Friday Bird Droppings: The Orioles take a trip to KC

After the Battle of the Beltways finale was washed out, the Orioles headed to Kansas City for a weekend series against the Royals. These are not the villainous scoundrels of 2014. The Royals are luxuriating in the AL Central basement with a 13-21 record. Danny Duffy and Dylan Bundy match up for the series opener.

Orioles left with another opposing southpaw - School of Roch
"When the Royals’ Danny Duffy toes the rubber tonight, the Orioles will be facing their 15th lefty in the first 34 games."

High Heat Stats: Marquis Matchup – Nats vs. Orioles A statistical look back on the Battle of the Beltways.

The Ringer: The Secret to Success for MLB's Seven Unexpected Winners Another in a long line of, "Hey, how do these guys do this?" articles, this one from long time Baseball Prospectus, Grantland contributor Ben Lindbergh.

Are We Missing the Boat on the Yips? – The Hardball Times A fascinating, frustrating subject.

Camden Depot: Pedro Alvarez - A Pleasant Surprise in Right Field Pedro Alvarez is holding his own in the field...I know. I'm as surprised as you are.

On this day in 2012, the Tampa Bay Rays gifted Brian Matusz and the Orioles a 5-3 win. The Rays committed five errors, walked five batters and gave up a home run to Bill Hall.

Kevin Bass, Joe Nolan and Evan Meek celebrate birthdays today.