Friday Bird Droppings

The O's return home with great fanfare (see below) after a successful, if exhausting road trip. They've handled their early season gauntlet with pluck, but now's no time to let up

Big sporting weekend ahead with the Wizards returning to playoff action, UFC 172 in Baltimore and Liverpool v. Chelsea...whaddya know, folks?

Manny Machado could join the Orioles as soon as next weekend | HardballTalk
On one hand, I can't wait...but I'm willing to wait for 100% healthy Manny. You can check out Manny in Frederick this weekend.

Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher accused of rape | Sports - WBAL Home
Oh, Alfredo...

Rousey to throw first pitch at Orioles game - Sportsnet.ca
It's also student discount night and there will be fireworks after tonight's game...if that's not enough for you, fireballing phenom Yordano Ventura gets the start for the Royals.

School of Roch: This, that and the other
Roch contemplates what Manny's return means for the lineup and the roster...and more!

Webb emerges as standout in O's bullpen | orioles.com: News
Webb for closer?

Baltimore Orioles: David Lough Could Be Special If he Starts Hitting
Uhhh...let's get that OBP into the .300s, then we can talk...

Best players to not make an All-Star team - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
O's galore!

Orioles Minor League Spotlight: Christian Walker, Buck Britton
"Baysox first baseman Christian Walker and second baseman Buck Britton each rank first or second on the team in hits, home runs and runs scored."

On this day in 1962, catcher Harry Chiti (father of O's bullpen coach Dom) was traded for himself.

It's the birthday of Robert Andino, Keys pitching coach Blaine Beatty and Darren Holmes.