Odds and ends

Is Maryland still playing football this season? Maybe I should ask whether they've started. Bodog posted its 2010 World Series odds. You have to scroll down pretty far to find the Orioles: New York Yankees 11/4 Boston Red Sox 13/2 Philadelphia Phillies 9/1 Los Angeles Angels 10/1 St. Louis Cardinals 10/1 Los Angeles Dodgers 11/1 Chicago Cubs 15/1 New York Mets 15/1 Tampa Bay Rays 15/1 Atlanta Braves 18/1 Colorado Rockies 18/1 Chicago White Sox 22/1 Detroit Tigers 25/1 Florida Marlins 25/1 Minnesota Twins 25/1 San Francisco Giants 25/1 Texas Rangers 25/1 Arizona Diamondbacks 40/1 Cincinnati Reds 45/1 Milwaukee Brewers 45/1 Oakland Athletics 45/1 Cleveland Indians 50/1 Seattle Mariners 50/1 Toronto Blue Jays 60/1 Baltimore Orioles 75/1 Houston Astros 75/1 San Diego Padres 75/1 Kansas City Royals 100/1 Pittsburgh Pirates 100/1 Washington Nationals 100/1 ESPN's Tim Kurkjian floated Aroldis Chapman's name past a general manager, who said the following: "I love his arm. But he's got a ways to go before he's ready to pitch in the major leagues, physically and emotionally.'' Kurkjian also wonders whether Chone Figgins and the Orioles could be a match if the Angels fail to re-sign the third baseman (and Los Angeles is expected to be aggressive in its attempts). I've already stated how much I like Figgins, but manager Dave Trembley has stated how much he wants a home run hitter at that position. The Phillies are exploring alternatives to third baseman Pedro Feliz, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Would Melvin Mora be a fit? That wouldn't be such a bad commute to Harford County. Brandon Snyder went 1-for-4 with a walk and strikeout in the AFL's Rising Stars game. Josh Bell had a walk and RBI. The Double-A Bowie Baysox are offering a holiday ticket package featuring a Brian Matusz bobblehead doll, a six-pack of tickets and the choice between a Baysox home replica hat or $15 worth of Baysox Bucks. The tickets are for undated lower reserved seats valid for any 2010 home game. The packages are $79.95 each, plus $5.95 for shipping and handling. Packs will be shipped on Dec. 14 to ensure arrival before the holidays. You can avoid the shipping fees by picking up the packages at the Baysox office from Dec. 15-23. They can be purchased on www.baysox.com or by calling 301-464-4880.