Let's play two

Now that the instant gratification of yesterday's postponement has worn off, it's time to prepare for today's doubleheader. I'll pass along the lineups for Game 1 at 1:05 p.m., when the clubhouse opens to the media. It seems like forever since I've walked inside Camden Yards, but I should be able to find it. Also need to check on second baseman Brian Roberts, who's missed the last two games because of headaches. He was supposed to be examined yesterday in Baltimore. I'd add headaches to the list of injuries and ailments that have sidelined Roberts this year, but I've lost track. I know there was a herniated disk, an abdominal strain, a bruised shin, a bruised foot, pneumonia...maybe someone else has the complete list. Like I said before, pack him in ice after the season and thaw him out in Sarasota. He needs to give his body a rest. The Orioles will face Jeremy Bonderman in the opener, and he's got a career 6.92 ERA against them. Nick Markakis is 4-for-5 with a double and home run. In Chris Tillman's last start against the Tigers, he allowed only one run and one hit over 6 2/3 innings, but he also walked six batters. Miguel Cabrera is 2-for-6 with a double and home run against Tillman, but his season is done. Sometime this weekend, we'll learn the identity of this year's Most Valuable Oriole. I bet his name rhymes with Duke Spot. It wouldn't surprise me if the top three finishers are Luke Scott, Jeremy Guthrie and Nick Markakis, though Ty Wigginton garnered some votes. Can you believe that a 2-2 finish will allow the Orioles to improve upon last season's record? So much for the '62 Mets. The 2010 season has been one great big ball of frustration and disappointment. Nobody should be organizing a parade simply because the Orioles avoided 100 losses and could end up with fewer than 98. But the last two months have been a joy compared to the first four. There's still interest in this team during football season. There's also still a lot of work to be done, and we've got an entire winter to go over everything. Updated standings: Pittsburgh 56-103 Seattle 61-98 Orioles 63-95 Arizona 64-95 Kansas City 66-93 The Oriole Advocates celebrated their 50th anniversary this year, and they've earned some special attention for the tremendous work they've done over the years, through good times and bad. A few of the Advocates were supposed to be introduced on the field before last night's game, and Dick Patterson, their only surviving founder, was scheduled to throw out the first pitch. Haven't heard whether that ceremony has been moved to today, but if so, they deserve a big round of applause.