Off-Season O of the Day: Melvin Mora (© Andrew Markowitz)
Markakises to be honored at 'Babe's Birthday Bash' - baltimoresun.com
The plural of Markakis is funny. Anyway, Nick and his wife Christina will be honored for their charitable contributions to the community on Friday, February 5th. That's my birthday, so if anyone wants to buy me some tickets I'd be happy to celebrate my birthday by celebrating the Babe's birthday ;-) -Stacey
Ryan Minor's side of the story
We all remember the night Cal Ripken sat down after 2632 consecutive games, but I've never heard it from Ryan Minor's POV. It was a heck of a night for the rookie. -Stacey
Interest remains in Delgado
The Orioles are sending scouts to check out Carlos Delgado in Puerto Rico. Other players being looked at are Hank Blalock, Adam LaRoche, Russell Branyan, and Chad Tracy. -Stacey
How Denny Hocking ended up with the O's
"A friendship with a member of the O's public relations department and a Little League coaching dispute have combined to lead former Twin Denny Hocking to the Orioles organization." -duck
Bob McCrory, in pain and without a job
Steve Melewski sheds some light on the difficult side of the business of baseball, when players can't find work. Bob McCrory thought he would be pain-free and a member of the Red Sox by now, and instead, he's heading to Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion, still in pain and an out-of-work minor-league free agent after Boston rescinded their offer. -duck
Homespun Orioles a growing threat in AL East - Yahoo! Sports
Great article on the O's young talent, Andy MacPhail's mindset, and the challenge of playing in the AL East. -Stacey
MLB pitcher unharmed in kidnapping attempt - FOX Sports on MSN
Another kidnapping! If I become a baseball player I'm just going to stay in my gated community, thanks. -Stacey
Hot Stove from around the majors...The Astros have signed Brett Myers to a one year deal for $5M, the Mariners extended Franklin Gutierrez for four years, $20.5M, the Royals continue to make weird moves by giving Scott Podsednik a one year contract, and the Blue Jays are throwing their hat into the Aroldis Chapman ring by offering the young man $23M.
Oh, Open Thread. I'm gettin' kinda fond of you, kid. Not that I wanna pick out curtains or anything.