Monday Bird Droppings

Last night was disappointing, but no time to moan about what might have been. We've got Orioles baseball this morning, people! Look alive!

School of Roch: Looking back and ahead
Pre-game notes for our baseball brunch.

J.J. Hardy: Orioles’ lack of action on contract extension "just makes me curious" | HardballTalk
J.J. Hardy may be disappointed if he expects rapid action.

Patton will spend his rehab assignment at Norfolk | Comcast SportsNet Baltimore Seems like front office isn't exactly itching to get Troy Patton back in the mix, which may lead to speculation like...

Troy Patton's Suspension Could Mean He's Done With Baltimore Orioles
"Troy Patton has been an integral part of the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen since 2012, but that may be coming to an end. Here's why."

Tigers cut Alex Gonzalez - CBSSports.com
We can all agree, I think, that Steve Lombardozzi is no natural born world-shaker, but I'd still say the O's made out pretty well on this deal.

Sunday Notes: Blue Jays, Orioles, Mets, SABR BioProject | FanGraphs Baseball
Davis Laurila works the locker room for some tidbits on Dom Chiti, David Lough and Tommy Hunter.

Pitchers have good reason to throw sinkers more often. | SportsonEarth.com : Chris Cwik Article
"The sinker is on the rise. Use of the pitch, also called a two-seam fastball, has taken a step forward in recent seasons, both as a key component of organizational pitching philosophies, and as the preferred weapon behind some recent career revivals."

On this day in 1957, a game between the Orioles and the Washington Senators was interrupted due to a power outage. Your random boxscore for today comes from 1984,  in which the O's beat the Twins 5-3. Lenn Sakata was 2-4 in the leadoff role and Cal Ripken, Jr. drew three walks. Tippy Martinez picked up his first save of the season.

It's the birthday of Al Bumbry and Jesse Orosco. Ryan Adams, Ronny Paulino, Terry Tiffee and old time O's Wally Reinecker and Charlie Maisel also share today as a birthday.