Monday Bird Droppings

After a frustrating series in Tampa, the Orioles head to Fenway Park for the final time this season. Talk about contrasts: the soulless Trop with its catwalks, dome and artificial turf; Fenway, rich in history and character. However static Fenway may be through the years, though, this Red Sox team is pretty different than the one the O's faced in July. These Red Sox are mired in last place, eliminated and playing for pride. How marvelous. May the Cruz missiles continue to fly.

School of Roch: Cruz, Hundley, Showalter and Norris following 7-5, 11-inning win
Notes and such.

Cruz's power swing very much in control - Stats & Info Blog - ESPN
Yesterday's performance was quite a thing to behold.

After a long journey, Steve Pearce finally catching on with the Orioles - MLB - SI.com
Some national ink for the dean of #TeamSteve.

Showalter continues not to overuse pitchers | Comcast SportsNet Baltimore That's one way of putting it...

Camden Depot: Postseason Roster Crunch: The Pitching Staff Who should stick?

Whether it's starting or in relief, Kevin Gausman ready for playoff role - baltimoresun.com Also, more on the balky back of J.J. Hardy...

On this day in 2012, the Orioles defeated the Yankees to claim a share of first place in the AL East, but lost Nick Markakis in the process. Markakis suffered a broken thumb when C.C. Sabathia hit him.

Happy birthday to Nick Hundley. It's also the birthday of Don Aase, Al Pardo, George Werley and Lou Sleater (a Mt. St. Joe's, Towson AND College Park man!).