Friday Bird Droppings: Ain't that a kick in the head?

The Orioles have now lost three straight, are 7-7 since the All Star Break and head to Toronto a game and a half up on the division's other birds. I don't think I'm being overly dramatic when I say that with the non-waiver trade deadline looming, the O's are in high stakes territory, but I'll concede that it's a remote possibility. Of their remaining 61 games, the Orioles are scheduled to play only 16 against teams with losing records and they play 33 games on the road (and if I'm really complaining about the schedule, I'll add to that the fact that yesterday's game was the second, one-off road makeup game this season on what would have been an off day).

It's certainly a shame to see the O's lose some of these games where they've been getting solid starts, but the offense's inability to plate runs in the last few weeks is unsettling. Here's to better times.

Jimenez allows one run, but bullpen falters in loss to Twins - Steve Melewski
Ubaldo Jimenez + Odrisamer Despaigne + Chaz Roe is not exactly a combination that inspires fear in opposing lineups, though Ubaldo held his own yesterday.

Urrutia outrighted to Bowie; does he have a future with Orioles? | CSN Mid-Atlantic
Henry Urrutia cleared waivers and had to accept his assignment to Bowie. Hang in there, buddy.

Pleskoff Scouting Report Chance Sisco - Today's Knuckleball
"Chance Sisco is a good left-handed hitting catcher. His batting average has been his most advanced tool in his professional career..."

Cody Sedlock ranked top Orioles prospect | orioles.com
Many others new faces appear on this list. Draw what conclusions you will.

On this day in 1988, the Orioles traded Mike Boddicker to the Red Sox for Brady Anderson and Curt Schilling. Cal Ripken Jr. was inducted into the Hall of Fame on this day in 2007 and on July 29, 2010, the Orioles hired Buck Showalter to manage the club.