Defend Your Favorite Oriole!

by Scott Christ on Jun 6, 2006 5:07 AM EDT in News & Rumors

I am a little stunned by the results (85 votes in) of that favorite current Oriole poll.

Corey Patterson, 17 votes
Brian Roberts, 15 votes
Miguel Tejada/Melvin Mora, 13 votes
Chris Ray, 9 votes
Other, 6 votes
Ramon Hernandez/Daniel Cabrera, 5 votes
Jay Gibbons, 2 votes

The things that surprise me:

Corey being #1, obviously. I mean yeah he's had a couple good months for us and he's been way exciting to watch, but really? Melvin Mora has given us some damn fine years, Brian Roberts is our plucky little overachiever, and Tejada is one of the best players in the game. My feeling is some folks voted with the mindset of "right this second," and I could see Corey being anyone's favorite Oriole right this second. Dude is rockin' it.
Six votes for "other." My two theories here: Six women voted for Markakis or Javy Lopez (no offense), or six killer dudes straight up love The Todd. And I could not blame anyone in either situation.
Jay Gibbons' two votes. Jay over the last year and change has gotten some good support from some of you guys. Not that the ones that supported him before won't now (he's the same exact player, so what would change your mind?) but I just figured he'd have a couple more votes than that.
Chris Ray with nine. Actually that doesn't really surprise me at all, I just wanted to say Chris Ray is really cool.

Now that we've had the poll up for a while, come on out and state your favorite Oriole. I know you might not want to go public with such information as it will show favoritism and nobody wants Sendy Rleal to happen by here and be sad that he's nobody's favorite Oriole, but let's hear it anyway.

Mine is Brian Roberts. We've been over this. I was briefly consumed with my love for Brian Roberts. Now I just think he's cool, though. I mean I love him, but just as a pal. Like bros. We could hang out and ride bikes together and stuff.

Bonus Question: Anyone on the current team you just flat-out dislike? Don't be shy!

Bonus Question #2: Any former Orioles still in the league that you follow closely because you were such a fan? If Larry Bigbie3 doesn't give me a report on Larry Bigbie, I'm going to be really disappointed.

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Comments

Me

I voted for B-Rob as well, I just think he's a good guy, good story, works his butt off and actually produces quite a bit (I do miss last year's HRs though). At the immediate moment, I do love Razor and Scorey, but they're not established as great members of THIS team yet.

The only guy on the team that comes to mind that I genuinely dislike is Matos. Everything about him just screams indifference.

by punkrawka on Jun 6, 2006 7:09 AM EDT reply actions

Melvin Mora

I consider him a throwback to the old Oriole Way. A guy who wants to play here, works hard every day, busted his ass learning a bunch of different positions to stay in the majors and finally had his breakthrough with the O's. The only Oriole to represent at Ellie's funeral. While so much went wrong for the Orioles over the past 8 years, Melvin Mora is something that has gone right.

I'd go to war with a team of Moras any day.

Orioles' Rebuilding Plan: Phase 1: Steal Underwear. Phase 3: Win the World Series.

by BrianS on Jun 6, 2006 7:34 AM EDT reply actions

PS

I also love Roberts, because he seems like a good guy who I can really feel happy for that he's found success. Also, he came up through our farm system.

I still like Miggy, but a little bit less after his offseason tantrums. I've spent the last year being pissed at TO, I did not need my (former) favorite new Oriole to pull a mini-TO.

I guess there's no one on the team I really dislike (now that Sidney and Raffy are gone), but Matos frustrates me the most.

Orioles' Rebuilding Plan: Phase 1: Steal Underwear. Phase 3: Win the World Series.

by BrianS on Jun 6, 2006 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Ditto...

I voted for him for the same reasons. He's a real Oriole, not just a guy who wears the uniform and collects paychecks from the team.

by rebop on Jun 6, 2006 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I voted for Chris Ray

He's definitely the most pleasant surprise for me this year, after I was so bummed to lose BJ. Not mad at BJ, but at the front office really. I thought the bullpen was going to be a real shambles this year, and it had its moments, but it seems like it's coming together and Chris seems like a big reason why.

My most favorite is definitely Melvin for all the reasons Brian S said, but I was voting in the moment.

by Stacey on Jun 6, 2006 7:46 AM EDT reply actions

PS

I HATE Luis Matos. I hate the way he strikes out and the fact that he's a lazy POS and he is a waste of space and WHY isn't he released yet?

by Stacey on Jun 6, 2006 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions

God, Me Too

What a waste of a roster spot. And I know that sounds harsh, but I mean it. Every time he gets called for a checked swing he virtually throws a tantrum at the plate. He can't hit, he's not great in the field, and he's consistantly been cited as being lazy and uninterested.

I can understand not wanting to let him go while Gibby and Newhan are on the DL, but he doesn't contribute ANYTHING to this team. He can't even steal...

by therobotian on Jun 6, 2006 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Luis

I hate Luis. Maybe we can con the Mets into trading David Wright for him.

by JayA on Jun 6, 2006 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Favorite Player

I voted for Roberts, but I gotta say I truly love Corey Patterson. I was a Patterson fan when he sucked in Chicago, and the simple reason is because he has amazing talent and he seems like a pretty cool guy.

Oh, and the way I see it, to hell with the people who say he doesn't have a high enough OBP. If he hit like this for the rest of his career, he will be remembered as a great player. What he loses in OBP he gains in speed and defense. If he's still playing like this after the All-Star Break, I'm going to have to say "PAY THE MAN" and keep him long term.

by therobotian on Jun 6, 2006 8:26 AM EDT reply actions

Brian Bob

I voted for B-Rob. By far my favorite O. He came up through the system, hung in there got his big break and break through season last year, and has made the best of it. I have to admit that I had a bit of a man-crush on him last year, but again, it's more of a brotherly love now. He just seems like an all around good guy. So far I don't think he has let the "big time" go to his head. Anyway, with the backwards glove-head after wins, and the heart surgery when he was a baby, how can you not vote for him.

P.A., P.A., Go Away, come back NO OTHER DAY!!!

by dayzd toe on Jun 6, 2006 9:06 AM EDT reply actions

Bonuses

I think it's going to end up being unanimous... Luis Matos is the most disliked.
There's two people that I still follow... One for good reasons, Jamie Moyer-Oriole Killer... I just like the way he's still out there workin' it--- and one for no-so-good reasons, Jim Brower-Former Oriole Killer... I just like to watch him continue to pour gasoline on the fire.

P.A., P.A., Go Away, come back NO OTHER DAY!!!

by dayzd toe on Jun 6, 2006 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

another for roberts

I voted for Brian Roberts too, because of most of the reasons already listed. He works hard, he's a scrapper, and seems like a genuinely good guy. He seems really happy for his teammates when they excel, like he's not just looking out for himself and his numbers. He also seems to enjoy being an Oriole, which is strange, but nice.

Basically, Roberts is one of those guys who just shouldn't have made it, statistically. He's short, got a bum heart at birth, grotesque injury last year, etc. But he just works it, gets on base, and scores like nobody's business.

I have other Orioles that I like to see do really well (Tejada, Cabrera, Bedard, Mora), but Roberts is my favorite for now. Vote him into the All-Star game, y'all!

by fan17 on Jun 6, 2006 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

Daniel Cabrera

I fully realize Tejada, Roberts, Mora, Hernandez, etc, etc all contribute more to producing W's. I suspect Danny is a quiet presence and not a big "clubhouse guy". But I've always been partial to pitching. How can you be a long time O's fan and not love pitching? I still get excited every single time he takes the mound. During the dark days of 2005, I never missed his starts hoping he'd get to .500. He's the primary reason I kept tuning into the O's games. I was rather bitter entering the 2006 season, but I knew I would always tune into Cabrera's starts. I was lucky enough to be at his first awesome game in April during a trip back home. If he didn't come up in the rotation, I'm not 100% sure I'd have gone to a game.

You never know what he's going to throw, but you have to admit that he always piques your curiosity. He's frustrating when he's off and exhilarating when he's on. I'm waiting for some consistency that will take him to the next level. It may never happen, and I'll be disappointed. In the meanwhile, I'm having one hell of a ride watching him play.

by drj on Jun 6, 2006 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

Cabrera and Mel

Cabrera is without a doubt my favorite pitcher on this team, despite his inconsistencies he is fun to watch. Even when he's busy walking guys he still manages to strike out some inordinate number of hitters in an absurdly low amount of innings. I think he's bound for greatness too (look at the way Brandon Webb has turned it around this year).

I'd have to say that Mel Mora is probably my favorite Oriole though. I LOVE B-Rob and I agree with what everyone has said about him, but Mel has a special place in my heart.

As for former Oriole players I still follow, how about Greg Zaun? I saw him get a game-winning hit once while I was at a game when I was about eight or nine and have always thought he was really cool for that, and because his last name begins with a Z.

by Caymen on Jun 6, 2006 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

what?

Brandon Webb had a tremendous rookie season and then was really good last year. Even his 7-16 year where he was walking everyone he still had an ERA that was well above average. Webb is just good. Cabrera has yet to even be decent for any real stretch.

"Occasionally he'll get naked out on the field when nobody's looking, but that actually grosses me out." - Jay Gibbons on Kevin Millar

by Scott Christ on Jun 6, 2006 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

good point

sorry 'bout that one, SC, Webb really is a poor comparison, I guess I was just looking at that 7-16 record. Regardless, I still believe in Cabrera.

by Caymen on Jun 6, 2006 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Brian Roberts is like an Old Oriole

I voted for Brian -- as I've said I've liked him ever since I saw him win a game with a grand slam in Anaheim in his second or third game. More than anyone on the team, he reminds me of Ripken, Robinson, Robinson, and (what the heck) Wee Willie Keeler! He's really quietly become one of the best players in the league.

by BirdFanLA on Jun 6, 2006 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

Bonus Question

"Bonus Question: Anyone on the current team you just flat-out dislike? Don't be shy!"

This isn't quite answering your question but I never dug Jerry Hairston. He thought he was the shit which annoyed me.

by birdman on Jun 6, 2006 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Larry Bigbie Update:

Larry started the year on the 15 day DL this year and missed a little over a month to start the season, he was supposed to be the Cards starting LF but I guess he lost that job. With Edmonds hurt and Encarnacion sucking he could win a starting job (right now he's a pinch hitter), he'd be competeing with John Rodqiguez, and possibly Timo Perez (If Edmonds is healthy then So Taguchi too) So far this year he has 25 AB, 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 HR, 1 2B, 0 3B, 1 RBI, 0 SB, 3 BB is batting .240, has an OBP of 321, is slugging .280, and umm yeah. Also hes owned by 20% of people in NL only fantasy leagues for some reason. Favorite Oriole: Jay Gibbons, least favorite: Tie, Jeff Conine or Luis Matos acutally just Luis, Jeffs a pimp. Favorite all time Oriole, duh Larry Bigbie

"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow" Earl Weaver

by Larry Bigbie3 on Jun 6, 2006 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

Damnit,

Bigbie is on the 15 DL AGAIN with a hernia, he'll have surgey and will be out 3-4 works. Also he is no longer #3, he's #33 and over his career he has the lowest percentage of infield popup outs, the second lowest Julio Franco.

"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow" Earl Weaver

by Larry Bigbie3 on Jun 6, 2006 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Corey's Bump

I wonder if Corey picked up votes based on his bunt/manufactured run/unstoppable speed last night (he was highlighted in the Post). I know that opened my eyes...

That said Mora and Roberts are tied in my book (saw Roberts play at USC [South Carolina -- the original] but didn't realize it until several years later). Mora I like in part because he is kind of stoic; he and Roberts are a good pair in a "mismatched cop buddy" way.

by jimtraberwheels on Jun 6, 2006 6:20 PM EDT reply actions

Miggy all the way

Miggy is the best ss in the AL and one of the best hitters in the league. He's the best we've got, he's energetic, wants to win, and backs it up with a great bat and timely hits. I was a fan of him when he was in Oaktown and saw him play out there. He's one of the most exciting players in baseball to watch, if for no other reason than his great facial expressions. Sure, he's not perfect, but who the hell is?

I have to admit my finger lingered for half a moment over B Rob...

I still follow Scott Erickson since he became a Yankee. I'm a fan of him sucking. I plead with the TV when we play NY to put Scotty in. And for good reason.

I can't say I strongly dislike any Oriole. If he's in a uniform, I'll root for him. With the exception of Sosa, Belle, Drabek, Raffy after blaming Miggy, Steve Kline, and that douchebag Karim Garcia.

"I'm a big dumb asshole with herpes and I eat babies" - Peter Angelos

by BleedingOrange on Jun 7, 2006 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

One more I don't like

Though he's not on the big league roster anymore, is Raul Chavez... He's just ugly.

P.A., P.A., Go Away, come back NO OTHER DAY!!!

by dayzd toe on Jun 7, 2006 10:47 PM EDT reply actions

gets on my nerves

P.A., P.A., Go Away, come back NO OTHER DAY!!!

by dayzd toe on Jun 7, 2006 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions

gotta love the 55

I picked Ramon Hernandez. I feel like his clutch hitting, his spirit and his ability behind the plate have really brought a new energy to the team. I like that he is humble, talks to the press, etc.

I have to say I was enamored with Gibbles for a while, for being another true Oriole, but he just doesn't seem to have the passion anymore. And, I'm just not excited about Niner anymore either.

Ben McDonald, Chris Hoiles, Brady Anderson - love them!

by brooklynlovesorioles on Jun 8, 2006 12:50 PM EDT reply actions

I loved Big Ben

...it was too bad he never really panned out. Remember the alligator wrestling and the squirrel recipes, and the sardines and mustard eaten before every game?

While we're on the subject of past favorite Orioles--John Lowenstein.

He was a great practical joker. One day he came in early when the team was supposed to wear the home whites. He put on his orange uniform and waited until a few guys came in. They saw him and put on their orange unis as well. By BP, the entire team had put on the wrong orange uniform while John had quietly slipped into the correct white one.

And they all had to change back!

by zknower on Jun 9, 2006 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions