Thursday Bird Droppings

The Orioles season is over. There is still a lot of postseason ball to be played, but we now look forward to the off season, waiting eagerly to see what will happen with our O's to help or hinder them in the 2012 season. And guess what? The Red Sox are in the same boat.

By now you all know what happened in last night's game, but in case you were listening on the radio, to the away feed, or were at the game, check out Gary Thorne's call of Nolan Reimold's game tying hit and Robert Andino's game winning single. I love that man. THEY DID IT! THEY DID IT! THEY DID IT! And here is an awesome video of the O's score being shown at Tropicana Field as Evan Longoria is at bat just before his walk off home run. 

Orioles KO Red Sox with walkoff win | Orioles Hangout
That. Was. Amazing.

Andino talks about his game-winning hit against Boston | Steve Melewski
"To end the season like this and make Boston go home sad and crying, I'll take it all day. I've got no words for it. You saw Boston's faces."

Showalter speaks about "special" night | Roch Kubatko
"I was real proud of our fans, how many people hung around here through the rain delay. I don't think anybody thinks about what time it is right now. Really feel lucky to be able to sit there and watch that. Special."

Would free agent frenzy help O's to compete in 2012? | Daniel Moroz
The Orioles are in a position where becoming competitive via the free agent route isn't realistic. They need their young players to develop, getting the team to 80-85 wins themselves.

Another look at the GM situation (big meeting today) | Orioles Insider
This afternoon, Orioles owner Peter Angelos is scheduled to meet with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and manager Buck Showalter. The belief is that MacPhail will officially say he is stepping down from his post, which he has held since 2007. His contract expires at the end of October.

Blue Jays finish season at .500 | telegraphjournal.com
The Blue Jays have been the forgotten team of the AL East these past few weeks, but look at that! .500. 

Scutaro says cheering Sox fans confused him on basepaths | The Providence Journal
"I heard the screaming, but I don't know if it was their crowd or our crowd, so I don't know if he made the play or not," he said. "I just got a bad read. I should have just kept going." Here's a hint, Scoots: don't listen to the crowd, watch your third base coach. 

With an epic collapse many can’t comprehend, Red Sox add a sad chapter to their history | The Washington Post
Move over, Bucky Dent. Step aside, Bill Buckner. Make room, incredibly, for Jonathan Papelbon.

Red Sox dealing with a hurt for the ages | ESPN Boston
The Orioles, the last-place Orioles, carried on like a team that had champagne stashed in a clubhouse equipment room, with their manager, Buck Showalter, relishing a moment that back in spring he had described as one that drives him, beating the Red Sox.

Red Sox Bad September | Courant.com
No, a few verses of Sweet Caroline and a pink hat under the Christmas tree aren't going to cure this hurt.

Evan Longoria Is Friggin' Insane, or Rays Beat Yanks 8-7 And Advanced To Playoffs | DRaysBay
What a roller coaster ride. What an experience. I can't wait for playoff baseball, but I also don't think anything can come quite as close to perfection as this game.