Born to blog, and to update Bergy
My ears are still ringing from the Springsteen concert last night, so I'm having trouble hearing this blog.
At least I still have my voice, though I tried my hardest to destroy it during Thunder Road.
There's nothing like a 3 ½-hour show from The Boss to leave you exhilarated and drained at the same time. I could have sprinted all the way back to my car, but I would have collapsed on the hood and slept for days. (And the only redemption I can offer is beneath this dirty hood).
He did the entire Born to Run album. He weaved through the crowd during Hungry Heart, fell backward and let fans pass him back to the stage. He collected their signs and used them for his improvised play list, propping them against the mic stand one at a time after choosing song titles at random. Talk about being part of the show.
One young girl held up a sign that read "Forget Radio Disney. I Want to Listen to Radio Nowhere." And she did. He also borrowed another young girl's hat after inviting her onstage to sing. It was audience participation at its finest.
Many, many thanks to MASN's Jim Hunter for providing the ticket. He's a Jersey guy (I forget which exit) and he really hooked up a friend. He also does a killer rendition of Prove It All Night.
I saw Ken Rosenthal in the section below me, so I knew that he wasn't breaking Orioles news.
Earlier in the day, I received a call from Brad Bergesen as I was walking down Pratt St. I wasn't in position to take notes, but he passed along news that he ran twice this week as part of his program.
"It's going great," he said.
I didn't need to write down that part. I trusted that I could remember it.
I'll talk to Bergesen later this weekend. He's traveling through the Midwest and dealing with poor cell service. And I'm dealing with severe hearing loss.
Nick Markakis is back in town after going on a delayed honeymoon. He's handing out turkeys with his wife, Christina, at 11 a.m. at the Maryland Food Bank.
Yesterday, they took 21 kids from the Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital to Ravens practice, the latest effort of their Right Side Foundation. The group toured the Owings Mills facility, watched practice and was treated to lunch. Coach John Harbaugh greeted the kids, invited them onto the field and signed autographs. Markakis later handed out
gift bags filled with Ravens and Orioles gear, posed for more pictures and signed more autographs.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Roch,
I was wondering what would make you happy as an O's fan this offseason? What moves could Macphail make (with whats available through trade or free agency) that will leave you thinking we are going in the right direction?
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I already think they're going in the right direction with the young pitching prospects and players like Jones, Wieters and Reimold. But they need a big bat in the middle of the order. Someone that opposing pitchers fear, someone who can carry an offense - and if able to provide leadership in the clubhouse, all the better. - Roch
Roch... Great meeting you at the concert last night. Thanks for taking the time to have your picture taken with my son. Looks like you were in a rush to get into the death tra-- er-- arena, but you took the time to greet us. Thanks for that.
Hope you had good seats. We were in the ticket drop line that never paid off, but we did score some 300-level seats at about 7:45, so we got in the building. I was so close to being shut out for the first time. That was my 38th Springsteen show and my son's 19th. I'm blown away each time.
Hope to see you in Sarasota in March.
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Hey Eric. It was great meeting both of you, and it was certainly my pleasure to stop for the pic. I'm flattered that anyone thinks enough of me to want one. Glad you got to experience another show. It just doesn't get any better than that. And 38 is really impressive. Heck, 19 is impressive. You've raised him right! What great memories you've provided for both of you. Warms my heart. I was telling Jim about seeing Bob Seger with my parents when I was much younger. You never forget those times. See you in Sarasota. - Roch
Eric
"...let the broken heart love again..."
I thought Markakis lived in maryland year-round now.
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He does. But he was on his honeymoon recently, and players and their families often travel this time of the year. I just meant he was back in the area. Sorry for the confusion. - Roch
Roch,
Sounds like "the Boss" was rockin last nite. Never been a big Springstein fan, but I like some of his stuff and heard he puts on a great show. I would like to see him some time. Glad to hear you had a great time.
Good to hear Bergy is able to run on his leg. I was getting worried about him. Does the FO view him as a #1 starter, or more of a middle of the rotation type of guy. He seems like he might be a solid #3 or #4 guy to me.
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Guys like Matusz and Tillman are viewed as having a higher ceiling, but Bergesen was more polished and major league ready coming out of spring training. His performance from this point forward will largely determine where he's slotted. - Roch
Won't it be great when the time comes when we'll be as enthusiastic about the Orioles as you were about that concert. I figure another 3 years or so and they'll be as popular as the "Boss". By the way, did he know what state he was in?
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I noticed that he said "Baltimore" and "Maryland" frequently throughout the night, in case anyone was wondering. - Roch
So you're saying you had a good time? When does the Hot Stove start? I did not see that on the Wrath of Khan list, so I guess it is okay to ask without getting a slug put in my ear. Is it going to be you and Jim Hunter again? It was good to see Bill Ripken on the Scott & Anita show the other day.
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I'm assuming Hunter and I will be doing a Hot Stove Show, but we haven't heard anything definite yet. - Roch
Where were your seats?
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Section 213. Stage was to my left. I know I'm getting old when one of the most appealing aspects of my seat was it's close proximity to the men's room. - Roch
Hey Roch,
Would Delgado or Glaus fit the description of someone opposing pitchers fear, that can carry an offense and provide leadership in the clubhouse as a one year stopgap? I'm torn on who I would want with this weak free agent class.
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Delgado used to be a feared hitter who could carry teams. Not sure how much he has left in the tank. - Roch
I just read your response to the otherripken! I definitely agree with you on the progress! But we all keep talking about this middle of the order guy that puts fear into the other team! Does that guy even exist in this years market??
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Yes, but unfortunately, guys like Holliday and Bay aren't coming here. - Roch
"But they need a big bat in the middle of the order. Someone that opposing pitchers fear, someone who can carry an offense - and if able to provide leadership in the clubhouse, all the better"
Like yesterdays acquisition of Craig Tatum?
My prediction is for Andy to wait until all the big names are signed. He will then grab a second tier or injury rehab pitcher and dh/third baseman and try to call the offseason a great success.
He will then face a great deal of fan criticism. But rebound nicely by preaching it is a slow pace process while moving the competitive date back to 2011. Got to admit, he is a good salesman!
Hard not to think that way when history sort of repeats itself!
Someone like Cabrera? Would that do it?
Roch, Great news on Bergy; couldn't be happier for the guy. I wish the Orioles could pry Billy Butler away from the Royals. Brad's assailant hit .325 with a .595 SLG against them and I remember any player last season who hit the ball against them as hard consistently as Butler. (Bergy, with a wince, will attest to just how hard he can hit.)
As for Bedard, I'd love to see him back in an O's uniform, but I think people are underestimating the number of teams who will have an interest. I believe those teams are going to include some of the big spenders, even possibly the Yankees.
Unless Erik absolutely refuses to be under that sort of media scrutiny, how could he turn down an offer to play on the largest stage in the world, have a chance at a World Series ring, have his star status amped up by the power of 10 and get paid handsomely to do it?
I will be shocked if Cashman doesn't go after him. But, say, best case scenario, Bedard likes what he sees happening in Baltimore and really doesn't want the pressure that comes with wearing pinstripes, Dodger blue, Phillie red, etc., then he's still going to go out and test the waters just to require the O's to offer more than the low ball everyone seems to think he'll go for.
Sure, his injuries are going to drop his value some, no doubt about that, but I don't think he's going to come that cheaply--only, perhaps, in relation to what Lackey will command. After all, this isn't Steve Trachsel we're talking about, but a hurler who is a legitimate front of the rotation guy.
P.S. In your comments about the Springsteen concert, you write about getting back to your car, where you'd find redemption "beneath this dirty hood." Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't "Beneath This Dirty Hood also the title of Bill Belichick's memoirs (subtitled "Confessions of an NFL Cheat")?
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OK, everybody forget that Ken sent that line about Belichick so I can "borrow" it soon. - Roch
Roch,
Long time reader...first time commenting. I enjoy reading your blog, staying up on the Orioles news and appreciate your humor. I was sitting in the row behind you last night at the concert. It was good to see you "Rocking". Jim Hunter turned to his wife and said the exact one word response that I thought at the end of the concert: "WOW". I hope the Orioles show the same enthusiasm on the field that the Boss showed last night. WOW
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Amen to that. And it was good "meeting" you last night. I could tell from your shirt that you were an Orioles fan. - Roch
Roch,
I wanted to share with you and your readers something that happened today with Nick Markakis. My 5 year old son got an opportunity to meet Markakis today for the first time at the MD Food Bank for the delivery of turkeys for families in need. To say my son loves watching Markakis and the O's in an understatement. When I take him to games, he wants to sit in the right field bleachers, even though I offer closer seats near the dugout. My son was confused as to why Markakis has a beard, but once he realized it was really Markakis, his smile was as big as the warehouse. Not only did my son get a chance to meet Markakis, but he also learned the value of helping those in need.
I remember when Markakis signed his contract extension, he stated he wanted to be more involved in the community. I commend him for keeping his word.
I feel confident that Markakis is a respectful role model for my son to look up to just like I did with Cal Ripken when I was a kid.
With Thanksgiving next week, let's all give thanks to players like Markakis who help make a difference to the people of Baltimore. While Markakis has yet to win a gold glove, it's clear his heart is as good as gold.
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That's a great story. Thanks for sharing. I'll pass it along to his PR guy. - Roch
If you need to learn some sign language, I'm your man, Roch! Just let me know! Just in case, you know...
I'm happy that there is good news from Bergy and let's hope that it will continue to be good news for him as well as for the Orioles in the off-season.
The problem is that the free agency market isn't that great so we might just need to get a couple of players that we know at least have done well in the past, like Beltre or DeRosa for third. Then, Harden and Bedard for starting pitching. Mike Gonzalez for our lefty in the bullpen and Wagner as our closer.
theotherripken'
Lee and DeRosa, numbers 4 and 6 in the order, with a side helping of Beddard,
Myers and/or Floyd as 1 and 3 starters, and a Putz for desert would fill this O's fans holiday plate.
Roch,
Interesting blog this afternoon. Bruce is an interesting performer - love him or he leaves you cold. He's one of a handful of performers that I really get into when seeing them live. Anyone else strike you the same way ?
Jim
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The Rolling Stones. You have to see Mick live. - Roch
RK:
Going back to your post about free agents, do you, as you know him, think that Bedard would be a good mentor for the cavalry? I think that is the key aspect of bringing in a veteran starter that people have been overlooked.
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I don't see him being a mentor, but I don't think he'd be a bad influence, either. - Roch
Markakis really found himself a good wife, she is helping him become a member of the community....I'm proud of our right fielder!
Roch, thats awesome that you got to see Bruce! Did anybody request "Santa Claus is coming to town" ?? just wondering with the holidays coming up and all..
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That song was on one of the signs that he grabbed, along with two Santa hats. And he obliged. - Roch
So who is that player you described? He isn't on the FA market as far as I can tell. I think a lot of Holliday's career numbers were product of playing with the Rockies, and he's not exactly a position of need for the Orioles.
The only way they get a guy like that at a position they need is via trade, and MacPhail seems reluctant to give much up in terms of prospects.
So, with the inventory the Orioles have that they want to give away, who could you get that is actually on the market. Been hearing the Brewers do not want/will not trade Fielder. Been seeing a lot from other sources that Adrian Gonzalez is on the market, but haven't seen anything from the Padres saying they actually want to deal him.
My gut is starting to tell me we're going to see Pedro Feliz at 3B and Carlos Delgado at 1B (if they think he's healthy) and if he's not I think Hank Blalock is coming to town (if he's healthy). I am also thinking there is a remote possibility that Russell Branyan might be the guy, though his heart is in Seattle, he wants a two year deal and the Mariners don't seem to want to give it to him.
Feliz isn't your offensive leader, and while Delgado was in the past, I honestly don't think you can expect too much from a 38 year old coming off of hip surgery.
So who is the guy you want to see them go after?
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Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Holiday, Jason Bay or John Lackey, but it's not happening. - Roch
Glad to hear Bergy is getting back to 100 percent. Hopefully he won't be gunshy on the mound next year.
Markakis is an inspiration both on and off the field. Thanks for the update Roch.
Birdfan from Birth said:
Responding to jackdunn'sbaby:
Comparing Brummie to the Scarlet Pimpernel is far too high of praise, man! The Scarlet Pimp. was a hero with class and dash. Brummie's heroics include... bitter blogging. And intermittently anglicizing words with the letter "u". As in: "Oh, I've just spent SO much time in England that I can't help trying to use my FAVOURITE words to show how COLOURFUL a character I've become."
BFB,
You are correct about the Pimpernel - a hero who outwitted "those Frenchies" by saving many from the voracious la guillotine. I plead guilty and ask for a sentence of time served reading and responding to Brummie and J***.
To save my neck, I want to point out that I was referring to the mystery about the Pimpernel's identity -- not his heroic character -- to give Mike E. a feel for the difficulty of understanding our infamous expatriate.
Mike E.,
Welcome to the wonderful world of the School of Roch. You will find it to be a daunting challenge to understand "this Brummie fellow." He reminds me of the Scarlet Pimpernel who was also very hard to pin down. You are off to a great start with a new sobriquet for Brummie - "Dr. No."
Please no more on the Boss. I am really getting a bit of envy and I should feel good that you got there last night.
Good for Bergy. We need him. Since our fearless GM will be unlikely to add a quality starter, Bergy is going to have to carry the "ace" label once again.
Watched Bell on the MLB Net this afternoon, and I don't know, it's only one game but he doesn't look ready for the Bigs in 2010. In fact on my O's Board I am projecting him to have Randy Milligan career numbers - Serviceable. Sign Beltre!
I'm sorry but I really like the NM soccer gal. SHE IS HOT!!!
Joe Crede did an interview with the Pioneer Press in the twin cities and told a reporter he would like to stay in Minnesota next year and beyond. I suppose that kind of attitude would cool any interest the Orioles might have had in him.
Roch,
Its probably too early to ask this, but do you have any idea if Matusz is keeping his number or switching for the 2010 season? I was thinking Christmas gift ideas here, but nothing would be lamer than giving a jersey with a wrong number on it.
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I won't know until closer to spring training. Sorry. - Roch
Glad you went to see Bruce last night and no I'm not talking about Bruce Cunningham. Did he do your song that you mentioned? "Hungry Heart" is my favorite.
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Unfortunately, he didn't do Sherry Darling or Out in the Street. Bummer. - Roch
I didn't ask, but what items were in those Ravens, Orioles gift bags?
I'd like to request for tomorrow's game that everyone please don't boo Peyton Manning. He's a Johnny Unitas fan and most importantly, don't boo Matt Stover. Poor guy just got kicked out of a job he's had with the same team for over a decade.
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I wasn't there, so I'm not sure. - Roch
Hey do you know who are the best players who will be avaible for the rule 5 draft when it happens?
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Nope. Sorry. There's no way for me to know every player in every organization who wasn't protected, but I might have a better idea as we get closer to the draft. I'll pass along some names as they come along. - Roch
At one of the NY shows last week Bruce did the entire The River album. That was the only time that has happened on the tour. For a baseball question. Many teams have winter caravans that go out and visit fans in various cities. Have the Orioles ever give this a thought or tried this?
How ironic that most "ordinary" people couldn't get tickets but those in the media had no problem. I saw Springsteen back in 1979 when he was really good and not a far left wing wackjob political hack. The moron was married to a gorgeous woman and he cheats on her with a skank like Pattie "I wanna be like Linda McCartney" clone.
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The "media," which you claim had no problem getting tickets, went online like everybody else and took whatever they could get. That's ironic? - Roch
Concert sounds like it was just awesome, and that's a word I always try not to use unless it means what it says. The ticket prices probably were, too.
Moving on to all things baseball, I'd never even see Matt Angle play until today's AFL championship game on MLBTV. Know what? This guy can play. Laid down a smart drag bunt and went 2-for-3 with a triple and a steal (on the back end of double steal). He's fast.
Oh, now the bad news. He played center, where he'll never get a job with the Orioles.
Josh Bell fielded a bouncer deep behind the bag at third and threw a tracer bullet to first. Impressive arm. Offensively, didn't do much to speak of.
Roch,
I was happy we signed Brian Roberts to an extension because of all the charitable work he does in addition to the talent he brings to the team. I was happy enough to see the O's sign Nick long term just for his talent, but he seems to be giving Brian a run for his money in terms of the charitable work he and his wife are doing. Had you seen this side of Nick before or is his wife the inspiration for all of this good work? Either way it's great and please let Nick know that we appreciate all of the good work he and Christina are doing!
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Nick doesn't reveal much about the personal side of his life, but I know he always wanted to give something back to the community - and that new contract opened up a lot of possibilities. - Roch
Am I the only one that feels the amount of time Bergesen has been out is way longer than it should be for the type of injury he has? If I recall correctly, he was hit in the shin by a ball and x-rays didn't reveals a fracture of any sort. What could possibly be taking so long to heal?
I do vaguely remember reading somewhere that Bergesen was quoted saying that he personally thought there was a fracture of some sort in there despite the x-rays. Any ideas Roch?
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I wrote about it in the Because You Asked entry a few days ago (and before that). There's likely a hairline fracture in his shin that didn't show up in the X-rays and CT scans. He'll be fine, but it's taking much longer than originally anticipated. - Roch
Roch, I saw earlier in the week that you didn't have a ticket so I'm glad Mr. Hunter could hook you up. I wasn't able to go to the local show but I'm flying up to Buffalo for the final show tonight. Wondering if you took your daughter? Back in '03 I took my then 16 y.o. daughter to Europe and we saw Bruce perform twice over there.
Her and her hubby welcomed a little boy named Camden this past year!
In Novemebr '07 I believe Mr. Rosenthal was close to me in the "pit" line at a Washington DC show. Like myself and Mr Springsteen, Mr Hunter is not only a "Jersey guy" but a Monmouth County New Jersey guy. In fact I remember Mr. Hunter from what may have been his first paying radio gig on WJLK in.... yes folks.... Asbury Park, NJ.
Well enough six degrees of seperation stuff.
A bit of baseball ... how much of Barry Zito's contract would the Giants be willing to absorb to move him and at what point does he become of interest to a team with a need for an innings eating veteran? Always seems to be a love/hate relationship out there but the guy takes the ball every 5 days.
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Didn't take my daughter. Only had one ticket, and she wouldn't have been interested. - Roch
Jason:
Regarding the jersey number of Brian Matusz, I remember reading something a few months back where he had asked Aubrey Huff for permission to take his #17 for next season. Not sure of any details, like whether or not this was before Huff was gone, or if the possibility of Huff coming back had anything to do with it, etc. But the gist of the little anecdote was that he will be switching to number 17 for 2010 and beyond.
Markakis is a class act. Thanks for the update