Tuesday Bird Droppings

Leading off with some news to make you feel better about the plight of the O's:

Pirates unmoved by record 17th losing season
With the final out yesterday afternoon at PNC Park -- a Lastings Milledge flyout that ended a 4-2 flattening by the Chicago Cubs -- the once-proud Pittsburgh Baseball Club recorded its annually anticipated 82nd loss and clinched a 17th consecutive losing season, the longest such streak in the history of North America's four major professional sports.

O's won't see Dice-K | The Japan Times Online
Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Sunday Daisuke Matsuzaka will make one more minor league rehab start on Wednesday before he rejoins the fold. Matsuzaka was initially supposed to re-join the rotation for the Red Sox's game against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

Streaky Roberts stays on even keel -- baltimoresun.com
Brian Roberts talks about being a leader, fans expectations, and being the old man on the team.

Wieters! - MASNsports.com
He throws harder than Pudge Rodriguez, because he's supernatural.

Vote Nick Markakis Man of the Year! | MLB.com
Nick Markakis is great and all, but man of the year? And A-Rod is also on the ballot? I don't know, man. 

Senators Wash Out Baysox in 2009 Finale - baysox.com
The Baysox lost 4-2 in their season finale, but Josh Bell hit his 9th home run in just 33 games with Bowie. 

Carroll County Times: Westminster, Maryland
"It’s a great thing for the Orioles," Frederick manager Richie Hebner said in a phone interview. "The MVP and the best pitcher in the Carolina League [both] belong to the Baltimore Orioles."

For Shorebirds, a season of developments | delmarvanow.com
"One of the goals was to teach the guys how to play the game with a winning attitude, while being a professional and representing the uniform of the Baltimore Orioles with respect and pride."

O's farmhand Avery hoping to post Carl Crawford-like numbers - Carroll County Times
"I’m striving to be a .300 hitter in the big leagues when I make it there and to steal over 50 [bases] a year," Xavier Avery said. "The Orioles are bringing up a lot of young guys, getting them ready for down the road and I want to be a part of down the road," Avery continued. "I want to be a part of that group of young guys. I’m trying to make it as fast as I can."

This is your Open Thread.