Friday Bird Droppings

Oh, did you think something would happen overnight? Not this time. While it's true that the much ballyhooed Winter Meetings are often overrated in terms of hot stove activity, this time of the year is painfully slow without all the bells and whistles...unless you're into minor league free agent signings.

Stchool of Roch: Left-handed relief a priority for Orioles

Backup catchers, lefty relievers...now is the honey badger's time to shine!

Orioles-Royals intrigue must wait until August | Comcast SportsNet Baltimore Eager to see the Royals get their comeuppance? Rich Dubroff has the details.

Tigers open 50th year at Joker Marchant vs. Orioles | tigers.com
The Tigers released their Spring Training schedule, and they're opening against the O's. As a side note, Joker Marchant is a great name.

Each team's worst position, Part 2 - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
Again, Schoop is singled out for his OBP issues, but the breakout potential is there...even if we're talking about a more modest breakout.

Six Cost-Effective MLB Free Agent Targets | SportsonEarth.com : Anthony Castrovince Article
In some of these cases, I think "cost effective" may be relative, but...what do you think? Is Alex Rios a guy the O's might look at? Asdrubal Cabrera?

On this day in 2011, Suk-Min Yoon was named MVP of the KBO. He led the league in wins, strikeouts and ERA.

It's the birthday of Kris Benson and Bob Hale. It's also the birthday of non-O Edward "The Only" Nolan who I mention for obvious reasons.