Monday Bird Droppings: Where the Orioles first half is mercifully put to rest

Splitting with the Twins on the road isn't exactly limping into the All Star Break, but nobody's popping corks at 42-46, either. The Orioles are still only four games out in the wild card hunt, but sure don't look like a team capable making noise in the playoffs at this point. Can Mark Trumbo sustain his recent breakout? Is Jonathan Schoop really, really for real? Will anyone in the rotation step up for a meaningful timeframe?

Top MLB prospects dominate in Futures Game | MLB.com
Chance Sisco sure loves the Futures Game.

A few thoughts on the first half - School of Roch
"When does four games below .500 at the All-Star break feel like a positive development"

Camden Depot: He Hasn't Done Nothing Have you thought about Adam Brett Walker? Camden Depot does the thinking for all of us.

Baltimore Orioles: Thinking About 2018 & 2019 - Baltimore Sports and Life If you want more to ponder about future Orioles teams, Chris Stoner provides the fodder.

On this day in in 1968, the Orioles fired Hank Bauer as manager. The Orioles were 43-37. In 2010, Josh Bell, Destroyer of Worlds, and the Orioles ruined Cliff Lee's Rangers debut.

Buddy Groom, mainstay of the early aughts O's bullpen turns 52 today,Johnny Giavotella turns 30. Marty Cordova and Julion Manon also celebrate birthdays.