. No way I give this guy anywhere near that kind of money

Roch & bo?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFyZ1Q1knkI

We need to pass on Chapman! Why? First of all, the level of play in the Cuban league is compared to Low A ball in the US: Baseball prospectus compared the status of players who have left Cuba and come to the US-such as Betancourt and Alexei Ramirez-in terms what they've done there and then once they reach the majors and they came to a conclusion that the changes in their statistics suggests that the Cuban level of play is similar to the Low-A leagues! That being said, let's try to check his numbers in "Low A":

He has command issues: 6.1 BB/9 (No it's not a typo!)
His strike outs numbers aren't spectacular: 8.8 K/9

He gives TONS of home runs: In 09, He gave 25 HRs in 21 games (Remember that we're speaking about low A ball!).

He might be 2 years older than he claims. He might be 4!
He’s going to cost a ton of money.

Combine his brutal delivery and the fact that he’s spent years throwing 100 MPH as a starter in a league where pitch count and innings limit are not taken into consideration and you end up with a multi-millions dollar investment with a HUGE injury risk.

So pass and let the Yanks do the mistake of signing him.

Roch - I am at last, growing proud of you for standing up to the 2 jerks and FINALLY taking back YOUR very,very appreciated and fine blog!! YEAHHH ROCH! I posted a number of times begging you to do so as I have seen this before on a couple outdoor forums where one or 2 J E R K S +++ hijacked the forum making it neccessary for those NOT being the JERKS to need to wear hip boots to wade thru the crap they spewed on there. Of course they triggered the good posters into "fighting" with them and eventually it bacame a blog/forum of 80% THAT content! Worse than a bunch of REAL ATLANTA HOUSEWIVES with all the bitch slappin back and forth! GAGGGG!!!! I and 98% of your bloggers LOVE the blog and the great work you do on it and HATE seeing it taken hostage and yes RUINED by the A HOLES. You do NOT need them they NEED YOu and the spotlite! Throw them out, they have had more chances than Sidney Ponson & Pac Man Jones put together! Your blog and your spirt and all of ours will be OH SO much better for it!! THANKS Ron

Roch

Here is a good piece @ one of our division rivals and how they may spend their $$$$

http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/massarotti/2009/10/all_about_the_money.html?comments=all#addComm

Roch, is Angelos considered friendly towards Castro is that's the right word, and if so, don't you think it might hurt the teams chances of landing Chapman? He can't be a fan of Fidel's I'm guessing. Thanks
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I don't know how you would describe it. The exhibition was a goodwill gesture that took place 10 years ago. I think that was the extent of it. - Roch

I understand the o's need to explore all ways to improve the team but anything even close to $40 million is nuts and should be better spent on several other better buys. We've come this far with the plan now we need to stick to it. I'd rather see how the young guys play for a full year, Snyder and Bell included and spend for what we need to fill in the gaps on a much better crop of free agents next year. No more Walker and Baez overpaid pretenders or over the hill guys please.

Roch,
It is good that they are looking at Chapman, I wouldn't break the bank for him though. Those signings usually backfire on you. Sano would have been nice to sign, but when alot of teams are going after one player, some win and some lose. There will be a day when other teams say, "Damn, the Orioles seem to sign all the good players."

Brummie,
Nothing ever makes you happy which is why I truely never believed you were a real Orioles fan. Once you say they will never talk to Chapman, now that they are, you say they are only BSing the fans and media. Sorry but I am sure Mr. MacPhail and Mr. Stockstill wouldn't waist their valuable time to meet with players they don't consider or believe they have no chance of signing. Traveling and meeting players cost money too, lots of it. No matter what the Orioles do, you and your alter egos will critize it. That just shows everyone you are only here to gain attention to your pitful boring lives.
I don't know who you really are a fan of, but please go there and blow smoke up their butts for a while. Your hate of Mr. MacPhail is totally unwanted here!

Brummie ------

"I guess the journalist in me gets fired up when I see a cliche ridden comment from the FO"

LOL! Wow!! Sad & pathetic!!!

Roch,

If the O's are interested in pursuing a guy like Chapman, I see no benefit for them to tip their hand at this time. I say focus on adding a proven major league arm first.

Thanks for all the AFL and international player updates.

Man I somehow knew that this post was going to get a dumb response from Jack or Brummie about how this is just Koolaid, its like nothing is going to ever mattet to these guys, we could announce that we're flying him to baltimore, teaching him the secret of Old Bay Seasoning and then signing over the team to him and one of the trolls here will just find something wrong with it, like we didn't sign the team over fast enough. Ya know what Jack and Brummie remind me of. Those fans in new york and boston that even while constantly winning, ALWAYS have something to complain about. I surely will not be upset if Roch does start banning some IPs. The team has done nothing but go backwards since 98 and finally someone is in there and we are seeing some young guys worth watching and somehow this has made Jack and Brummie decided that complaining now via the net is the best way to handle things...sometimes I hate the internet for that. Too many jerks have a way of complaining. Anyway.... Keep up the work Roch, love the blog, I already miss your MASN segments, they need to put you on weekly during the off season for a primetime show recapping ravens and any Os news. I know Id watch!

Brummie: What is going on in your brain?

Is it possible that there is an armchair psychiatrist's Bout of the Century taking place in your brain, between Belligerent Brummie and Compliant Brummie?

The evidence found in your two posts this evening has been foreshadowed by two sets of similar tandem posts in which you are, in the first post, belligerent, stretching facts -- until they are unrecognizable -- just to throw a piece of rotten fruit at a thread in the form of one of your typical, tiresome topics.

Appended to the first submission is a direct, plainly-worded reprimand for, once again, ignoring the parameters set by Roch within which you and Jack have agreed to operate.

These parameters were a gift to you to allow you to continue as a student-poster.

You think of the Brummie-specific rules as restrictive, a limit on your freedom of speech (Roch wrote the SOR Constitution); but, considering the excreble pounding to which you have subjected everyone, you have been granted a remarkably generous status that permits you to submit as many posts as you can generate – within the boundaries, for which you are responsible.

In the second post of tonight’s couplet, following the reprimand, exactly as you have done twice recently, you back and fill, bow and scrape, apologize meekly and beg to be given yet another chance.

Brummie: If you get a reprieve, don’t waste it. You can be a worthy contributor, but you have to color within the lines. You will be in control -- you will have both hands on the steering wheel -- keep the Brummiemobile in the slow lane, or you and it will end up in the Kubatko Junk Yard.

Priveleges on this blog seem to be extremely important to you, but you continue to bang away at your keyboard as if you are in a trance, incapable of self-control.

What is going on in your brain?

P.S. Just in case the doors to the SOR are locked Monday morning, I want to point out, in the hope that it will come in handy when you are writing professionally, that you used “than” when you should have used “then:” “ … but have no intention of pulling the trigger, than it's probably safe to say … .” I hope this is not my last opportunity to fine-tune your grammar; but, if it is, I didn’t want to miss posting a farewell comment.

No way Chapman is worth that much money without ever throwing a single pitch. It would take quite a few outings to see what he can really do. I just dunno about this. Look at Dice K and all the money he's been given. I don't think he's lived up to expectations either. It would be a ricky move for sure and we may be better off spending that kind of money at a bona fide major leaguer.
I don't buy into he 100 MPH+ hype.

Way to drop the hammer on BRUMMIE. Hopefully this will shut him up for at least a day or two.Your doing a great job. Has anybody told you that you look like Gerard Butler from the movie 300.

OK roch lets see what i can do for you today. Take Bears,Pitts, SF Good Luck
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Thanks! - Roch

Roch -- just lose both of these guys already. Nothing solid to contribute, and are clearly wasting your (and consequently our) time. You've given them enough chances. Besides, would it really be 'censorship' if we collectively vote them off of the School of Roch island?

Your right about the world series being dragged out. It seems to me they could have started the season a little bit earlier this year or eliminate all they off days in the playoffs. This may be some sort of record of the latest they have ever played it. Thank goodness for the players Colorado didn't advance. They would be using snow shovels instead of bats!

Roch,

Some people have to much free time!!!

Speaking of way to much free time, do you know what team Felix Pie is playing for this winter? I thought I heard the O's wanted him to play winter ball this year.

Thought this was interesting the Yankees payroll is $201,449,289, the total of the Marlins, Pirates, Padres, Nationals is only $187,681,700. So the Yankees 25 players make $13,767,589 more then 100 players for four teams.
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I'll let you know about Pie once I find out. - Roch

whats up with Yu Darvish is he still coming up to the USA. I would rather have him because he is a better pitcher not just a thrower.
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I don't have any updates on him. - Roch

Roch,

Please follow through. It will make the Monday morning coffee soooooo much sweeter.

Brummie, you simply fail to follow rule #1: QUIT REPEATING YOURSELF. Roch has told you in public time and time again that you keep saying the same things over and over again. You're a one-trick pony, and the trick is over. I'm surprised that Roch has given you this much rope. Plus, you're smarmy "but I'm following all the rules you gave me" apology was a load of crap and probably ticked off Roch as much as the original post he responded to.

The sad thing is that I think you could be a useful member of the School, if you could just quit rehashing the same idea that you've said four times a day every day for the past nine months. I think that you think that this is a football club where the supporters can influence board decisions. It isn't, hasn't been, and never will be. No matter how loudly you call for someone in the front office to be removed, the ownership doesn't bow to your beck and call. You want to fire the GM? Buy a team, then fire the GM. Until you're the owner, you have no power, no influence, and frankly no relevance.

Roch you are letting a few people really get to you. Relax. If they upset you there is always that wonderful "Delete" key to make your day better.

As to Chapman he would have to be Walter Johnson/Bob Feller/Bob Gibson all in one to be worth 60 million dollars. I know that money isn't what it used to be but this is getting out of hand. This kid hasn't thrown a pitch yet and he can demand that kind of money? Only a fool would agree to do that. This guy may be one pitch from a trip to the surgery and the history of this game is filled with such tales.

Wow.

Love you Brummie.

If they don't talk to them they are stupid.

If they DO talk to him, they are liars.

Wow - do you HAVE a life? You know job and whatnot? Because this level of bile you spew - I mean how do you find time to do it?

40 to 60 million is to much to pay for a unproven player. Chapman or any player from a foreign country should never get more then any number one draft pick. Espescially if he has not played professionaly. Dice K at least played in Japan, but 100 million is to much for a player that did not play in the majors. He still could have tanked.

Roch, re your slam of Brummie - maybe you could allow them to keep posting, but just paraphrase what they say. For example " sos (same old sh%^*) from Brummie, Andy's no good, Angelos is too cheap, etc. etc." That would save us from reading their redundant tirads over and over. Thoughts?
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Unfortunately, it would create more work for me. I shouldn't have to police anyone to that extreme. - Roch

Wow, when you apologise I thought it was supposed to be sincere and not condescending and sarcastic. Some people's arrogance and ignorance just can't be changed.

Keep up the good work Roch. Sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do. Unfortunately there are people out there that think they are above everyone else and think they can get away with anything.

40 to 60 million??? That's crazy. That's approximately 6 years of draft money. The entire Draft. For a guy that MIGHT be ready for the ML's? No thanks.

I'm going to go buy some Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee to celebrate on Monday.

Only kidding, Roch. Keep up the good work.
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Sorry, I'm a little slow this morning. Must be the two-day fever. - Roch

Roch, for months I've tried my best to avoid all the drivel submitted by the two worst offenders on this blog. I've been largely successful though I still pick up peripheral info through other posters' comments. My heart is out to you and I can certainly appreciate you have been placed in a difficult position. I've got to tell you, though, if you do decide to ban the offenders, the blog will be immensely more enjoyable without them.

As many others have pointed out, the rest of us don't object to their contrary stance when it comes to all things Orioles. Rather, it is the way they deliver the message. No two posters are more arrogant, self-righteous or rude. That's no way to promote the essence of your efforts, ie. building a sense of community. Instead we have lost some quality individuals, people who understand respect and the joys of intelligent discourse. I'd hate to see that trend continue.

Most of us would heartily agree you have given these two more than enough rope and all they have demonstrated is how they can repeatedly hang themselves. I've thought long and hard about a suitable analogy for their role in this environment. The best I can come up with are terrorists, bullies or wife-beaters. They need a wake-up call, not a platform to demonstrate their ignorance.

That being said, there has been no shortage of insults and name-calling tossed their way by a number of posters over the past few numbers - including myself in this very entry. In the interest of fairness, if they are banned, it would only be fair to emphasize the rules should be consistent across the board. Disagree with someone if you will, but don't resort to name calling. In the end, we're only stepping down to their level.

I've explained before that participation on this blog is a privilege, not a right. Look at it as if all of us are gathered in Roch's living room for an Orioles party. I think we'd all crank up the level of respect and conduct ourselves accordingly. I want to log off with a smile on my face, not a knot in my stomach.

You say I repeat myself. But to be honest, nearly everything Orioles can be related back to Andrew. He is afterall the president of baseball operations. Negotiations with Chapman warrant a mention and criticism of his recent track record in my opinion.

Let me try to be critical of Andrew in a more moderate way for the above post, and if it's "too ugly", just delete me.

I really am trying to strike a balance here Roch. You said in September to "tone it down a notch". I am, but I want to continue expressing my opinion that Andrew is the wrong man to lead the Orioles out of baseball pergutory.
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I shouldn't have to keep deleting and policing you. You're an adult. And I have enough work to do. You could have easily made your point last night that the Orioles need to do more than just meet with Chapman, they also have to show that they're serious about signing him. Fine. There's no need to keep firing off insults. We know how you feel about MacPhail. Saying it over and over is pointless. We all get it. Why do you think that saying it for the 500,000th time will someone get your message across? We hear you! - Roch

"The negotiations with Chapman are an EXTRAORDINARY opportunity for the Orioles to prove to the rest of MLB that they are back in the forefront of the Free Agent market and are serious about being contenders and spenders.

"The Orioles MUST make serious use of these discussions. Rather than having a fair weather chat with Chapman's people, they need to be agressive. They need to break the recent string of FA failures. They need to make a suitable offer, rather than a suitable number of excuses.

"They need to pursue Chapman, constantly.

"Unfortunately, given the recent track records of Andrew and the Front Office, I do not see them being able to pull the trigger. Besides Chapman asking for too much money, I believe that Andrew will not be up to task.

"The current status quo seems to be relished and acceptable here in Birdland. Keeping Trembley. Keeping some of the worst coaches ever. The handling of the roster.........all of this indicates a very poor management style in my opinion.

"This front office lives off of excuses. And if it doesn't sign Chapman, I'm sure more excuses will be forthcoming."

Is that better? It seems to be a critical yet non-ugly post to me. Nothing you wouldn't see on a political talk show or in a debate.

Brummie,
So...you are saying that Chapman is asking for too much money but you are prepared to slam the Orioles (I am not going to differentiate the parts you are fond of trashing) for NOT signing him? Well, that sets you up in a pretty smug position, doesn't it? "How dare the FO not sign a player I am prepared to criticize as overpaid." Buddy, check your motives. I think a little poison has seeped into what should be your love of a game.

Bill, you are right on target. Some people are not happy unless they are complaining. If they don't talk to Chapman, they are cheap. If they talk to him but don't sign him, they are cheap. If they sign him, there will be reasons forthcoming why it is a bad signing and they stupidly overpaid. The FO can do no right, so it is always a lose-lose.

I think somebody said it before, but Brummie is that fan in the "Major League" movies who complains no matter what happens.

Roch,

The Chapman discussion is currently way over my head. I keep on hearing his name and how great he is from multiple media outlets, but I haven't heard from anywhere why he's so great. How hard does he throw? What pitches does he feature? What are his stats in Cuba?
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http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2009/10/mets-meeting-with-cuban-defect.html (this link takes you to his bio. good stuff). - Roch

Can you enlighten me?

Luke

I can see Roch wiping his hands together, Godfather-style, and saying "Brummie, you're dead to me."

If he is too stupid to see that there is only one set of School rules, then he deserves to be suspended from School for not playing by them.

40-60 mil for Chapman? Sorry, think I would rather pass..the guy didn't impress me that much in the WBC. I would think that would drop. I would rather see them put that kind of cash towards the RIGHT kind of free agent or extending one of the younger guys down the road.

Roch,

Your next 7&7 is on me!