Monday Bird Droppings: Basking in the goodness of a sweep-induced haze

Was this past weekend's series sweep of the Rays a defining moment for the 2016 Orioles? I think I recall hearing somewhere that every season has its defining moments...if not, it was a great showcase for what the team's all about. Homers raining down from on high with no quarter given and...other stuff too, I'm sure.

The Orioles will head out to San Diego this week for a pair of games followed by a series in Seattle and a series in Chavez Ravine. If ever there was a test of this team's power, this would be it.

Baltimore Orioles send message to AL East with sweep of Tampa Bay Rays - Baltimore Orioles- ESPN
"Finally armed with almost a full complement of healthy players, the Orioles swept the Rays and climbed to a four-game lead in the AL East."

Orioles option LHP Ashur Tolliver to Triple-A Norfolk | orioles.com
...and so it goes, though. I have a hunch he'll be back.

Will The Orioles Offer Wieters a Multi-Year Contract? - Baltimore Sports and Life Does your answer to this question differ from the answer you gave Opening Day?

Camden Depot: Why The Orioles Should Trade For Nolasco No, this is not a leftover from Fantasy Friday.

Orioles minor leaguer Xavier Avery makes catch-of-the-year candidate (video) - Baltimore Sun Pretty sweet grab.

On this day in 1970, Frank Robinson hit the only grand slams he'd hit for the O's in a 12-2 whipping of the Senators. In 1983, Storm Davis had a no hit bid broken up in the ninth on a pinch hit homer, but the O's held on to win 3-1 over the Tigers.

It's the birthday of fan favorite Jeff Conine and former closer Jim Johnson. Oscar Salazar, Nelson Simmons and Ricky Gutierrez also celebrate birthdays today.