Duck is on vacation for...I don't know, a million years, so it'll be me doing the Bird Droppings from now until I die. You should know in advance that I'm very bad at getting up early. I'll try to do it though, for you. That's how much you mean to me.
Recaps! I don't know why you'd possibly need more than the gem written by Eat More Esskay, but if you do, check out MLB.com, The Baltimore Sun, and The Chicago Tribune.
Z on TV: Buck Showalter: A TV ratings magnet for MASN?
"The Orioles, which were averaging a 3.3 household rating in the Baltimore market prior to Showalter's arrival, surged to a 4.5 rating for the three games they won this week. And the ratings jumped to 5.6 Thursday for the game that gave Baltimore a sweep of its series with the Los Angeles Angels." Z on TV goes on to mention that means the O's outdrew any broadcast TV show during the same time period. (duck clipped this one, but let me add that since Showalter's arrival, our traffic has seen a significant bump as well. Buck rocks. -Stacey)
Home run robbed by amazing Spider-Man-like catch - MSNBC video
From the Japanese leagues - it's a pretty amazing wall climb and catch.
Steve Melewski: Adam Jones on outfield positioning
Jones said anyone feeling that he positions himself where only he wants and ignores input from his manager or coaches is just wrong. "That's very wrong. I'm not insubordinate. If they want me to play at the wall, I'll play the wall. I'm playing comfortable, where I feel going the back the wall is a good distance from me and coming in the infielders are a good distance from me."
Samuel being touted as Cito's successor, by Cito himself | Edmonton Sun
Cito Gaston wants Juan Samuel to be his successor in Toronto, which means a lot to Samuel. Hey Juan, I hate to have to be the one to tell you this, but Cito Sucks.
Orioles Insider: Josh Bell and Showalter meet
Buck tells Josh: "Drink your water, son, so that you can get yourself back out on the field and show me what you've got." Or something like that.
The Player The Mariners Are Losing For: Anthony Rendon
The Mariners also want Anthony Rendon. Back off, jerks.
Jim Gentile Walks Off a Champ, as Do Baltimore Orioles -- MLB FanHouse
Good for the O's, finally paying up on the $5K they owe Jim Gentile.
Baseball America | Orioles Land Narron, Bridwell
Details on the Connor Narron and Parker Bridwell signings, including the fact that both deals exceeded MLB's recommendations more than any other signing from this draft. Nice.
Minors Action
Steve Melewski: Not good news on Erbe
The Orioles did not get good news on right-hander Brandon Erbe. While O's president Andy MacPhail would not confirm exactly what was found during an MRA exam yesterday, Erbe's season is over and he is heading for further examination. "It's not good," one team official said.
Another Bumbry tries to make it to Baltimore
According to this guy, Steven Bumbry is having a fine season in Aberdeen. I don't know, when I look at his stats all I can see are those 124 Ks.
Tides' rally falls short at Louisville | PilotOnline.com
Down 8-0 after four, the Tides fought back but couldn't prevail. Losers: 8-7.
Fisher Cats crushed, 13-2
The Baysox dominated the Fisher Cats behind Rick Zagone, who pitched 7 innings and gave up 5 hits while striking out 7. It was just another night for Joe Mahoney as he hit his 7th home run on the year.
KEYS AND DASH SPLIT DOUBLE DIP | Frederick Keys News
The Keys took game one of the doubleheader, 6-2 and Winston-Salem Dash beat up on Cole McCurry en route to a 10-1 win. Not that he had any help from his defense, as only three of the ten runs he allowed were earned.
Jammers Complete Sweep Of Aberdeen
I'm sorry, IronBirds, but getting swept by a team called the Jamestown Jammers is just embarrass
Shorebirds Fall at Home, 9-6 - WBOC-TV 16
The Shorebirds are sad. They've now lost seven in a row and eleven of twelve.