Hello, friends.
There are now 109 days until Orioles Opening Day 2015, which is 109 days where nothing major could happen. At this point, major news is probably bad news, like a new injury or injury setback. We don't need any of that business. No news is good news. The Orioles just won 96 games, for crying out loud!
A little later in the morning, check back on the front page for my look at how the lack of action this offseason sets the Orioles up for a hopefully fruitful 2015 draft.
Did you get traded to either the Padres, Rays, or Nationals in that 11-player deal? Seems like they got just about everybody.
Here are some links from around Birdland for your Thursday slacking needs...
Orioles' Steve Pearce has some job security, but he's 'still working just as hard' - Baltimore Sun
Good news, everyone: Just because Steve Pearce has finally got himself a regular spot, he is working just as hard as ever. I know you're all reassured by this news.
Evaluating Dan Duquette's Orioles Trade History: 2011-12 (Press Box)
Friend of Camden Chat PaulFolk has a breakdown of Dan Duquette's trading history with the Orioles. Take a look at all the names you forgot ever existed.
Five Things To Know About Orioles Prospect Chance Sisco (Press Box)
If you don't know anything about Orioles catching prospect Chance Sisco, this is your piece to read. Even if you do know something, then you should read it because you might learn something new.
School of Roch: Quick Wright update and MLB statement on U.S.-Cuban relations
You might have heard there was some big news concerning the U.S. and Cuba yesterday. Major League Baseball is keeping their eye on the situation. Phew!
Elsewhere on the SB Nation MLB network...
Royals sign Edinson Volquez to two-year deal - Royals Review
To everyone out there who is distressed about the Orioles lack of action this offseason, just look at the Royals and remember that not every move is a good move.
Safeco Field and the Yelp experience - Lookout Landing
Over on the Mariners blog, a look at Yelp as it applies to MLB stadiums. Basically you should probably never go to Yelp, ever. Or at least don't read the one-star reviews.
One lone former Oriole has a birthday today: Jeremy Accardo from the 2011 O's, who will not go down on my list of favorite Orioles relievers.
On this day a year ago, the Orioles traded Danny Valencia for David Lough and his abs. This is also the day in 2008 that the Orioles signed Mike Gonzalez, known on these parts occasionally as the Marlboro Man. Back in 2004, the Orioles signed Miguel Tejada to a six-year contract. I still have his jersey I optimistically purchased the next spring. It was a six year deal, I said. Surely that was a safe one to buy.
In a related story, the only other Orioles jersey I own is Nick Markakis.
And that's the way it is in Birdland on December 18 - or at least unless something happens. They might hire a hitting coach or something! Have a safe Thursday.