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Hello, friends.
We are now three games into the Orioles season and the O's are in sole possession of first place in the American League East. Sure, they couldn't sweep the Rays in the Opening Series, but as a very wise man once said, two out of three ain't bad. If the Orioles kept up that pace for the entire season, they'd win 108 games and go down as having probably the best regular season of the 21st century so far.
They won't keep up that pace, of course. That would be ridiculous. Still, it's a good start. Much better here than in the shoes of the Miami Marlins, who were swept in their first series while scoring three runs in three games.
It's the first off day of the year as the O's travel back to Baltimore, so here are some links to help pass part of your day...
Orioles introduce burger bar, soft taco stand at Camden Yards - The Washington Post
In case you didn't see it as some of the news trickled out over the last couple of days, there'll be some new concessions stuff at Oriole Park at Camden Yards this year. Are you hype for a taco stand?
Former Baltimore Orioles teammates Luis Matos, Jay Gibbons ready for Great Lakes Loons baptism | MLive.com
Turns out that a couple of former Orioles are now both going to be coaches for the Great Lake Loons of the Midwest League (Low-A), a Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate. Matos is the manager of the team, while Gibbons is the hitting coach.
Orioles remind fans of security, food rules | Sports - WBAL Home
There will be metal detectors at Camden Yards this season. Check out the new procedures and review the old ones before you head to the stadium on Friday or whenever else you might go.
School of Roch: Wrapping up a 2-0 loss
Roch runs down the O's shutout loss at the hands of the Rays on Wednesday night. Did you know that Jason Garcia had ten family members on hand for his major league debut? Aww. Too bad they didn't get to see a win - but at least Garcia didn't allow any runs.
And if you'll indulge me while I unleash a little bit of nerdery upon you...
The night is dark and full of errors: MLB teams as Game of Thrones characters - DRaysBay
With the new season of Game of Thrones beginning on Sunday evening, one of the writers at DRaysBay set out to compare each of the 30 MLB teams to a character from the show. If you enjoy this show, you should definitely check this out.
There are two former Orioles with birthdays today. Happy 31st to Adam Loewen, who is hopefully still dropping and driving, wherever he is. Also a happy 34th to Dennis Sarfate.
If today is your birthday, you also share it with people such as former Congressman and current TV pundit Joe Scarborough, television executive Jeff Zucker, and adult film star Jenna Jameson. Also actresses Kristen Stewart and Leighton Meester, as well as actor Dennis Quaid, who was once in a baseball movie, The Rookie, and other movies you might have seen. And sticking with our baseball theme, you also share a birthday with legendary baseball writer Peter Gammons.
And that's the way it is in Birdland on April 9 - at least, unless Dan Duquette decides to trade somebody on the off day. I'm not ruling anything out. Have a safe Thursday.