In case you were paying no attention to anything last night, there were two big baseball events. The first was Ken Griffey, Jr.'s announcement that he is retiring. It was only a matter of time as the Kid had become an old, broken down man. Even though watching Griffey over the past few years was sad, I'm also sad to see him go. I was ten years old when Griffey debuted so I've really never known baseball without him. Check out MLB.com's story on his retirement, it has a lot of good video of the Kid in his glory days.
The other story of last night was of course the blown call by Jim Joyce to take away Armando Galarraga's perfect game. If you haven't heard it yet, here is audio of Joyce's post game interview. Hard not to feel bad for the guy. Galarraga called into Baseball Tonight and was just as gracious as could be about Joyce's mistake, saying sincerely, "Nobody is perfect." Really just a sad story all around. And because I never pass up an opportunity to link to Joe Posnanski, here are his thoughts on the game.
As for goings on in our organization, let's focus on the minors, shall we? Because the Orioles are depressing as hell.
The Shorebirds won 8-3 over the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Keys won 3-2 on Billy Rowell's walk off RBI single, the Baysox won 8-5 with help from Tyler Henson, who hit a double and a home run, and the Tides lost 5-4 behind Troy Patton.
Arrieta: "I feel like I'm 100% ready."
Jake Arrieta and Steve Melewski make the case for the prospect's promotion. -Stacey
Orioles Insider: Scouts talk about Brandon Snyder
The scouting sessions continue at Orioles Insider with some sobering opinions on Brandon Snyder. -Stacey
Keys Outfield Avery Working Hard to Race Up Orioles Ladder | MiLB.com News
Just a puff piece on Xavier Avery by MiLB.com, but an enjoyable read about the young O's prospect. -Stacey
Checking in With the Farm Clubs - Low Minors
Dempsey's Army gives his observations on a number of players on the Shorebirds and Keys, and includes lots of good video of the guys. -Stacey
Orioles rumored to be going after a "top player" internationally
Baseball America is reporting that the Orioles are ready to step up their overseas spending and go after a top player. Let's hope. -Stacey
I guess if you really want to read about the "major league" team, here are some stories. But you'll have to click through the jump.
Recaps! You can read all the gory details of last night's loss from the Baltimore Sun, the Associated Press, and the Star-Ledger.
Orioles Insider: A scout's differing opinion on Matusz
An anonymous scout says not so nice things about our golden boy. A #3 starter at best. -Stacey
Daniel Robert Sullivan - EYE WEEKLY
Not really baseball related, but it turns out a number of Orioles, led by Jeremy Guthrie, just love going to see Jersey Boys in Toronto when they're in town. Ok. -Stacey
The Schmuck Stops Here: Eventful night
Does Schmuck read CC? PBR in the Gamethread, 6:06pm: Near Perfect Game Ken Griffey Jr retires Stanley Cup French Open Dave Trembley gets fired? Schmuck at 8:58pm: My friend Danny Knobler of CBSsports.com pointed out a couple of minutes ago that today would have been a perfect day if the Orioles had wanted to get some bad news out of the way under the cover of more important stories around the major leagues. -zk
CC eager to snap out of funk vs. O's | MLB.com: News
Hey, MLB.com? F you. -zk
Roberts targets June 10 for infield rehab | MLB.com: News
With notes on DH and Chad Moeller. -zk
Another suggestion Dave Trembley's time with Orioles could be limited - Daily Pitch - USATODAY.com
This passes for news? USA Today notices that Peter Schmuck wrote "when" and not "if". -zk