Bird Talk: Machado attends concert with A-Rod, Mussina's Hall of Fame eligibility

As I write this, it is currently 16 degrees with a wind chill somewhere in the negative numbers. One thing that is helping me with this weather is knowing spring training is right around the corner. Even though it's still the offseason, many in the media are still talking about the Orioles. First, I'm starting with some news that disturbed the residents of Charm City. It's going to be OK, Birdland. Just remember to breathe. * Hearts sank in Baltimore shortly into the New Year when Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez tweeted a picture of himself with Orioles third baseman Manny Machado. The two were part of a group attending a Jay-Z concert. Say what you want about the picture. I think Machado, who has said he admired Rodriguez growing up, was just having a boys' night. * In case you missed it, former Orioles backup catcher Taylor Teagarden signed a minor league deal with the Mets. Teagarden is expected to compete for the backup job in Queens. * With the Hall of Fame announcement coming this afternoon, Tyler Kepner of the New York Times believes former Oriole Mike Mussina belongs in Cooperstown despite a career record of 270-153 with a 3.68 ERA. My two cents: Why not? Yes, Mussina retired 30 wins shy of 300, but as Kepner explained, Mussina didn't want to continue his career chasing an elusive number. Don't expect Mussina to get the call today, but maybe a few years down the road. Just don't ask me which uniform he'll be wearing. Your guess is as good as mine. That's wrap of the Birds chatter going on nationally. Check back next week as the Orioles still need to find a closer, add a starting pitcher and find a suitable designated hitter.