Find MASN on your cable or satellite provider.

This is why your blog is so much better than normal Orioles coverage. Thanks!

I'm a big believer in Montanez. I'd like to think that Snyder quote says something about how people on the inside know that Lou can be a big hitter given the opportunity.

3 million more PER YEAR Roch. That's what I meant.

I wonder what boy wonder Andy will do if Bell ends up being a bust. Whatever he does, I guess no one will dare to second guess him.
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I know what you meant. And that's significantly more than what they're paying Tejada. So it's not "just $3 million." - Roch

Any talk of having a former Orioles third baseman come down to spring training to help Tejada. I seem to remember several above average players manning that position for the Orioles in the past.

Roch - a couple things: WHY has the replys suddenly gone WAY down in type size? VERY hard to read this new way?! Thought it was just something temporary but it is hard to read for sure and NON user friendly!! Van you go back to ype/font size it was before? 2nd I think the O's have done a good job this off season so far. Sign Hendrickson and Bedard and we are ready to play ball. LOVE Tehada at 3rd - best option we really had. He will bring some energy to the team and maybe even hustle as he got burned last time when he quit hustling so much. And again won't feel like he has to be the MAN and carry the team - just be a good team player.

trying to help Trombles with the lineup.

1. Roberts
2. Jones (since he can't seem to hit well batting anyplace else, though Tejada should hit here)
3. Markaksis
4. Wieters
5. Tejada (batting 2nd when Jones is hurt or off)
6. Atkins
7. Reimold
8. Scott
9. Izturis

Roch, after reading the posts from yesterday, I certainly wish I could've made it up. I'm looking forward to seeing pitchers and catchers report.

Did anyone (MacPhail, Trembley, or the players) talk about the expectations they have for this year? They really are going to have a good lineup and should have improved pitching, so I'm curious to know what they might be saying.
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Everyone's expecting improvement, without putting a win-total on it. - Roch

OK, I read over all the entries from the last 2 days....

Now, first of all, someone tell Wigginton to calm down. He is in a better spot than he thinks. Atkins has not hit the last 2 years in a hitter's park, he might not here either. There was a reason he came so cheap to the O's. Also, Tejada has not played third yet in the MLs. He might not be able to handle it. He also might start the "tude" again & get dealt in July. So there are TWO positions Wigginton could very easily be playing if he keeps his head up, works hard, & is ready. I haven't even touched on the DH possibilities either. He could be in a platoon there with Scott. He'll get his ABs. Injuries happen as well. Just how many other teams out there does he think he could go to & start @ 1B or 3B anyway? Here he has two very good chances too. I would not trade him either, he gives the team good depth & a quality PH. At worst he gets dealt at the deadline possibly?

Being a Redskin fan has taught me to NOT get all worked up at off season $ingings of retreads or vets at or just past their primes. Don't think playoffs now. Tejada may be the best thing left for 3B. However he & Atkins are big ??marks. I like the fact AM has rolled the dice & is trying, good for him. I just wouldn't start planning for playoff games yet. 3rd in the AL East is still the best this team can hope for I think.

Your da man Roch...looking forward to another spring training reading your blog.

Rock class act with taking the time to admire Motton.

The comment above from Sheets is absolutely the truth.

Keep Bloggin Rock....Keep Bloggin

God bless Marti. May she find strength.

Any idea on what number Tejada may wear?
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Probably 10. Someone said Jones just tweeted that he'll wear 18. - Roch

I wouldn't even pencil Snyder in as the "definite" 1st baseman in waiting. I think it's going to be an open competition between Snyder, Hughes, Aubrey, and who knows who else. I think there's an even better chance that if we do see improvement in the standings, we could see a big trade/big signing at the All-Star break or next year's free agency. Looking ahead, I do not see the Orioles putting an in-house guy at 1st, ss, and 3b (even though I guess we could resign Izturiz or sign someone else). I just don't see 2/3's of the infield being in-house guys that are actually going to make it as MLB big-leaguers, and if they do, then we do have a team people will be talking about for years to come!

shoreman just hit "ctrl + "You can have the font as big as you want.

Ok, nevermind. I was going to link b_o's comments about re-signing Tejada and his praise for Andy. I just don't think he's worth even replying to at this point. To many mood swings to even engage that ahole. What a joke, I don't know who's worse...Wayne or him. jack doesn't count because he's obviously a freakin idiot with nothing to contribute regardless of his aliases.

Roch, sheets is absolutely right. The humanity of your blog is unmatched.

Sheets and Baron, regarding the Miggy in the 2 hole conversation. Baron, I undeerstand you poinnts about not looking for walks, and Miggy's use of the whole field. And I believe that he is one of the better candidates for that slot. I still think that Markakis also makes sense there. I don't want a 2 hole hitter necessarily looking for walks, but I would like someone who is willing to take one. I would also like someone who takes pitches so as to allow Brian (when on base) to have better oppotunities to steal. I also would like someone with at least a bit of speed to help avoid the double play. So while Miggy does have many of the qualities I would look for, and he probaboy would be my second choice, I think Nick makes more sense. Of course that might diminish Nick's game, but I really don't think so. I haven't done much research into the numbers, but from my own observation, Nick seemed to do well when he was in the 2 hole. It seems to me that when Nick gets into a funk it is when he starts swinging at the first pitch. He seeems to be better when he sses more pitches. And like Miggy, Nick uses the whole field. I like a LH #2 hitter pulling to the right side instead of going away. (Howeveer looking at the whole lineup, I think Miggy either has to be in the two hole or no higher than seven and in actuality I really like Miggy in the 8 slot. I don't think he'd be too happy about that though.)

Baron and OCJ, I don't know enough about WAR but it sounds quite interesting. But it is easy for me to imagine that Miggy's defense really detracts from his offense, especially at the SS position. So purely eyeballing it, .5 wins is certainly believeable. But, Baron like you, I kind of trust my eyes and gut more than the sabermetrics.

Baron and OCJ again, as to the off the concer vs. good teamate controversy, my view is this. If we are winning Miggy is a great team mate. If we lose and are not competitive he is as he was. For my 2 cents, I would have still gone for defense at 3rd. And to both of you my continued deepest respect this side of Roch for the cogent, civil discourse.

William in B VA and sheets, GREAT SATIRE! You are both to be applauded.

Brummie, I just cannot believe your last two posts, "basically four years older" and "for three million more", UNREAL. I am still shaking my head trying to understand what your game really is.

I think Miggy would be in a good spot at #2 in the lineup. Let Roberts steal some bases to alleviate the DP potential. I like it.

We have a lot of potential to tinker with the lineup this year, even Olney thinks our lineup is formidable:

Around the majors

1. The Orioles re-signed Miguel Tejada, as Jeff Zrebiec writes. Baltimore is probably at least a year away from contending, but the Orioles' lineup for 2010 has a nice look to it:

2B Brian Roberts
CF Adam Jones
RF Nick Markakis
1B Garrett Atkins
C Matt Wieters
3B Tejada
DH Luke Scott
LF Nolan Reimold
SS Cesar Izturis

Jones just tweeted that he's putting on his Manning jersey for the game, that's the 18 he meant. Said he doesn't plan on changing numbers.

"18 is Manning. I’m keeping my number. As far as I know."

So there ya go.

If the Orioles win 90 games where would the extra games won come from?

If they improve against their division that would bring some of those other teams back to them. I suppose if anything DT needs to improve our road record, Sunday record and in division record. He would be well served to give a Jim Leyland speech. Reminding the players that they DID raise ticket prices and it is up to THEM to give back to the fans to make the fans believe in them. They should get Hustle Loyalty Respect t-shirts.

Poor Lou. He can hit all day, just doesn't have a position. Maybe he can pick up some tips from Snyder as they spend sometime together in Norfolk.

Tejada also played some first in WBC so if he is struggling he does have something to fall back on. I am reserved in my expectations of him. I am willing to let him prove me wrong... I hope he does.

jk and lots of other people,

I have now created 16 different lineups the ONLY thing most of them have in common is Roberts is #1 and Izturis is #9. Trembley is going to have so many options based on who is hot and swinging a good bat and who is not. We have four guys (or more) who could be cleanup depending on the day and there are going to be a couple of good hitters who will have to make due with #7 and #8. (All of this assumes Atkins does return to form otherwise he lives in the 7 or 8 hole or is on the bench. And that Wieters and Reimold continue their trajectory without big second year slumps.)

It is going to be great to be able to sit Luke when he gets into one of his slumps. To use Atkins and Wiggy at 1st and 3rd in some combination and DH Miggy.

jk, I don't know how long it will take, but I think you are right, Wieters will end up being our cleanup hitter (or perhpas #5). And I would flip Jones and Miggy and would move Luke up to split up the righties.

I think when Jones said that because of the Colts game today. He's wearing 18 today, because of Peyton. Hopefully at least because there is too much number 10 stuff for Jones already..

Just read that Jones said that if Tejada wants the #10 back he can have it because he respects the game. I hope this does not happen. Tejada is merely a stop gap at this point and one that was named in the Mitchell Report at that. #10 for the O's is and should be Adam Jones. Tejada doesn't deserve it and should not have the audacity to ask for it. Not to mention the 2110 Eutaw promotions that went on last year and are already scheduled for this year. I hope the O's step in if Tejada and Jones try and make the # swap

Robby said:
Any idea on what number Tejada may wear?
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Probably 10. Someone said Jones just tweeted that he'll wear 18. - Roch

---------------------------------
And a new Rolex.

Alright... It's official line-up time for me. Here's what I would like to see:

1. Brian Roberts (Best option and proven in this spot)
2. Miguel Tejada (Has lost some power but still has the average which is perfect for this spot. Plus he hits into a lot of double plays)
3. Nick Markakis (Will finally have the proper protection he needs)
4. Nolan Reimold (Maybe it's too early to do this but he proved he had power last season)
5. Matt Wieters (This spot could be interchangeable with Reimold)
6. Luke Scott (His numbers in the 6 hole are too impressive to ignore)
7. Adam Jones (Needs to regain his stroke before being moved up. Second option in 2 hole as well as a good candidate to slip into the 4 and 5 holes.
8. Garrett Atkins (Needs to regain his swing even more than Jones. Could be moved up if he takes off)
9. Cesar Izturis (Obvious)

Actually, There are so many different things you could do with this line-up I would love to be the one in charge of submitting line-ups. I might set a record for the most different line-ups in a season!

But this is the one I feel most comfortable with... For Now! ;-)

Hey Roch,

I decided to volunteer at fanfest instead of just attending for the first time. I had good intentions of tracking you down to say hey and thank you but it didnt end up happening. Got to hang out beside guys like Palmer, BROB, Atkins, Millwood, Kam, AJ and didnt really have all that much responsibility etc. etc.

Was a great decision to go and I had a blast. Thanks!
CRAIG

If Jones wears 18, wither Pie?

Any idea on what number Tejada may wear?
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Probably 10. Someone said Jones just tweeted that he'll wear 18. - Roch

Roch,

I'm guessing Jones was referencing his Manning jersey, he's a big fan remember? Also, Pie currently wears 18, not that they couldn't work something out but this doesn't seem necessary, given Tejada has a one year deal, I'm not sure deference is called for in this situation.

I like the move bringing Tejada back too Baltimore. He was a all-star for the past two years. He hits over 300 and i see him hitting 20+ homeruns this season now that he is back in the AL, and back in Candem.
If we can go out and get Bedard i think we are a sleeper team this season

Brummie_Oriole said:
3 million more PER YEAR Roch. That's what I meant.

I wonder what boy wonder Andy will do if Bell ends up being a bust. Whatever he does, I guess no one will dare to second guess him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
First off, you're an incompetent mathematician. My freshman algebra students with special needs know the difference between 1 year for $6MM and 4 years for $9MM. If, as the front office believes, Tejada will be replaced by Bell for 2011, then it's Seattle's $36MM over four years versus the Orioles $7.5MM over four years.

Second, based on your statement above you must be a no one, since each and every one of us knows that you will second guess each and every single move he does or doesn't make. You can't help yourself.

Roch, All I'm hearing is about when Bell will be joining the team this year and what's going to become of Tejada at that point.

What most people seem to be forgetting is that Miggy may have a very big say in when Bell comes up and how much he plays. After all, in Tejada we're talking about a player who's a six-time All-Star (most recently last year). He was in the top ten of a number of National League offensive categories in 2009: Doubles - 46 (1st); Hits - 199 (2nd); Singles - 138 (2nd); Batting Average - .313 (8th); Sacrifice Flies - 8 (9th). (Yes, some are going to point out that he grounded into the most double plays (29), a problem he's always had, but they ignore the fact that he struck out only 48 times in 635 at bats for a league best 13.2 AB per SO.)

Bottom Line: If Tejada has another All-Star caliber season, which is entirely possible, he's going to be the one dictating what the Orioles are going to do with Bell and not the other way around, because frankly it's highly unlikely that Bell's going to be able to match Miggy's kind of consistency.

Of course, if Tejada has this kind of season it's the kind of problem the O's won't mind in the least. Bell's young and if he's as good as advertised he'll have his day; it just may not be as soon as expected...or Miggy gets traded for a good prospect. Sweet!

Roch,
It was great to say a quick hello to you yesterday. You were very busy but wished we could have had more time. Maybe we can get together for a beer and talk baseball sometime. I also like the idea of having a "School of Roch" get together during the season.
More people asked about my University of Kentucky hat than me asking them questions. Brian Roberts asked me if I thought they would go undefeated, I said no, he didn't think so either. Adam Jones wanted to talk college basketball with me too. It was too funny. Markakis did looked like a rabbi. It was great to talk to Paul Blair for a bit and Boog was funny. It was a great day. Had fun. Here is to a much better season in 2010.

Here is my opinion about Tejada batting 2nd. For one, his double play numbers would go down because Roberts seals bases and hits lot of doubles which would help alot. There will be also alot more hit and runs because Tejada has good bat control along with Roberts speed. In my opinion, Tejada would be an excellent number 2 hitter. I also believe short stop is harder to play than 3rd. Most SS that switched to 3rd were successful, so I believe he will too. As far as attitude, Tejada had to agree to come here, he wasn't forced. So its not a situation of "get me out of here". He is here because he wants to be here, and the players like him here.

Roch,

Great meeting you at fanfest! Thanks for the time taken to pose in pictures for me and my girlfriend.

Roch,

Jones can't wear 18 that's Pie's number...

Miggy, let Adam wear 10. You are playing with us for one year. Just pick a different number. The number doesn't make you any better or any worse as a player.

I think he meant his Manning jersey for today's game.

so.... this means we're NOT getting Dan Uggla? oh, rats!

Robby said:

Any idea on what number Tejada may wear?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Probably 10. Someone said Jones just tweeted that he'll wear 18. - Roch
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So much for the 2110 promotion then...2118 just doesn't have the same ring.

Was Koji Uehara at fanfest.

OCJ: Fangraphs has Tejada at 2.6 WAR last season. You were mentioning 0.5 WAR earlier. Where did you come across that figure?

Tejada's defense was a negative last year. If he can be a league average third baseman with the glove, he can still get 2 WAR with his bat, making the $6m salary a good (though not great) deal.

Any idea on what number Tejada may wear?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Probably 10. Someone said Jones just tweeted that he'll wear 18. - Roch

-What about Felix Pie then?
-Didnt Jones ware 24 with the Mariners he should wear that.
-Now we have no more 2110.

Brummie, come clean. At least admit that two weeks ago you said that you'd recognize MacPhail's shrewdness if he managed to sign Tejada, since it would mean Albers, Sarfate, Scott, and Patton all came to the club for free. I believe you couched the statement by qualifying that you "don't think particularly highly of any of these players, but...". So, let's hear it. At the very least be willing to stand behind your own statements.

Really? Jones is going to change his number? I have a #15 Wieters jersey and a #10 Jones jersey. I'm going to look like such a clown this year. Guess its time to shell out that $120 on another new jersey....

Do you have any idea who is actually CONTENT with their number? *Sigh*

When I was a kid, there was this wonderful thing called the “Oriole Way” that was a model of what sports could and should be for a town. The year I was 9, the O’s took down the great Drysdale and Koufax, and for the next 25 years, no team won more games than did our Bal’mer O’s. The “Oriole Way” was a big big part of this Camelot-like phenomenon.

Wikipedia defines “The Oriole Way “ as “ an organizational ethic best described by longtime farm hand and coach Cal Ripken, Sr.'s phrase "perfect practice makes perfect" The Oriole Way was a belief that hard work, professionalism, and a strong understanding of fundamentals were the keys to success at the major league level. It was based on the belief that if every coach, at every level, taught the game the same way, the organization could produce "replacement parts" that could be substituted seamlessly into the big league club with little or no adjustment.” But the key word was “professionalism”.

In 1985, two years after winning our last World Series, the Oriole Way suffered a major hit as the team abandoned “development from within” and gambled on 3 huge free agents (Lacy, Aase, Lynn) to try buy their way back to success. Another major blow came in 1988 when the team aggressively fired Cal Sr, a key architect of the Oriole Way a scant 6 games into the season. The Oriole Way struggled onwards into its last hurrah in 1989 as the unheralded team almost took the division title, losing in the last series of the year in Toronto.

Although the team returned to on-field success in 1996 and 1997, the Oriole Way was almost nowhere to be seen among the steroid using free agent first baseman, the umpire-face-spitting second-baseman, the “play-golf until 60 minutes before game-time” manager, and the 100mph relief pitcher that went headhunting against innocent opposing batters just because his straighter than straight fastball was just launched into orbit for a game-changing home run.

On December 1, 1998, the Oriole Way was pronounced officially dead as the team signed a corked-bat cheating, over-the-hill, me-first, head case, angry, surly, combatitive, alcoholic, trick-or-treater chasing, hooker-stalking superstar named Joey Albert Belle. The Oriole Way was over. R.I.P. Professionalism and fundamentals were no longer part of the job requirement for Baltimore Oriole.

Recently Andy MacPhail has tried to implement a new “plan” based on some of the principles from the late “Oriole Way” including player development, professionalism, and the like. I was shaken, however, by one of his first ever decisions as Oriole GM, in which he approved sending a player to the plate in the top of the first inning who would be unable to swing the bat and would be removed immediately after the plate appearance in a effort to cheaply and classlessly prolong the player’s individual glory record streak of consecutive games played. Did not sound too professional to me. And shame on “Mr. Fundamentals”, Dave Trembly, too.

But other than that egregious error, Mr. MacPhail has displayed a fairly steady hand, overseeing the improvement of scouting, international presence, minor league development and youth-oriented construction of the big league team. Until now.

Yesterday, as it became clear that the Tejada signing was more than a rumor, I felt exactly the same cold chill of the boney finger of Death to the Oriole Way that I felt that sad December day in 1998, when the team euthanized the dying patient by signing Joey Belle. It is very very clear that Andy MacPhail has no intention of bringing back anything like a respect for character or professionalism to the ‘new’ Baltimore Orioles. Tejada is a me-first, over–the-hill, convicted liar and admitted cheater and steroid-user who has also admitted to other lies to his employer and fans, including about his age and physical condition. (remember the broken wrist and the at-bat-of-shame on 6/22/2007?)

He is known to insist on preferential treatment, arrive late for games and meetings, and refuse to participate in team workouts. Worse, he is a guy who proclaimed that the losing was over when he was signed, then publically quit on his team in December 2005, because he wanted more established stars to be brought in instead of going with the rebuilding effort of the front office.

It hurts to have to accept that whatever the Orioles become over the next few years, they will not become the models and standard-bearer for character, fundamentals and professionalism. Shame on Andy MacPhail and the front office. What’s next, bringing back Raffy? Benitez? Eddie Chicotte?

Now, for those of you who do not care about morals and professionalism and character and who only want to do what helps the team on the field – well you should be sad about this signing too. We have an aging player with no speed, no power hitting, and (to use my favorite quote about 3B Ray Knight), the fielding range of a credenza. He has never ever played 3B before and is very likely to be very bad there for at least the first 100 games, even in the statistically unlikely case that he can eventually learn to play it adequately.

His frequency of hitting into double plays is atrocious. His lack of walks and low on-base percentage make him a poor choice to hit high in the lineup. His overall hitting is below average for league third basemen (based on his stats from the last 2 years) and that was when he was hitting against less-than-stellar pitching in the National League. He takes at-bats away from Aubrey and/or Bell and/or Snyder and/or Moore. (That alone is not a bad thing, if he himself were any kind of potential longer term solution).

And he costs $6 million for the year. We paid $6 million to bring the circus to town and to reduce our offensive output from what almost any other choice would have provided. And his prima donna status will make it very difficult to bat him in the 6-7-8 slot in the lineup that his bat will merit.

The only silver lining I can see is that it may make it possible for us to let Andino go, and take advantage of the fact that the one guy Tejada CAN hit better than is our SS. But, of course, on those days where he spells Izturis, we suffer the Mt. Rushmore range factor problem in our up-the-middle defense, something our young pitchers will be likely to notice.
This is a TERRIBLE TERRIBLE signing for every factor imaginable – hitting stats, fielding projections, clubhouse presence, fan-friendliness, press relations….. all of it.

I will, of course, hope for him to have a rebound season next year – that one pretty good season that some aging hitters can put together towards the end of their career to provide a bittersweet memory of what they could do in their prime. But, like I did with Joey Belle’s 37 dingers in 1999, I will not be able to really enjoy even that, knowing that the soul of my team, the Oriole Way that was once mine will not be seen here again for at least as long as MacPhail is in charge. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi

jk,

Good lineup. I would switch Reimold and Wieters and no way do you put the NL leader in double plays in the 2 hole. Tejada belongs in the bottom half of the lineup.

I was reading a few hours ago the excellent blog Rany on the Royals, written by someone I knew many years ago when he and my best friend were in the same Strat-o-Matic league at Johns Hopkins. Anyway, in his latest post regarding the Royal signing of Rick Ankiel, KC's potentially excellent 1B Kila Ka'aihue and his being blocked by Billy Butler was discussed. I'm wondering, just for the sake of wondering and because I like the idea of trading for prospects, whether or not the O's might want to pursue trading for someone like Ka'aihue or Boston's Lars Anderson, blocked by Youkilis for the forseeable future. Neither are flawless, but both are coming off sub-par 2009 seasons after monster 2008 seasons, and both are legitimately blocked by the current starters for their respective teams. It would seem to jive with the team's philosophy of stocking the system, and I think that either one of them could be had for one of the mid-level pitching prospects we have a surplus of. Just thinking...

My two sons and I had a great time at Fanfest yesterday. It was especially cool to see the clubhouse, the locker room and the dugout. They also hit off of Dave Johnson, who kept everyone entertained. You were gone by the time we got to the MASN booth or we would have said hello. Keep up the great blog!

Roch-

I just don't understand what some people are talking about.

Chone figgins, if he would have even come here, would have taken a 4 year deal.
Tejada took 1 year.

Tejada hit 314. 14 HR and 86rbi last year.

Figgins hit 276 in 08, and 291 last year with just 1 hr and 5 hr 40 rbi.

So with the exception of the stolen bases, Tejada is FAR better still.

Figgins, if you ask an Angels fan, is a streaky streaky hitter as well.
There is defense issues.

But, every single analyst I have watched since this deal went down has PRAISED the O's.

The O's don't need another OBP and SB guy. They need a run producer. hands down, that goes to Tejada.

Corection on the Tweet.

Jones said he was wearing #18 now (for the Colts game).

He corrected that later. He said he was keeping the number 10 as far as he knew.

I take off for the weekend, and AM finally does something in January. Glad Mig is here for a year. We really do need him if Bell is not ready, and this opens up the utility position much more.

Guess Bedard and Hendrickson are next. Still amazed Hendrickson has not been signed.

Mark C.

Great post! I disagree with you one one point. I would'nt give up on MacPhail yet. AS you said for the most part he has done the right things. And looking at the minor leaguers just getting to the club and the recent draft picks, it seems to me that character is being much more highly sought than characters. I don't really remember 1966, but I have vivid memories of 1969 on. Thank you for the bittersweet review of history. And I urge you, judge MacPhail on the totality, not a one year stop gap and isolated incidents. Thank you for your eloquence, heart, and cogency.

Roch,

I am sorry about your Vikings. I have been a Packers fan since age 6 (the year before the Ice Bowl) for about the same sort of reasons you became a Vikings fan. Namely, my six year old self thought the near rhyme of Bart Starr was cool.

I have always hated the Vikings, but have had mxed feelings about this year with Favre. You entry from days ago actually got me pulling for them.
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Thanks. I'm still bitter as I watch the highlights. - Roch

Andrew, If 10 has always been Tejada's number, he's entitled to it. He's the veteran with senority, who's a former AL MVP and holder of at least one Orioles' single season records (150 RBIs in 2004). He's earned the right and gets it if he wants it back. Jones understands that and so should you.

So you are a math teacher Mastercheffy? LOL

Let me teach you a nice little equation some us learned a long time ago.

Andy MacPhail + increased revenue - win totals - proper communication + increased ticket prices = BUDGET BASEBALL

The only reason that Tejada wore #10 his first time here was because the #4 he wore in Oakland was retired here. I think that Tejada will choose a new number rather than take someone else's number for one year.

Jones tweeted that because Manning wears 18. He was wearing his jersey. He will still wear 10.

mstrchf13 - Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. I'd love for us to snag either of those two prospects. I think Ka'aihue would be a much easier pickup, since KC has overlooked him for years and he's never gotten the level of publicity that Anderson has (plus Moore makes some strange moves, we wouldn't be dealing within the division, etc.).

"The only silver lining I can see is that it may make it possible for us to let Andino go, and take advantage of the fact that the one guy Tejada CAN hit better than is our SS. But, of course, on those days where he spells Izturis, we suffer the Mt. Rushmore range factor problem in our up-the-middle defense, something our young pitchers will be likely to notice.
This is a TERRIBLE TERRIBLE signing for every factor imaginable – hitting stats, fielding projections, clubhouse presence, fan-friendliness, press relations….. all of it."

Mark C...dude, what are you drinking?! Tejada had the second most hits in the NL last year at 199! Nick 181 and Brian 176 in 2009 with no one else on the O's even close. Why waste the space in this great blog with untrue rantings? Do a little research before you waste our time.

That's kinda cool, this is what the Colts 4th or 5th Super Bowl? Not to mention 1958 & 1959 Championship games. Right up there with the Cowgirls & Stillers...

Hi Roch -

Great meeting you at Fan Fest. Nice to finally chat in person for a sec. Now if someone can just tell me why we signed Tejada....

- Chris

PS - Roch the Yard Night - When will it happen? It's all our 7 week old wants to know. Granted, he doesn't talk specifically, but those forlorn, questioning eyes....

Anita gone? Did her bus pull out of town in the middle of the night?

Prefer Miggy in 2-hole as Jones has middle of order power yet lacks the
plate discipline necessary for 2-hole. Signing of Miggy also improves our bench as Andino is likely a 'goner' (Miggy can replace Itzuris when we
pinch hit for him) freeing up a spot for Montanez, Aubrey or someone else.
Also, heard we wouldn't consider Delgado as he's likely a full time DH but
with an extra spot (Andino's) now on bench is Delgado a possibility??n
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Not as long as Luke Scott's on the roster. And they've apparently cooled on Delgado after scouting him. - Roch

Someone commented on the fact that, if Jonesie switches to #18, the 2010 promotion will be history, b/c 2018 doesn't have the right ring.

Agreed.

Now, Roch, why don't you run a contest for suggestions for a replacement promo? Here are a couple to get the juices flowing, but I'm sure that you can do better;

2010 - Nicky and Miggie: dueling decades; The Odyssey; RF-3B Assist Heaven
1812 - The Andino-Jones up-the-middle overture begins
1066 - Miggy-Bell: pick the handoff date!
1966 - Watch Koji and Josh bring back that awesome year!

To Marc C:

I understand your comments and concerns. I have been following the birds since 1960 and lived through those glory years. I have mixed feelings about Miggy also, but not based on his ability to hit. 199 hits last year and 179 the year before with two all-star appearances. Nick had 370 hits in that time which is the closest and Brian had 360. More singles and doubles now, but still very productive.

I miss the "Oriole Way" also. Much of it died as a result of free agency. I am trying to cut a little slack on Miggy also. He has a background that makes the age delta pretty common, a fifth grade education, and pressures we never faced so my judgement of him is not as harsh as yours, but I do understand your position. I hope he fits in and is motivated to show he deserves a second chance. Andy is doing business. Unfortunately, no one knows the real story of the steroids era. We hate Miggy, but accept Brian's apology, hate Bonds, but Giambi is okay, can't stand Sosa, but Pettite appologized. McGuire now has a job in baseball because he is willing to cry after refusing to talk about the past.

I wish it were all not so, but we are all not perfect. Steinbrenner got kudos for giving Strawberry and Gooden second chances, so maybe Miggy should get one.

This is why the O's are always in last place they should have given the Bell the Starting 3rd base job with Wigington, Atkins, and Moore playing a supporting role. Why wait on bringing guys up when it is a position player.
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Bell hasn't played above Double-A and can't hit lefties nearly as well as righties. He needs more time in the minors. - Roch