MOD NOTE FROM DUCK: Before we get into the Orioles news, let me issue a qualified mea culpa to MASN about Tuesday's broadcast. According to MASN, the problem lay solely with DirecTv. Here's the official MASN response from Tuesday during the game:
Because of the large number of live sporting events taking place simultaneously, DirecTVis having capacity limitations with its carriage of MASN2 HD. DirecTV customers can still watch the Orioles game live on MASN2 SD, in standard definition, on channel 641.
The game is being transmitted in HD across all of MASN's other affiliates. We regret the inconvenience this causes to Orioles fans and to MASN's DirecTV viewers. If you have additional questions, please contact DirecTV directly at 1-800-DIRECTV (347-3288)
Last night's game was broadcast on DirecTv in glorious HD (because really, is there any other kind?), and there was much happiness across the land.
And MASN's Opening Night numbers were rather impressive, as we noted in yesterday's BD. More than 105,000 viewers watch the O's-Rays game, scoring a 6.9 rating, beating out "Lost" in Baltimore. Damn. Even the Nats opener showed a strong ratings increase. And I'm not just saying nice things because they are hosting Blogger's Day Sunday. Really. I promise. And I still say you don't make a promise of every game in HD unless you have locked down a carriage agreement with all your major carriers. But I'll happily take 161 games in HD. Now, onto the news...
Game recaps from last night's win can be found here (Roch), here (Zrebiec), here (Ghiroli), here (USA Today), and here (TampaBay.com)
IT'S THE HOME OPENER! Here's the Orioles page at The Sun, the updated schedule of events today at OPaCY, Dan Connolly's conversation starter, and an MLB.com piece on Brad Bergesen getting the home OD start.
Trembley talks with Reimold about his role - baltimoresun.com
Orioles manager Dave Trembley met with Nolan Reimold before Thursday's game to clear up confusion the young outfielder may have had about his role with the club. Apparently, he's the one that has to get the bullpen Chinese carryout in the 7th inning. -duck
Orioles Insider: Baysox catcher Joseph hopes to focus on 'D' in 2010
Caleb Josephmay not be the starting catcher for the O's any year soon, but he's focusing on his defense this year. -duck
The Toy Department: Catching Up With ... former Oriole Mike Boddicker
Rod Carew once said "I feed my dogs better stuff than Boddicker throws," but he stands as the last Oriole to win 20 games. -duck
O's To Donate Money To Haitian Relief Efforts - WBOC-TV 16
"The Orioles have announced that the Haitian Relief Fundraiser that was held at FanFest in January raised $65,000. The money was raised through a silent auction, memorabilia sale and fan donations. The team will donate the money to three separate organizations to help the recovery efforts in Haiti, which was struck by a massive earthquake in January. " -duck
Blue Jays-Orioles Preview - STATS Editor
In case you hadn't heard, Vernon Wells is starting to hit again. That can't be good. -duck
Bergesen poised for return in Orioles home opener - USATODAY.com
Brad Bergesen's parents will be in attendance today, and he wants to pitch well. What kid doesn't want to win for his mom? Go get 'em, Brad! -duck
Now healthy, Bergesen ready for debut - baltimoresun.com
And not only is Brad stoked to pitch for his mom and dad. but he actually feels OK, too. -duck
Blue Jays, Orioles renew division rivalry | MLB.com: News
"The Orioles and Blue Jaysbegin their division rivalry Friday in the first game of a three-game set at Camden Yards." Spencer Fordin sighting! -duck
Roberts not concerned about slow start | MLB.com: News
Brian Roberts said on Thursday that despite his slow start, his back is fine, and there's no question he'll be on field on Friday for the Camden Yards opener. -duck
Orioles’ future bright | Mike Rutsey | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
And yet ANOTHER out-of-town story about how the O's could be good this year. I have a feeling we'll get one of these at the beginning of every series for a while to come. -duck
LAST NIGHT IN THE MINORS: the Tides edged on opening night, 5-3, The Baysox were winning 1-0 when the game was suspended, The Keys were rained out and Shorebirds lost 5-4 to Greenville. And check out James F's run-down of all things minor leagues for the O's last night.