Tuesday Bird Droppings

With high probabilities of heavy rain in the forecast for the next two days, Birdland could be looking at two consecutive washouts. I wonder if Thursday could see some double-header action, as the O's and Buccos share a common off-day. The Pirates only have to travel up to Toronto for a weekend series, while the O's have to venture to the Twin Cities. Certainly do-able. Time will tell.

After nearly a month, Orioles have mixed reviews for baseball's new replay system - baltimoresun.com
Though certainly not perfect, the new system seems to be working quite well thus far.

Analyzing OBP: O's Outfield " Baltimore Sports and Life
Shocking findings: the O's outfielders are quite aggressive at the plate.

Baseball Prospectus | Notes from the Field: April 29, 2014
Including reports on Bowie's Zach Davies and former 1st round pick Matt Hobgood.

How Ervin Santana Made Himself Complete | FanGraphs Baseball

O's links be sparse this morn, so read up on a theory as to the early season success of one-time Charm City courtee, Erv.

Awful Announcing reader poll ranks the local announcers by awfulness | HardballTalk

A strong showing for 3DG & 'Cakes. (Note: I did get a Norton notification when clicking on the link that directs to AwfulAnnouncing, which stated there may be some suspicious activity going on. So practice safe interneting!)

Today marks the birthdate of a number of former O's: Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio, current Rangers Manager Ron Washington, Rick Burleson, and Omir Santos.

On this date in 1902, old-timey O John McGraw is hit by 5 pitches yet prevented from ever taking 1st base by the umpire. Upon the 5th beaning McGraw protests by sitting down in the batter's box and refusing to move. He would later be suspended for 5 games. In 1988, the miserable record 21 game losing streak to open the season ends for the Birds.

Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your Open Thread.
He told me enough! He told me you killed him!
No. I am your Open Thread.