Hello, friends.
It doesn't get much better than the Orioles pulling off a blowout in the rain while hitting a bunch of home runs, does it? Oh, sure, they only beat the Twins, who are really bad. The Twins haven't even won ten games yet this year! But it's progress compared to last year, when the Orioles didn't beat the Twins at all. If you missed yesterday's game, check out my recap to catch up on what you missed.
Unfortunately for the O's, the Red Sox just keep on winning, too. They've now dropped 10+ runs in three straight games in which they beat the Athletics. So the virtual tie atop the AL East remains - the Orioles ahead by mere percentage points only because they're ahead in the loss column.
Boston next plays Houston, whose record is just as bad as Oakland's. It seems like they've been playing terrible baseball teams for the last three weeks. When do we get our turn? Then again, we did just play the Twins, and next up is the Tigers, who haven't been doing so well lately. Check back later this morning for Stacey's preview of the series.
Around the blogO'sphere
Wrapping up a 9-2 win - School of Roch
There's a hot take going around that the Orioles are hitting a lot of home runs in cold, rainy weather, and therefore when the weather gets hot, they'll be hitting even MORE home runs.
Orioles players, ownership amicably resolved doubleheader dilemma - Baltimore Sun
The Orioles players wanted to have a single admission doubleheader to make up their game with the Rays - but after they met with ownership, they agreed on a split one instead to let the O's get two weekend gates in the summer. Hooray for compromise!
Orioles prospect David Hess succeeding with more than just his fastball - Baltimore Sun
Steve Melewski had better watch out. There's a new prospect lover on the Orioles beat. Here, Jon Meoli profiles Bowie's David Hess, for whom I must admit I'm harboring some hopes as well.
What Hector Neris Might Teach Brad Brach | FanGraphs Baseball
Any day Jeff Sullivan has been writing about the Orioles is a good day. Jeff thinks Brad Brach might do well to throw his splitter more often - and he lays out his case for why.
MLB Investigating Red Sox' International Signings - MLB Trade Rumors
Much like their fellow Massachusetts-based professional team, it seems the Red Sox philosophy is to cheat until you get caught, and then, after they catch you, cheat some more.
Birthdays and anniversaries
Of all the players to ever play for the Orioles, there are three with birthdays today. They are: Evan "Rhymes With" Meek, Kevin Bass (1995 Orioles), and Joe Nolan (1983-85).
Along with those former Orioles, your birthday buddies for today include: Treaty of Versailles opponent Senator Henry Cabot Lodge (1850), Holocaust survivor and father of Anne, Otto Frank (1889), Mary Kay founder Mary Kay Ash (1918), baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra (1925), funny man George Carlin (1937), skateboarder Tony Hawk (1968), and current Star Wars bad guy Domhnall Gleeson (1983).
On this day in history...
In 907, Emperor Ai of Tang China was forced to abdicate his throne, ending three centuries of Tang dynasty rule.
In 1797, in the War of the First Coalition, Napoleon conquered Venice.
In 1932, the son of Charles Lindbergh was found dead in Hopewell, New Jersey, ten weeks after having been abducted.
In 1949, the Soviet Union lifted its blockade of Berlin.
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And that's the way it is in Birdland on May 12 - or at least, until something happens later. Have a safe Thursday. Go Orioles!