Friday Bird Droppings: Where the Orioles are almost done

The Orioles are in a tight bunch with their fellow also rans in the division as they open up a three game series in Tampa's Great Mausoleum. Most things haven't worked out for the O's this year, but I guess Tim Beckham will relish the opportunity to show the folks in Tampa what's what. Of course, Beckham isn't the only good story for the 2017 O's.  Schoop's been great. Mancini's established himself as a viable major league ballplayer...but then there's Trumbo and Davis. And the starting pitchers. Oof. The front office has its work cut out for it this offseason.

What are your hopes and fears for the coming offseason?

Orioles face option decision on left-hander Wade Miley, a known but frustrating quantity - Baltimore Sun Doesn't seem like a tough call even at possibly the fourth time I've posted an article on this subject. That Miley would consider coming back even if the O's declined his option, is something I hadn't thought of.

The O's farm report: A take from Baseball America's John Manuel - Steve Melewski
The O's system is not quite a top ten system, but looks a lot better than it did at this point last season.

PressBox: Chance Sisco adapts to MLB Rich Dubroff on Sisco's cup of coffee.

Fangraphs: How this year's best stack up Jeff Sullivan on...aw, heck. It's Jeff Sullivan. Just read it, okay?

On this day in 1953, MLB announced the sale of the Browns to a Baltimore-based ownership group.A Manny Machado homer on this day in 2012 sealed an Orioles win over the Red Sox.

It's the birthday of Craig Lefferts and Big Calvin Pickering.