Wednesday Bird Droppings

School of Roch: More from Duquette and another rumor
That Roch doesn't instantly dismiss the Cruz rumor is...disconcerting.

How about Bud Norris as a closer? - baltimoresun.com

How about 'anyone'? Except perhaps O'Day. He should probably be used in the highest leverage situations, not just in the 9th inning.

Baltimore Orioles must do a lot more than trade Jim Johnson this winter - MLB - ESPN

Szym is not impressed with the O's current efforts thus far in this In$ider article.

Trade Central: Orioles Ship Closer Jim Johnson To Athletics - BaseballAmerica.com

Baseball America looks at the JJ for JW trade.

Camden Depot: On Jim Johnson and Jemile Weeks

The Depot's take on the swap.

The A's bizarre fascination with $11 million reliever Jim Johnson - Baseball Nation

Brisbee wonders just what Billy Beane is up to with this trade.

The Case of the Proven Closer and the Moneyball A’s | FanGraphs Baseball

Attempting to unravel the ticks that tock inside the mind of Billy Beane.

Corey Hart cleared for baseball activities | HardballTalk

Possible O's target?

Today is the birthdate of former O's Stan Jefferson, Lee Smith, and old timey HOFer Jesse Burkett. On this date in 1968 the O's traded for future Cy Young award winner Mike Cuellar. In 1974, the O's snag Ken Singleton and Mike Torrez from the Expos for Dave McNally and some other players. In 1976 Brooks Robinson's strangle hold on the AL 3B Gold Glove Award comes to an end after 16 consecutive seasons. In 1988 EDDIE! EDDIE! is traded away to the Dodgers in one of the more disappointing and frustrating trades the O's have ever made.