Friday Bird Droppings

After going 1-7 versus the A.L. Central the over the last two series, I'm sure Buck and Co. are happy to move on to the A.L. West. The question is, so what? That the O's have, by winning percentage, the toughest remaining schedule in the league over the rest of the season is common knowledge, but while it seems like they should have been done for several times in the last month, no one is really seizing control of the wild card race. Do the O's deserve a wild card spot? Deserve's got nothing to do with it. Absorbing blows and living to fight another day just might do the trick.

School of Roch: More on Adam Jones' injury and a 5-3 loss (Jorge Rondon optioned)
Adam Jones seems okay and today's Dariel Alvarez head fake has turned in tomorrow's call up.

Paul Janish impresses after entering for Jones | orioles.com
Hey, remember Omar Quantanilla? Just asking.

Orioles consider asking for public money to upgrade Camden Yards, apocalypse threat level raised to "nigh" | Field of Schemes A little analysis from Neil DeMause.

Camden Depot: Is Miguel Gonzalez Broken? Probably?

What does the future hold for the Orioles? - Baltimore Sports and Life Dust of your crystal ball, people.

Orioles Prospect Ryan Mountcastle Takes Game to Next Level | Baseball Essential
It's certainly not time panic about D.J. Stewart, but 18 year old Ryan Mountcastle has had a nice pro debut.

On this day in 1961, Paul Richards, architect of the Orioles Way, managed his last game for the O's.

It's the birthday of Mike Torrez and Lou Piniella. Baltimore native Jay Witasick has a birthday today as does Ryan Hannaman, who you may remember as part of the bounty the O's received from the Giants for Sidney Ponson. No?