Happy Friday, folks. By this time next week, another infernal election will be behind us, UMD will be contemplating its 27th quarterback of the year [not intended as a factual statement] and we should have a little more clarity on the state of things in the early going of hot stove season, but for now, some clippings...

School of Roch: Schoop, Belfiore chosen to play in Rising Stars Game AFL stats don't really seem to hold much water, but when one of your top positional prospects is posting an OPS north of 1.000, you can't help but take notice.

What will the Orioles do with Mark Reynolds? - dailypress.com Not much here save for an interesting factoid.

Steve Melewski: Looking at the O's minor league leaders in productive team plate appearances Nice to see so many of my faves on the list.

Orioles skipper upbeat about 2013 | HeraldTribune.com Nice, but sort of silly puff piece on Buck.

Camden Depot: Why is in Left? The Orioles 2013 Edition What a mess.

Great owners top latest Hall of Fame ballot - Baseball Nation Neyer breaks down candidates on the HOF's new old timey ballot.

On this day in 1881, the American Association, including the St. Louis Bron Stockings, was formed as a major league; in 1971, Pat Dobson no hit the Yomiuri Giants during a dominant tour of Japan.

It's the birthday of Big Sam Horn, Sir Sidney Ponson, Wilson Betetmit and super agent Scott Boras,