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Matusz optioned to Triple-A Norfolk (with quotes) - MASN
"Go get better. It's pretty simple. Hopefully, it's not something other than what it is."
Orioles, J.J. Hardy Talking Contract Extension - SBNation.com
"The Orioles have a reasonably strong core of young pitching, but they're currently 35-42 and are a long way from proving they can hang with the big boys in the ultra-competitive A.L. East. It's not clear if re-signing Hardy would be the best decision, given that they would be buying high by signing him now - he's not nearly as good as his ultra-hot June suggests."
Mark Reynolds needs to step down to be a 30/-30 player - Camden Depot
"Mark Reynolds may be a butcher at third, but his bat covers for him. He may be worth more in left field or at first base. Reynolds played a little bit of left in the minors and does not seem exceptionally bad out there. His first base time in the Majors for Arizona looked quite poor. It might make most sense for the former shortstop to play some outfield. Of course, this means we need a new third baseman and I do not see that available in the system for next year. Perhaps the best course of action is to put up with his poor defense as long as he is getting his walks and hitting home runs."
Where did you go, Mike Schmidt? - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
"That's why you could make an argument that Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy should start at third base for the American League. No, I'm not seriously suggesting this as a solution -- I'm merely taking an A.L. shortstop, one who we've been overlooking all season and pointing out that his offensive numbers could put him at the top of the third-base list."
Angelos law firm won $495 million in Exxon case; Will Orioles owner spend it on his team? - Baltimore Sun
"What are the chances Angelos will use some of his commission to sign a big-name free agent this winter? OK, slim to none -- we are talking about Peter Angelos and the Orioles here -- but fans can hope, right?"
June 30, 2009: A Night to Remember - MASNSports.com
Stacey walks us down Birdland Day memory lane and shows people the reason for the season.