Wednesday Bird Droppings: Where John Means is the truth

Good morning, Birdland!

The Orioles are fully on board the “Trey Mancini for All Star Game” bandwagon. That’s cool. He puts up the offensive numbers that most fans are familiar with, he’s a fan favorite, and seems like an all-around good guy. I would be more than OK with him donning the orange and black in Cleveland next month. But can we get some appreciation for the other guys on the team that may be just as worthy?

John Means has a legitimate shot at being Rookie of the Year? My guy’s ERA is under three, and he is repeatedly shutting down opposing lineups. That sounds All Star-worthy to me. Start a social media campaign for him!

Or how about Pedro Severino? He has been one of the better all-around catchers in the league this season, which may not be sexy, but it provides value. On top of that, he’s dealing with a pitching staff that has been downright pitiful at times. Give him some votes!

The Orioles are bad, but it doesn’t mean that all of their players are bad. Spread the love around. One of them is going to get the invite. The Birdland fanbase can get behind more than one player.

Links & Notes

Orioles considering options with Mancini - MLB.com
Mancini is a nice player, and he is the Orioles best hitter. But I’m not buying the talk from Mike Elias that he is truly interested in extending him. The team already has him under control through his age-30 season, and he’s a first base/DH type with poor defensive metrics. I have no problem with them keeping him for the remainder of this season. The team needs some sort of stability. But a contract extension would seem a bit strange.

Shorebirds Fall to Power, Still Clinch North - MiLB.com
Shoutout to the best team in minor league baseball, the Delmarva Shorebirds. The O’s South Atlantic League affiliate clinched the first half championship, which guarantees them a postseason spot no matter what happens in the second half of the year. If you are in the Salisbury/Ocean City area this summer, check these guys out!

Means grinds through five innings in 4-2 win - School of Roch
All of the quotes and reactions from the clubhouse following a rare Orioles win. You can also read about the 4-2 win over the Blue Jays here on Camden Chat if you’re into that kind of thing.

Alex Cobb set to have season-ending surgery on hip - Camden Chat
In case you missed it, a disappointing Orioles season got even more disappointing. Here’s hoping that Alex Cobb comes back fully healthy in Sarasota next spring!

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

Damon Buford, the son of Don Buford, turns 49 today. The younger Buford was born in Baltimore and played in 81 games for the Orioles between 1993 and 1995 before being traded to the Mets in the deal that landed the O’s Bobby Bonilla.

It is the 68th birthday of Dave Skaggs, a catcher in Charm City from 1977 until 1980. In those four partial seasons, Skaggs owned a .248/.311/.311 batting line before being purchases by the California Angles in 1980. He may be better known as the last Oriole to wear #8 before Cal Ripken Jr.

1884 - Hundreds of Orioles fans storm the field at Oriole Park during a game against the Louisville Eclipse because they are upset with the calls of umpire Jack Brennan. One man threatens to shoot the ump. The police intervene to clear the fans as Brennan is punched by a fan. Then he is taken to the home of outfielder Jim Clinton to escape before taking the next train out of Baltimore. The game ended in a 4-4 tie.

2004 - Both Barry Bonds and Rafael Palmeiro homer in a game between the Orioles and Giants. It is the third time in league history that two players with 500+ career home runs leave the park in the same game. Willie Mays and Ernie Banks achieved the feat in 1970, and Mays and Hank Aaron did it in 1971.