Thursday Bird Droppings: Where we're still celebrating All The Way Rey Navarro

Hello, friends.

We are now 32 games into this Orioles season and at the moment we find our favorite team, unfortunately, in the bottom of the American League East with their 15-17 record. They trail the division leading Yankees by only 4.5 games, which is the tightest first-to-last margin in any division in baseball. They're better off than the likes of the Brewers, 12 games back of the Cardinals. Is that much consolation? Eh.

Last night, at least, was fun. Make sure not to miss Stacey's recap and celebration of All The Way Rey Navarro, and don't forget to vote in the MBP poll either, because Navarro needs your support against the godless heathens who vote for the starting pitcher every time.

Now let's get into some links from around Birdland on this Thursday...

The Orioles will pay employees for time missed due to unrest | For The Win
Some fans of a certain New England football team are trying to give real money to their billionaire owner to pay a $1 million fine. The Orioles' almost-billionaire owner is paying his game day staff for four games that didn't even happen. Kinda makes you proud to be an Orioles fan.

Baltimore Orioles create pet calendar - Baltimore Sun
You know what else is awesome? Orioles and their pets. This is a slideshow, just so you know, but it's worth it.

Jeremy Conn: Orioles Fans, Don’t Panic Just Yet " CBS Baltimore
If Jeremy Conn says not to panic, then by golly, nobody should be panicking.

Will Mike have the Wright stuff to help Orioles? | Comcast SportsNet Baltimore
In a lot of ways I think that this headline speaks for itself. I hope Mike Wright gets a nice debut and has a nice Orioles career.

Jim Henneman: Orioles Need To Give Kevin Gausman More Innings (Press Box)
I could not agree more with Mr. Henneman. If only the Orioles would agree too. Maybe the Orioles could get around noticing that Gausman is a better choice for the rotation than Bud Norris.

Blue Jays sign Luke Scott to minor-league deal - Bluebird Banter
I guess he had enough of Korea? The Jays sure seem to love collecting former Orioles. While I enjoyed his time here when he was good, I can only wish him poor luck if he ever makes it to Toronto.

May 14 is the birthday of former Oriole Dennis Martinez. He was here from 1976-86. Did you know he came in fifth in the Cy Young voting in 1981? That was a strike-shortened season, so a 14-5 record looked pretty good.

If today is your birthday, first of all, happy birthday. You share the day with the likes of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Packers footballer Clay Matthews, longtime ESPNer Suzy Kolber, and actress Cate Blanchett.

And that's the way it is in Birdland on May 14 - or at least, unless something happens later. Have a safe Thursday.