Friday Bird Droppings

Despite the disastrous Gausmas, missing Strasburg and Harper's injury, I think you still have to be pretty pleased taking 3 out of 4 from the Nats. The Birds have now gone 7-3 since their six game losing streak. The Tigers come to town for a weekend series and will open with Max Scherzer tonight and Justin Verlander tomorrow.

What else is going on this weekend, folks? French Open action? Winter sports playoffs? Magic-heist movies? Let's talk.

Jim Johnson continues to work on redemption | Comcast SportsNet Baltimore So, Birdland...are we feeling better about old young JJ today?

School of Roch: Some striking numbers More than a few interesting nuggets here.

Cal Ripken Talks Orioles, Beer And Bringing Glasses To Children Who Need Them | ThePostGame I don't think I've ever seen Cal Ripken and beer discussed in such close proximity.

Sizing up the last month in the AL races. | SportsonEarth.com : Jonathan Bernhardt Article Where we at?

Redheads in baseball: Why aren’t there more? | Big League Stew - Yahoo! Sports Gingers: the new market inefficiency.

The Lyle Overbay Theory of Prospect Expectations - Baseball Nation A brief discussion on perspective.

Shut ‘em out, hit a home run: "Pappas games" Unsustainable!

On this day in 1963, Milt Pappas did NOT have a "Pappas Game." In a lineup featuring Jim Gentile, Boog Powell and Brooks Robinson, only light hitting second baseman Jerry Adair could muster two hits in the Orioles' 7-4 loss to the Angels. Dick Hall pitched 3.2 innings of shutout relief.

It's the birthday of former owner Edward Bennett Williams, Tippy Martinez and Joe Orsulak.