Find MASN on your cable or satellite provider.

Thanks for posing with me Roch. Glad you remembered me, and when I talked to you, you said "Tejada will be next week" I think you meant to say Tejada already reached an agreement right?

Had a great time a FanFest, looking forward to 2010 and beyond!

Thanks Roch

Roch, (Future father)
"And Nick Markakis looks like he needs a shave - with a really big razor."

I believe you left the man out that almost walked into me (cuase he was turning around) until I said something....Luke Scott needs to shave as well. Mountain man is out...good looking man in.

Wouldn't it be great to see Markakis in the batter's box with that thing? He could use it to get more HBPs, and I think it would intimidate the hell out of the pitcher. Plus, he may get notice for the gold glove with it.

BOO to the "professional" look that Peter Angelos swears by. Lighten up a little and let the men be men.

Hey Roch,
Glad that I was one of the highlights of Fanfest For you....

(One of the day's highlights for me: The 26-year-old girl who said I'm the older man she "lusts after.")

And who's George Clooney anyway? :) It was nice talking to you!!
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Great talking to you, Laurie. - Roch

One of my favorite parts of today was seeing Roberts' reaction when Nick walked onto the stage with that beard...too funny :)

Sad I didn't get a chance to say hey to you today - but we did cheer nice & loud for you at the media forum :) Thanks again for all you do!
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Thanks Lauren. I always appreciate the support. Hope you had fun today. - Roch

Roch,
Bon jor. It was a real bummer that I couldn't attend Fanfest today. I would have loved to meet the world's greatest blogger, and talk baseball with the Orioles players and coaching staff. But, the bright side of not going is that I don't have to wait in those huge lines. I think that the Tejeda signing was a good one and maybe the path to a Bedard signing which will be a HUGE deja yu. It's been really fun seeing how far the O's have come since Macphail took the helm. The development of our padawans like Matusz, Tillman, Bergy, Weiters, Reimold and the accquisations of M.Gonzalez, Millwood, Atkins, Tejeda could give us our first winning season since 1997 when I was still 1 years old. I guess good things really do come to those who wait(Patience leads to great rewards). It's been an honor to be a O's fan even with the bumps that we hit. I believe great things in this team. Go O's.

I didn't hear about your MASN photo op until after it was over... bummer. Saw you at the media forum, though! :) It was an awesome day.
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Yeah, I wondered where you were! - Roch

Are you really that old??
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Crap, the secret's out. I'm not 26. I knew I couldn't pull it off much longer. But I bet you have some single friends in my age range (hint) - Roch

Thanks Baron and Ghost of Chico Salmon. My timing, as usual, was impeccably bad on that Miggy relationship post, right at the end of a thread and a couple of hours before his signing. Nice to know anyone noticed.

So here we are. Andy has signed a guy with enormous baggage – if this were Delta, Miggy would be paying more for his luggage than his flight – hoping he can “replicate” (as one poster put it) last year’s phenomenal .5 WAR performance, all for a non-contending team. But, hey, not only that, this terrible defensive player, who will be 36 in May, is shifting to a position where he has played a whopping ONE professional game, back in A-ball when he was 20 years old (and booted one of his five chances). And here’s the best part: Since this player had no other suitors (that we know of), Andy only has to pay him $6 million dollars and another million in likely incentives! OMG! How did we get so lucky?! Gee, and we thought signing Dan Uggla to play third was a bad idea. Amarie must be apoplectic.

Look, provided Miggy passes his physical, he’s a Baltimore Oriole again. Unlike other turncoat posters, I may dislike this move but I’m still going to be rooting for Miguel to succeed, at least until he kicks me in the teeth again. But I think the chance he earns his money this year is remote. $5.5 million for half a win? Um, why? Because of his intangibles? Whatever happened to pitching and defense?

In my mind there’s only one reason for this move: Entertainment. Putting fannies in the seats. Andy’s got money burning a hole in his pocket and he and Peter want to appease the natives, who were getting restless. I hope I’m wrong and that Miggy has a great year, but I don’t see how this move makes the Oriole franchise stronger.

One silver lining: Andy has spent what I consider a ton of money this offseason for three pretty marginal stopgaps, none of whom is likely to have any impact on the team’s success beyond this year (Millwood, Atkins, and now Tejada), plus two years of a pretty expensive closer. So maybe we can at least retire one ridiculous phrase from our collective vocabulary: Anyone who thinks Andy’s engaging in “budget baseball” is a spectacular breed of moron. But we already knew that.

You know the last time I was this upset at an off-season move? When the Orioles signed Sammy Sosa. Let’s all hope this one works out better than that one did. All I can say is, next year, when it comes time to pull the trigger on Pujols, or to trade for and extend A-Gon, or whatever, there had better not be the slightest hesitation. If we can throw money at bad players in a rebuilding year, then we’d damn well better throw even more of it at good players when it matters.

And one last thing then I’ll go to bed mad: Ty? Buddy? I’m sorry your feelings are hurt about the O’s signing Miggy. Mine are too. And I’m sure you’re a nice guy and a better player than you demonstrated last year. But your WAR was MINUS TWO. That means you were two full wins WORSE than a replacement player and cost five times as much, and this year you’ll cost seven times as much. You’re a one-tool player who last year didn’t even do that well and did everything else very, very poorly. I just looked it up and you had an even worse year than Yuniesky Betancourt in fewer ABs! I didn’t even think that was possible. So go ahead and comfort yourself that you hit .270, but please don’t say stuff that dumb out loud, especially when there are reporters around.

When we first spotted him before he walked on stage, my friend said, "Oh no, Nick looks like Osama Bin Laden in a baseball hat." Sadly, she was NOT joking. Thank goodness for the Orioles strict facial hair policy!

I was so glad to hear Dave Trembley (aka "Dave from Canton") mention who he sees as our left fielder for the next 10 years or so with Reimold. Although I realize that won't stop the "Any chance Nolan gets moved to first base?" questions.

Roch, I'll let you know that by the time the Media Forum rolled around my group was ready to drop, but we stayed just for you! And had Stan Charles been any more of a microphone hog, I might have jumped up on stage and disconnected his mic plug. It was obvious you were the crowd favorite and he was trying to steal your face time. So not cool.
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Glad you stayed. And yes, he cut me off at least four times. Wasn't sure if anyone noticed. Trust me, I did. - Roch

Hey Roch,

Love reading your blog. I think I remember reading the orioles are still looking for a "left handed" pitcher and that seems most likely, according to rumors, to be Bedard. However, what about Jarrod Washburn? I'm sure he, at this point, would come with a cheaper price tag than originally. He seems to have a history of throwing more games/innings than Bedard and has pitched in the AL. Would the Orioles be interested at all? Is Bedard the only starting pitcher were kicking the tires with ?
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He seems the be the only one linked to them. Haven't heard of any interest in Washburn at this point. It's conceivable that the Orioles add a few relievers and not a starter. It wasn't long ago that MacPhail told me they were looking for pitching - either starting or bullpen. - Roch

I just saw via twitter (oh the technology) that we don't have Andino!?!?!? Or are they thinking of trading him or something cause Miggy came?

Can't loose Dino!
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He was at FanFest yesterday. - Roch

Welcome back Miggy! Roch, who do you think would be the most likely signing next:bedard or hendrickson?
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I've been saying Hendrickson since November, so I'll stick with him. Bedard doesn't seem to be in any hurry. - Roch

Hey Roch,

I didn't make it over to say hi today unfortunately because we got there later than originally expected. I did get to meet Amber though because my dad and I played Family Feud and won tickets to a game in the MASN suites at some point this season. Hopefully I'll get to meet you then whenever that is. Afterward one of the contestants on the other team was arguing that he recognized me from a MASN commercial and that I was an employee (I wish). One of your awesome staff defended me saying I was just an actor you hired which was pretty much the truth. Good time today, though I heard the autograph lines were not fun.

Roch,

I opted to have my picture taken with you rather than Amber Theoharis. Hopefully, that makes you feel special. j/k ;)

Seriously though, it was very nice meeting you. I wasn't a big fan of the new autograph policy, but everything else was great.
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I would have chosen Amber, but nonetheless... :-) Great meeting you. Thanks for introducing yourself. - Roch

It is truly pathetic to read all the comments over the past month or so about how we need to sign Delgado or we need to sign Dye or we need to sign Guerrero and how the organization is wasting time by sitting around and letting the market play out, but when we actually sign someone who is coming off a near .300 year it is more doom and gloom about how this was a terrible move, yadda yadda ya. Shut up, already.

OCJ - there you go, being a MacPhail apologist again and praising Andrew's every move! When will you see the truth like the "realists" on here?
;)

I don't see Miggy as our answer in the #2 hole (or #4 hole, for those who suggested that one). Lots of people point to his 199 hits last year and pretty .313 batting average, but consider that 111 of those hits came at the Juice Box. On the road, Miggy hit .283 with a .313 OBP and .395 slugging. But that must be a fluke, right? In 2008 it was .273/.307/.394, so that's a full season worth of data. To emphasize the point, compare that to current Orioles. Would you want Wigginton batting second or fourth (.314 OBP last year, .400 slugging)? Cesar Izturis (.298 career OBP)?

We hated the "Mora bats 5th because he's Melvin Mora" plan last year. Mora got criticism for being frustrated at being benched. I expect that Miggy will be worse. He should be hitting 8th, but because he's Miguel Tejada he'll get an important spot in the lineup. I can hope Miggy has had some late-career epiphany, and he's accepted his limitations and embraces the role of being a role model who will happily do whatever helps the team (including batting 8th and sitting on the bench). I'm not expecting it.

According to Wiggy the O's more or less told him the 3rd base job was his after Mora moved on.Welcome to the bus tires Wiggy.Maybe they can trade Wiggy to the Mets and eat his salary. Can't be as bad as the Angels eating Matthews salary. I guess the other option would be to keep Wiggy and cut Andino.Would like to see them keep Aubrey for a bat of the bench.

Bonus question of the day. How much longer will Alberto Castillo be on the 40 man roster?

The O's get rid of one cancer (Mora) and then proceed to bring in an even bigger one (Miggy).

UNBELIEVABLE!

The guy is basically 4 years older than when he left in '07 because of the dodgy birth certificate thing.

And we call this progress????

I call it.............BUDGET BASEBALL!

Roch,
Great fan fest. I think AM got the two better infeilders that were avaiable this year. As for Miggy's Baggage who cares what his age is if he can still hit. Roids were everywhere lets get over itand move on. I think he will be fine at 3rd. Also I remember another player that the press ran out of town for lack of hussle. He also showed up to play every day and was one of the Orioles best ever hitters, Eddie Murray. If you go back farther the press always had a beef about the hussle of Ted Williams, who would'nt want either on their team... Good luck Miggy.

Becky said:

Roch, (Future father)
"And Nick Markakis looks like he needs a shave - with a really big razor."

I believe you left the man out that almost walked into me (cuase he was turning around) until I said something....Luke Scott needs to shave as well. Mountain man is out...good looking man in.
January 23, 2010 11:05 PM
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Perhaps Nick's wife likes the "mountain man" look.

Maybe Markakis is trying to revive the House of David baseball team.

I still hate this move. For $3m more the O's could have had Figgens.

Reading Andy's quotes, it sounds like they have yet to tell Miggy he is playing 3rd base.

"From what I've read, he's made it clear that's something he would entertain," MacPhail said.

"You don't know until you get there," said MacPhail.

Hmmmmmmmm, maybe you should have cleared this move with Miggy Cancer BEFORE you agreed to the deal, Andy.

Poor communication: A key part of BUDGET BASEBALL.
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For $3 million more they could have had Figgins? He signed a four-year, $36 million deal with Seattle. Tejada's getting $6 million from the Orioles for one season. Please tell me you can see the difference. - Roch

Roch-
Looks like I have to take my foot out of my mouth. Another 10 (minimum 6) million dollar rental when they COULD have gone cheaper.
Maybe Andy does have the full reign.

Here's what the one color guy on Hot Stove yesterday when this broke said, I am summarizing a bit but,- With this addition, giving a solid RH bat to protect the crop of young studs the O's have, with the expected improvement of Reimold, Weiters, and Jones, AND if they resign Bedard, and if HE remains healthy, they can trade some of those in between players now, like Scott and Wiggington for bullpen arms to stockpile AAA, they are right on the cusp, and possibly even closer to really making a push for a wild card slot. They just have to hold their own in the 36 games against the Yankees and Red Sox.

And, I agree. I would just add Guthrie to that list of tradeable players, if they sign Bedard.
I just have a feeling Guthrie is going to regress even further, and I think he has solid trade value still especially to a NL team.
I think Millwood-Bedard-Bergy-Matusz-Tillman, rh-lh-rh-lh-rh is a solid, potentially dominant rotation. If we can grab some more dominant bullpen arms.....WHO KNOWS what might happen.
Your thoughts?
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I wouldn't trade Guthrie if they add Bedard. Keep the guy who gives you innings and, you hope, is going to rebound from last season. - Roch

Roch, it was nice meeting you yesterday. I meant it when I said I appreciate the hard work on the blog. Someday, I hope to be just like you (with the younger crowd!)
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Reach for the stars :-) Good meeting you, too. - Roch

Hey Roch, now for the really important stuff: Does AJ give up #10 to Tejada? Hope not. Give Miggy Mora's #6.

Roch-

You think there would be interest in Biemel instead of Hendrickson?
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Could be interest in both. - Roch

Roch,

Sorry I missed getting my picture taken with you yesterday. I really would have liked to have stopped by and said hello. When I walked the MASN Booth you had a line waiting for pictures almost as long as fans waiting for player autographs.(LOL)I was on my way to the rookie forum which also drew a large crowd.

I enjoyed myself yesterday. I hadn't been to a fanfest in several years and I was glad it was back in the convention center again in the month of January where it belongs. It helps to relieve the winter doldrums thats for sure. An attendance of 12,000 plus surprised a lot of people, and shows that if the O's start putting a good product on the field the fans will come back to support them.

I am looking forward to the 2010 season and I am strongly considering getting a 13 game mini plan again like I had several years ago. GO O'S!

Roch,

Any guesses as to who the O's might cut to make room for Miggy on the 40 man roster? Also, do we lose a draft choice because we signed Miggy?
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The Astros didn't offer Tejada arbitration, so he won't cost a draft pick. Not sure about the 40-man. There are certainly a few candidates out there. - Roch

Jones can't give up his #10 or the 2110 Eutaw St promotions will be null and void!

Roch, I have a question. Why do you continue to attempt to have a real conversation with Brummie (see below)? Do you like banging your head against the wall? I know it is tempting, given his incredible anger and lack of understanding what what the heck is going on with the Orioles, but it will shorten your life my friend! :)
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Brummie_Oriole said:
I still hate this move. For $3m more the O's could have had Figgens.

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For $3 million more they could have had Figgins? He signed a four-year, $36 million deal with Seattle. Tejada's getting $6 million from the Orioles for one season. Please tell me you can see the difference. - Roch

Hey Roch,
I was at FanFest yesterday and saw you at the masn booth but you were in conversation and I didn't want to interrupt. I wasn't a big fan off the autograph policy, but the event as a whole was so much more upscale than the one at the Yard. And the fact that 12,000 people came out really shows me that people think this team is going in the right direction. Unfortunately, I'm used to the season starting the Monday after FanFest, so I'll be pretty disappointed when I wake up tomorrow and realize how much time I have yet to wake. And, after FanFest I headed down to the Maryland basketball game and none other than Adam Jones was also in attendance.
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Thanks Ben. Sorry I didn't get the chance to talk to you. - Roch

Keep up the good work Roch!

FanFest was great this year! The buzz was unlike anything I have witnessed in several years. I got to meet Adam Jones. What a great kid and you may have some competition with the ladies. Everytime the kid smiles the girls would go nuts. One thing I took away is the Trembley is not going to be Mr. Nice Guy anymore and the players seem to know this as well. Time to make the kids accountable for mistakes and get this team to embrace a winning attitude! The next step of the plan has been implemented.

So what is your lineup now? ;)

Oh, by the way I know Amber is married but if she needs any help carrying her laptop around at they yard please let me know. ;)

Enjoyed the opportunity to meet you as well as the picture of you and me taken.It was very nice to see that many oriole fans together at one time!Please keep all of us out of towners up to date on the birds. Thank you again for your hard work...
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Thanks Hank. Was really nice meeting you. - Roch

Hey OCJ, yes Tejada does come with baggage. Like Bedard though, there is a difference between teammate baggage and fan baggage. It seems in both cases, these players seem to have more baggage with the fans. Since this is a fan forum, I have no problem with anyone pointing that out. But how important is all the baggage if his teammates appear to be welcoming him back?

One issue I do have is a lack of hustle. I know we're talking about Major Leaguers here and that the total professional should play at 100% throughout the year. That's not reality, though, and if one player begins to demonstrate complacency - even if subtle - it can begin to spread like poison... sort of like carbon monoxide. Nobody detects it but it is sinister nonetheless. I hope Tejada can rise beyond this.

As for stats, I think it is fair to say every stat in baseball is open to interpretation, at least to a degree. I admit I am a neophyte when it comes to some of the more sophisticated attempts to quantify a player's value such as WAR (it brings back the horrors of trying to understand high school Calculus or Relations and Functions) but that won't stop me from making an observation. What of the notion that a stat such as WAR is open to more interpretation than most of the other cumulative stats fans traditionally follow.

OCJ, you contend that the season Tejada last year was responsible for giving the Astros an extra half win over the course of the entire season. I'm not sure I can agree, though I'm trying to be careful not to diminish the value of the WAR concept. I'm also thinking if you promote this notion to any long-time baseball men (from the players right on up to the GM), you may be greeted by confused looks and/or sneers. This is the area in which the gulf between players and sabermetricans widens considerably.

So without stooping to the depths best demonstrated by Jane Curtin and Dan Aykroyd on their classic Weekend Update debates from so many years ago, I humbly challenge the legitimacy of a stat such as WAR as an accurate evaluation of baseball players.

I guess all that matters in the end is that the Orioles play better baseball with more wins to show at the end of the season. My feeling is that's exactly what's going to happen. And if he avoids injuries, Tejada may have 150 hits, 15 homeruns and 80 RBI, and fewer than 20 GIDPs because he'll be hitting out of the two hole most of the year. If he doesn't emabrrass himself defensively, I think that can be worth more than half a win for the year.

Brummie_Oriole said:
The O's get rid of one cancer (Mora) and then proceed to bring in an even bigger one (Miggy).

UNBELIEVABLE!

The guy is basically 4 years older than when he left in '07 because of the dodgy birth certificate thing.

And we call this progress????

I call it.............BUDGET BASEBALL!

Rumors Larry here

Roch, baby didn't get to see you wish
I went but no worries.

Miggy returns to baltimore, lets hope he puts
on a show and keeps us entertained during the
season.

Adam Jones looked like a million bucks I heard he
wants a rolex well he'll get one soon.

Revis island was a little wet today to bad
he couldn't come to fanfest

Finally I like what the O's are doing and
let me repeat myself

Finally Ankiel is a Royals now 3.25 can you
say money mula pay day???

here is a quote from miggy

"I'll play in third base, which means a change in my career," he said. "It's like the beginning of a new career, but I'll continue doing my same workout routine to be able continue my career."

I GUESS YOU JUST NEED TO GET YOUR FACTS STR8 BRUMMIE...YOU DUMB%%%%%%

I for one like these infield acquisitions. Both are signed to one year contracts as stopgaps until the younger prospects are ready, so if they don't work out, there is no great loss. I think a lot of Miggie's problems toward the end were due to the losing and if this team displays the talent to compete in more games (and I think they will), you'll see his performance and enthusiasm ramp up significantly. There were no free agents available who would have made this team a pennant winner this year, but maybe the one's signed will at least help the team take a significant step in that direction.

Roch-

After reading Brummie's comments of the last day or so, I decided to waste my time and do a little research. Here ya go:

Brummie_Oriole said:
Tis a sad day in Budgetland when the Yes Fans on here are talking themselves into a washed up prospect like Aubrey.

==================================================================

Brummie_Oriole said:
When will all of the kool-aid drinkers on here start making up some b.s. batting stat that will cover whatever budget 3b Andrew signs, comparing him to Albert Pujols. Why not Tejada? Because he costs more money.

==================================================================

Paul said:
The FO will pursue Crede over Tejada because of the $$$ to sign them.

===================================================================

Brummie_Oriole said:
The Free Agent market is down to the bare bones, and once again Andy is a keen shopper. I guess we'll get Crede or some other reject in here in the coming weeks and Andy will be in rare form, telling everyone how much the team is improved with some .235 hitter. Whoever is cheapest.

===================================================================

Trust me, I could have gone farther and copied more. The point is, now he is saying totally stupid stuff like "Well, for 3 million more we could have had Figgins". Which is just plain stupid, because figgins signed for 4 years. And, we need a RBI machine, not an OBP, machine. We hit 5th in the AL last year, and were 11th in runs. We just added a guy who could easily drive in 85-100.
He's a dope. He just got his own foot crammed in his mouth, but, that still won't shut him up. It's actually comical, at how pathetic this guy is.

I attended fanfest and had an awesome time. The highlights for me would have to be talking to Dave Trembley as he made his way to the stage , and taking a picture of my nephew with Amber Theoharis. I was shocked at how long the autograph lines were. I sat through some of the fan forums the high point of those had to be when Rick Kranitz teased Jim Hunter about always having perfect hair. Terry Crowley was well spoken and couldnt hide his enthusiasm when "the new acquisition" from Juan Samuels country was discussed. A minute later a MASN guy wearing an orange volunteer shirt showed me a text message he had just gotten announcing the Tejada deal. So much for being a secret.Next up Dave Trembley and Andy Macphail took the stage and were well spoken , serious , but played to the crowd. The tour of the O's clubhouse,weight rooms,umpires room, and getting to go into the dugout and out on the field was awesome. It was well worth the time to attend. Cant wait until next year.

-What about the Orioles trade Ty Wigginton to the Rockies for Matt Reynolds and Hector Gomez.
-Jesus Guzman just got designated for assignment option for AAA.

So with the new signing, this means we are done with the Delgado talks right?
Also now that we have a solid Thirdbaseman.... don't you think we should trade Ty? He must be pissed about it too because now he's not gonna get is ab's in- which i know he was interested in

Roch,

I take it that Koji Uehara was not there?

Any other players on the 40-man roster not present at Fan Fest?

Thanks.
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Izturis. - Roch

I supose if Cal could transition from SS to 3B Tejada can as well, right?

Libelous statement aside... I was surprised to see how happy the team appeared to be with Tejada and how less than pleased the people at Fanfest were. I was in line after line and whenever I would mention it people's jaws would drop or tell me don't even joke about that... that's not funny. I did get the occasional, well I guess with what was out there, that's not bad. General concensus was it better not be more than a year. Looks like it isn't so we will adjust.

No chance Jones switches his number. Why would he for a one year stop gap? Besides its not Miggy's team anymore. Jones runs this show now. Viva 2110.

Another comment I heard a lot was, "I wish we could get this many fans out for a game". Every line was rediculous. I enjoyed the chuckle when I saw they were giving out Ryan Freel t-shirts in the giveaway line. Even more so when they were selling "game worn" Ryan Freel jerseys. I think that is more like BENCH WORN. I saw a grass stain on it so he may have tripped bringing out the lineup card. In the back field I got to see Juan Samuel teach kids how to run bases, it was irony at its best.

I prefer the Fanfest in Camden Yards, but it wasn't bad in the Convention Center. I love how Matusz, Tillman, Turner were walking around and no one knew who they were. Matusz could have put on a Weiters jersey and people would have thought he was a fan. Mikilio should have been a dead giveaway no one bothered him. It was hilarious.

I missed saying hi to you Roch but during the fan forum I wanted to ask one question... "Stan why are you so mad?"

Gotta say Anita and Amber looked great. Television doesn't do them justice.

Guthrie has got to be one of the coolest people and Millwood didn't come across as gruff as advertised. I think he will get along just fine with Markakis. I think Gonzalez as well will be a good addition. He's no Sherrill but that may be a good thing. I think he WILL be animated on the mound.

Also want to give credit to the fans. Usually the fans asking questions are timid and soud like idiots. For the most part all the questions asked were delivered clearly and by people with something higher than a sixth grade education.

I left the Fanfest a little more optimistic than I was prior. I think the lady telling me there was a tiki bar across the street from my hotel helped a little.

See you in Sarasota Roch... first weekend of March!

Still need to sign Bedard to protect the kids. Matusz (154), Bergesen (123+injury), Tillman (161) should only go +30 innings from last year, so there are a few more starts to be had (especially if they all go a little deeper in games). Protect Arrieta until September. Hernandez could pick up a few mid-season starts, but the Os are one serious injury to a starter away from rushing a young guy and imploding the bullpen.

Lets be serious about 82 wins. Bedard isn't better than what we can _hope_ for from the young guys, but he is insurance. Above .500 teams have major league depth AND young guys step up.

Roch,
nice meeting you and Steve M. in person at Fan Fest.
You guys do great work for those of us who bleed
black and orange.
By the way, i had nice chats with Trembley and Millwood.
Nice guys!
Go O's!

Roch, it was cool meeting you at fanfest and getting the picture together. I had a blast there, I also got Palmer's autograph and a picture with him. He told me that Millwood is going to be huge for the Orioles this year in the win column, nice to hear that from the HOF.

For those complaining about the lines there was like 12,000 people there!! What did you expect them to to do, have a hundred autograph stations?

Paul, why didn't you stand instead of sitting in the lowly metal chairs. I guess its MacPhail's fault they didn't have a recliner there for you? Pretty bad when your too lazy to stand for 30 minutes.

Roch , Talking about Nick Markakis Cavemen look . Doesn't he have to shave it off due to the fisical hair policy ?
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The facial hair policy will require him to shave by the time he reports to Sarasota. Trembley will probably hand him the razor. - Roch

Hey again Roch,
I was having problems getting the picture up on the website, they emailed me and told me that they can't find it! But they're really nice and they're sending me some stuff, and I'm not stressing it because life happens right? :)
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Right, though I'm sorry you couldn't get the photo. Be sure to stop by the press box or let me know when you'll be at the ballpark, and we'll try again. - Roch

Roch:

Where is the HOME RUN BAT Andy M said he was going to get? Atkins is another Sammy Sosa shot that costs much more than Sammy did. Atkins is going from the National League to the American League and off a very bad year. Is he considered a big bat? Miggie production last year was not bad but not a big home run bat he only hit 14 and that would have been about 5th on the Orioles' 2009 team. Is not possible that counting all the errors and balls that his limited range will turn into hits, he must have a monster year to off seat his weaknesses in the field. He has never played 3rd base!!!!

Does it not take about over a third of the year to get by at third base. As for the other ex-team mates opinions of him. Have you ever heard an ex-team mate bad mouth another player they played with. It is very rare.

I could be wrong, but both signing seem to me to be 3rd rate; however,I must admit that these are the best that considered becoming an Oriole. The better players will not consider playing in Baltimore.
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He said that he wanted to add "bats." Don't think he specified 40 home run bats. The options were limited this winter. - Roch

Hello Roch, Roland here, I enjoyed meeting you at FanFest. I read your blogs and listen and watch you when possible. I was glad we were able to meet each other and chat for a few. I did not realize you counted everyone. Our chat was very meaningful and you have a faithful fan in me. Maybe someday we will get the chance to meet each other again. Take care of yourself. Keep up the good work. Your Faithful Fan, Roland Klages
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It was my pleasure. - Roch