What’s wrong with Nick Markakis? - The Washington Post

"Markakis put up an .838 OPS in his first four seasons in the majors, just a hair behind the paces of Eddie Murray (.839) and Cal Ripken (.845). It is jarring, then, to consider Markakis’s numbers some 10 weeks into the 2011 season. His batting average (through Wednesday) is .238, more than 50 points below his career mark. His OPS is .602, more than 200 points below his norm. He doesn’t have an extra-base hit since May 15. The drop-off in his performance, to be blunt, is staggering."

Orioles vs. Rays Series Preview -Birds Watcher 

Taking a look at the next loop on the roller coaster of the 2011 season.

Coach Paul Mainieri, Tigers expected to name Alan Dunn as pitching coach | NOLA.com

LSU is expected to name O's bullpen coach Alan Dunn as their new pitching coach in a press conference today.

Orioles Insider: More O's notes: Fox to Bucs more likely; firings in Baltimore; O’s-Jays pitching matchups - Baltimore Orioles: Schedule, news, analysis and opinion on baseball at Camden Yards - baltimoresun.com

"Here’s a note to major league baseball’s struggling teams: Don’t come to Baltimore if you want to keep your management. Today, the Oakland A’s fired Bob Geren after his team was swept by the Orioles on Wednesday and replaced him with former Arizona Diamondbacks manager (and former Orioles catcher) Bob Melvin. Last year, the Florida Marlins fired Fredi Gonzalez after a loss in Baltimore. In 2009, the Toronto Blue Jays fired general manager J.P. Ricciardi after a loss in Baltimore." Sensing a trend?

 Baltimore Orioles Draft Tracker 2011; Complete List of Picks

A complete life of the Baltimore Orioles' 2011 draft selection with links to scouting reports and information on each.

The Five Best Pitches In Baseball - Baseball Nation

Non-Orioles but fun: A look at the best pitches in baseball, starting with Justin Verlander, and moving on through Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, Mariano Rivera, and Jonny Venters.