Here are my picks for this weekend………..Browns 24, Ravens 13

And it wouldn’t surprise me if the Browns actually opened it up a bit. This secondary is in TROUBLE without C-Mac; and we will learn that Sunday. Flacco may have won at Miami; but that might as well have been a home game. This will be a REAL test.

William & Mary 31, Towson 17

If this was a road game; then sadly again I would have to pick a more lopsided score. I’m being favorable to Towson here since the game is at home.

Navy 30, Temple 20

Nice to have the Owls come to town when you’re trying to clinch bowl eligibility.

Let’s see what everyone else has to say……

Best of Thursday’s WNST Blogs:

Joe Flacco excited for first trip to Cleveland

Drew Forrester says Orioles not interested in Lowe

Casey Willett says Cameron ‘anticipates’ Terry playing Sunday

Alex Thomas picks Browns 23-17

RAVENS:The Official Site’s Mike Duffy

says Ngata pushing for Pro Bowl bid

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Ravens renew partnership with MedStar Health

The Official Site says rookie M. Smith knows injury to D. Williams could provide opportunity to ‘contribute’

The Official Site says Cameron ‘not going to overcook’ use of 2 QB’s

The Official Site announces canned food drive

Browns Official Site’s Steve King says Jamal ‘relishes’ opportunity to face Ravens

Browns Official Site’s Zac Jackson scouts Ravens-Browns

Browns Official Site’s Steve King says Rogers playing at ‘historic’ level

The Sun’s Ken Murray says T. Smith has always showed ‘resolve’

4 of 7 Sun writers picking Browns

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens need to get Flacco going, limit Cribbs, and control the ball

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Ravens continue to produce great LB’s

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Rolle not likely to return

The Sun remembers Ravens’ ’06 win in Cleveland

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Lewis has outgained McGahee since Ravens made move

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Flacco needs to develop ‘deep ball’The Sun’s Peter Schmuck

says Martin to IR; Hauschka signed off practice squad

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Rolle wants to play with McAlister hurt

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Wilcox, Gaither joined McAlister in missing practice

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Ravens really pleased with McKinney

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Rolle wore noncontact jersey in practice

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Terry returns to practice field

The Examiner’s Ron Snyder says punter Koch having strong season

The Examiner’s Steve Declue says Clayton, Heap must step up

Aaron Wilson says Suggs looking forward to matchup with J. Thomas

Aaron Wilson says McGahee, Ayanbadejo, Figurs, Terry, Walker limited in practice

The AP says CB Phillips re-signed to practice squad

Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Tony Grossi says Lewis wants more carries in Browns’ offense

Akron Beacon Journal’s Marla Ridenour says Browns more successful when Lewis gets more carries

ESPN.com’s John Clayton says game ‘must’ for Browns

ESPN.com’s John Clayton says Flacco appears to be ‘real deal’

3 of 5 ESPN Sunday Countdown analysts pick Browns

3 of 5 ESPN analysts (of those who have already picked) pick Browns

ESPN.com’s James Walker surprised Ravens fans don’t respect Browns at home

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Flacco playing well ‘all things considered’

Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager picks Browns 21-18

STATS INC. says Ravens haven’t won 3 straight since end of ‘06

SI’s “Dr. Z” has Ravens 19^th in power rankings

SI’s Peter King picks Browns 19-12

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer picks Browns 16-13

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:The Sun’s Jeff Barker

says beer, wine sales to be allowed in new suites

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says school wants to ‘control’ alcohol sales in suites

The Sun’s Jeff Barker wonders how queen’s trip to Byrd went

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Egekeze’s high school career long came in rain

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Portis still backup

The Sun’s Matt Bracken says QO coach Mencarini thinks Hawkins ‘comfortable’ with Maryland commitment

Washington Post’s Josh Barr says Hawkins has ‘comfort level’ with Maryland coaches

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Steffy will make Va Tech trip

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Ralph considered late night practice after Virginia loss

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Barnes’ surgery scheduled for yesterday

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Ralph talking straight with Terps

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Holt similar to Taylor, Glennon

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps more mature than ’05 team that faced Halloween incident

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps have 67 total bodies available to play

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Moten might not be able to replace Philistin

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Quince Orchard’s Hawkins commits to Terps (must subscribe)Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh

says Ralph ‘raises bar’ for Terps (must subscribe)Turtle Sports Report’s Seth Hoffman

says distance helped Hawkins pick Terps

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:The Sun’s Don Markus

says Vasquez appears to be ‘struggling’ to reach pre-surgery level

The Examiner’s Dylan Waugh says backcourt likely to have to ‘shoulder scoring load’

Terrapin Times’ Dan Painter says top ’10 recruit at Jersey event (must subscribe)TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The Diamondback’s Aaron Kraut

says Kizer ‘excited’ to make Comcast debut this weekendNAVY FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Ray Frager

says Niumatalolo must ‘watch language’ on CBS College Sports broadcast tomorrow

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says center Moore keeps Mids ‘loose’

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says pictures posted of Holiday Bowl team celebration

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says senior QB’s to be celebrated in Annapolis finale tomorrow

Go Mids’ Chris Rohe introduces Temple Owls

Go Mids breaks down Navy/Temple

ORIOLES:The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin

says Millar, Payton file for free agency

The Sun’s Dan Connolly says former GM Gillick creates ‘mixed feelings’ in Baltimore

The Examiner’s Jay Trucker says winning would be better marketing strategy than new uniforms

ESPN.com Page 2’s David Schoenfeld says Benitez, Maier, etc. memorable part of postseason in last 12 years

CRYSTAL PALACE USA:The Official Site

updates offseason activity

HORSE RACING:The Sun’s Bill Ordine

thinks slots can save horse racing; Kevin Van Valkenburg disagreesHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Sandra McKee

says Joppatowne’s appeal denied

JIM MCKAY:The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg

says McKay to be remembered as “Maryland Man” at Sports Legends event tomorrow

BALTIMORE BAYHAWKS:The Sun’s John Weaver

says former Bayhawk Marachek headed to Hall of Fame

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:-The Orioles aren’t interested in Derek Lowe? If they don’t sign a top-notch pitcher this offseason; my general indifference will only grow to downright anger; and then right back to general indifference.

-Perry Hall 38, Catonsville 12

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G

Here are the Week 9 Fantasy Flavor Quarterback Power Rankings. It’s the top 20 QBs based on what we’ve seen so far, and a look ahead at this week’s match ups. In addition to the power rankings, we’ve identified the best and worst match ups for week 9 and ranked all 28 starting QBs in the order you should consider them this week.

QB Power Rankings Archive – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 - 8

Week 9 RB Rankings and Previews

Week 9 WR Rankings and Previews

Week 9 TE Rankings and Previews

Week 9 D/ST Rankings and Previews

Week 9 K Rankings and Previews

Fantasy Quarterback Rankings Week 9

The power rankings are based on year to date performance and not a reflection of who to start this week, match up information for week 9 is listed below the rankings. Last weeks rankings are in parentheses.

1. Phillip Rivers (2) – SD – 2038 yds 19 TD 6 int

2. Drew Brees (1) – NO – 2563 yds 15 TD 7 int

3. Kurt Warner (4) – AZ – 2089 yds 14 TD 6 int

4. Brett Favre (5) – NYJ – 1611 yds 15 TD 11 int

5. Jay Cutler (3) – DEN – 1862 yds 13 TD 7 int

6. Aaron Rodgers (6) – GB – 1668 yds 12 TD 4 int

7. Matt Schaub (9) – HOU – 1623 yds 10 TD 7 int

8. Kyle Orton (7) – CHI – 1669 yds 10 TD 4 int

9. Peyton Manning (10) – IND – 1754 yds 10 TD 9 int

10. Donavan McNabb (8) – PHI – 1829 yds 8 TD 3 int

11. Eli Manning (11) – NYG – 1588 yds 9 TD 4 int

12. Jake Delhomme (16) – CAR – 1781 yds 9 TD 5 int

13. Jason Campbell (15) – WAS – 1754 yds 8 TD 0 int

14. Ben Roethlisberger (12) – PIT – 1352 yds 10 TD 7 int

15. Chad Pennington (14) – MIA – 1710 yds 7 TD 3 int

16. Gus Frerotte (17) – MIN – 1286 yds 5 TD 7 int

17. Matt Ryan (20) – ATL – 1441 yds 7 TD 5 int

18. Matt Cassel (NR) – NE – 1362 yds 7 TD 6 int

19. Derek Anderson (NR) – CLE – 1235 yds 7 TD 6 int

20. David Garrard (NR) – JAX – 1542 yds 6 TD 4 int

Dropped from Rankings: JT O’Sullivan – SF; Jeff Garcia – TB; Trent Edwards – BUF

Here’s a look at who should be a little bit better or worse than normal based on this week’s match ups.

QBs Who Should Enjoy Their Week 9 Match Ups: Kurt Warner @ ST.L; Donavan McNabb @ SEA; Kyle Orton vs. DET; David Garrard @ CIN; Marc Bulger vs. AZ; Trent Edwards vs. NYJ

QBs Who Could Be Sleepers in Week 9: Chad Pennington @ DEN; JaMarcus Russell vs. ATL; Matt Ryan @ OAK; Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. JAX

QBs With Tough Week 9 Match Ups: Aaron Rodgers @ TEN; Jason Campbell vs. PIT; Derek Anderson vs. BAL; Jeff Garcia @ KC; Matt Cassel @ IND

QBs You Might Want to Avoid in Week 9: Seneca Wallace vs. PHI; Tyler Thigpen vs. TB; Brad Johnson @ NYG; Kerry Collins vs. GB; Joe Flacco @ CLE; Dan Orlovsky @ CHI

And finally our “Formulary Start Rankings” for week 9. They’re gotten using the secret Fantasy Flavor Formula, which is basically 2 parts players performance, one part defensive expectations against them and a fraction of my gut thrown in to account for injuries and anomallies. The formulary number is in parenthesis behind the player’s name, the lower the number, the better your player’s chances at a big day.

1. Kurt Warner (17)

2. Donavan McNabb (17)

3. Kyle Orton (17)

4. Jay Cutler (19)

5. Matt Schaub (23)

6. Chad Pennington (26)

7. Brett Favre (28)

8. Peyton Manning (29)

9. Eli Manning (32)

10. David Garrard (32)

11. Aaron Rodgers (33)

12. Matt Ryan (36)

13. Gus Frerotte (37)

14. Trent Edwards (48)

15. Ben Roethlisberger (50)

16. JaMarcus Russell (51)

17. Jason Campbell (54)

18. Marc Bulger (55)

19. Ryan Fitzpatrick (56)

20. Jeff Garcia (57)

21. Joe Flacco (62)

22. Matt Cassel (64)

23. Derek Anderson (64)

24. Tyler Thigpen (64)

25. Brad Johnson (73)

26. Dan Orlovsky (75)

27. Kerry Collins (76)

28. Seneca Wallace (85)

Look Back later today for this week’s running back rankings, as well as the wide receiver, tight end, defense and kicker rankings throughout the week. And as always, good luck this week.

Peace,

T

(thyrl@wnst.net)

Thyrl’s Mobtown Blog Pound 2.0

1. Brett Favre (9) – NYJ – 935 yds 12 TD 4 int

1. Drew Brees (3) – NO – 1343 yds 8 TD 4 int

1. Jay Cutler (1) – DEN – 1275 yds 9 TD 4 int

1. Phillip Rivers (2) – SD – 1024 yds 10 TD 4 int

1. Kurt Warner (6) – AZ – 1222 yds 8 TD 4 int

1. Tony Romo (4) – DAL – 1192 yds 8 TD 4 int

1. Donovan McNabb (5) – PHI – 1100 yds 6 TD 2 int

1. Jason Campbell (11) – WAS – 878 yds 6 TD 0 int

1. Aaron Rodgers (7) – GB – 961 yds 6 TD 3 int

1. Eli Manning (8) – NYG – 765 yds 4 TD 1 int

1. Jon Kitna (10) – DET – 684 yds 5 TD 5 int

1. Kyle Orton (NR) – CHI – 766 yds 5 TD 4 int

1. JT O’Sullivan (14) – SF – 962 yds 4 TD 3 int

1. Trent Edwards (13) – BUF – 930 yds 4 TD 2 int

1. Jake Delhomme (NR) – CAR – 860 yds 3 TD 1 int

1. Peyton Manning (12) – IND – 784 yds 3 TD 4 int

1. Kerry Collins (15) – TEN – 577 yds 2 TD 1 int

1. Ben Roethlisberger (17) – PIT – 638 yds 4 TD 2 int

1. Matt Schaub (NR) – HOU – 697 yds 4 TD 5 int

1. Brian Griese (16) – TB – 716 yds 4 TD 6 int

1. Michael Turner (1) – ATL – 422 yds 5 TD

1. Adrian Peterson (12) – MIN – 420 yds 3 TD

1. Marion Barber (2) – DAL – 311 yds 4 TD & 98 yds 1 TD rec.

1. Larry Johnson (NR) – KC – 415 yds 3 TD

1. Reggie Bush (NR) – NO – 183 yds 1 TD & 257 yds 2 TD rec.

1. Frank Gore (5) – SF – 369 yds 3 TD & 156 yds 0 TD rec.

1. Ronnie Brown (4) – MIA – 161 yds 5 TD & 19 yds 1 TD passing

1. LaDanian Tomlinson (16) – SD – 296 yds 4 TD

1. Brian Westbrook (9) – PHI – 161 yds 3 TD & 46 yds 2 TD rec.

1. Marshawn Lynch (3) – BUF – 275 yds 4 TD

1. LenDale White (8) – TEN – 161 yds 5 TD

1. Julius Jones (10) – SEA – 312 yds 2 TD

1. Clinton Portis (7) – WAS – 369 yds 3 TD

1. Jonathan Stewart (14) – CAR – 197 yds 4 TD

1. Matt Forte (11) – CHI – 347 yds 1 TD & 147 yds 1 TD rec.

1. LeRon McClain (NR) – BAL – 215 yds 3 TD

1. Chris Johnson (20) – TEN – 337 yds 2 TD

1. Ernest Graham (NR) – TB – 334 yds 2 TD

1. Steven Jackson (NR) – ST.L – 269 yds 1 TD & 211 yds 0 TD rec.

1. Steve Slaton (NR) – HOU – 192 yds 1 TD & 97 yds 1 TD rec.

“Thyrl’s Mobtown Blog Pound”

After three weeks of the pre-season….AFC Fantasy Football notes:

Buffalo Bills: Edwards beats out Losman! Is this the year the Bills take a step forward? Team still needs to find a TE. Lanston Walker injury could create issues.

Man of the Year: If it’s anyone besides Marshawn Lynch, this team is in a heap of trouble.

Bust of the Year: Josh Reed, the bills drafted James Hardy to finally take some pressure off Lee Evans.

Sleeper: Trent Edwards…teams will try and stop the run, which will give Edwards lots of opportunities to open things up.

Miami Dolphins: New coach…check….new QB…new General Manger…lots of things are new in Miami.

Man of the Year: Chad Pennington has a chance to make a huge difference.

Bust of the Year: Ricky Williams…can’t handle a full load…be careful in drafting him.

Sleeper: Ted Gin Jr…has the speed and moves to be a dynamic WR…but can he handle the pounding on his smallish frame.

New England Patriots: 18 and 1…does that 1 linger or is it a rallying point? Have teams figured out how to slow down Brady and Moss, like was done in the playoffs?

Man of the Year: Laurence Maroney will have to play a larger role in the offense this year.

Bust of the Year: Brady and Moss…both will be top 10 in their respective positions but just do not expect record setting years…I’d guess 35 to 40 TD’s for Brady and 15 TD’s for Moss.

Sleeper: I keep waiting for Ben Watson to have a breakout year…I think this is it.

New York Jets: It was actually a ho-hum camp for the Jets. Nothing really happened…well until a hall of fame to be QB came along and pushed expectations through the roof.

Man of the Year: How many wins is Brett Farve worth? I’d say to the Jets 4…so 8 – 8 would be a true miracle.

Bust of the Year: Brett Farve…yes he is the man also, but this is not Green Bay…28 TD’s would amaze me. He is still the gun slinger, so 24 TD’s and 20 INT’s is a possibility.

Sleeper: Jesse Chatman…with T. Jones now 30 and injury to him would open the door for a pretty decent Chatman.

Denver Broncos: Shanny’s back, back again, Shanny’s back, tell a friend. Everyone’s favorite Fantasy coach is back again to torment us all.

Man of the Year: Jay Cutler will be a top 8 QB this year.

Bust of the year: Selvin Young…3 or 4 RB’s will start for Denver this year…and usually the first guy up is the last guy in total yards.

Sleeper: Andre Hall and Anthony Alridge…they will start at some point this year…worth a flyer.

Kansas City Chiefs: Something tells me this team may be Fantasy friendly this year…Croyle starts at QB, LJ is back and healthy, Gonzo is well Gonzo…what’s not to like? Revamped OLINE! Dwayne Bowe is a legit WR…oh now I see it…Davard Darling is the other WR and Herm Edwards is still the coach.

Man of the year: It does not seem to matter who the QB is Tony Gonzales gets his catches, but will TD’s be a problem this year?

Bust of the Year: With Croyle at QB, LARRY JOHNSON, healthy or not, is going to see a lot of 8 and 9 man fronts.

Sleeper: Jackie Battle…he is a big 6’3, 238 bruising back who can get into the hole quickly…If LJ goes down…keep an eye on him.

Oakland Raiders: This is a young team with a ton of untapped talent on the offensive side of the ball and a defense that is better than people think.

Man of the Year: JaMarcus Russell is essentially a rookie but the Raiders will go as far as he can take them.

Bust of the Year: Darren Mcfadden is not Adrian Peterson, he simply is not.

Sleeper: Ronald Curry could have 70 catches and 8 TD’s this year.

San Diego Chargers: Injured players return to lead the Bolts! Rivers, Gates and LT all back after disappointing end to 2007.

Man of the Year: LT is still the best player in the NFL

Bust of the Year: Vincent Jackson has untapped potential at WR…it remains untapped.

Sleeper: Legedu Naanee I can see him replacing Jackson in the lineup by mid-season.

Baltimore Ravens: A pre-season that leaves the team with more questions than answers. Who is the QB, RB, CB, TE…and so on and so forth.

Man of the Year: JOE FLACCO will be the starter by week 5 at the latest.

Bust of the Year: Willis McGahee…I said early on something worried me about him.

Sleeper: Yamon Figures will have a huge impact in the return game and will be given a shot at WR.

Cincinnati Bengals: Rudi is not ready, Chad is hurting and did I read that Chris Henry was resigned? WOW!

Man of the Year: Carson Palmer is a top 5 QB. He will have to throw a lot with the RB situation unsettled.

Bust of the Year: Chad Johnson is hurting…and it’s not going to get better.

Sleeper: Jerome Simpson WR…with Johnson and TJ banged up Simpson should get a chance this season and I think he is special.

Cleveland Browns: Huge expectations for the Browns this year. Can Anderson duplicate the first 10 games from 2007 for an entire year? Can Jamal continue his revival?

Man of the Year: Braylon Edwards is a top 5 WR and getting better!

Bust of the Year: Derek Anderson is being drafted like a top 6 QB, he will be lucky to be a top 12 guy.

Sleeper: Brady Quinn will start at some point this year.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Why is this team being overlooked again this year? Best balance of any team in the division.

Man of the Year: Ben Roethlisberger…did you know Big Ben threw 32 TD’s last year? Well, he throws 35 this year.

Bust of the Year: Rashard Mendenhall is going to be a solid if not great NFL RB, but just not this year…Willie Parker is still the man in Pittsburgh.

Sleeper: Limas Sweed..Ben wanted a big receiver and he got a really good one.

Houston Texans: Can they find a RB? Can Andre Johnson stay healthy, can the defense continue to improve.

Man of the Year: Andre Johnson will lead the league in receptions and yards if he plays 16 games this year.

Bust of the Year: Kevin Walter is currently number two on the depth chart, he finishes 4^th.

Sleeper: Jacoby Jones for the second year in a row…

Indianapolis Colts: The only question is…Manning’s knee and how healthy will it be. Jeff Saturday the leader of the OLINE may be out a long period of time as well.

Man of the Year: Joseph Addai has to be the man and take pressure of Manning early in the season.

Bust of the Year: Anthony Gonzales has lots of potential but a healthy Marvin Harrison will curtail his production this year.

Sleeper: Roy Hall…if Harrison get hurt this year..Hall will get some time.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Can they finally win the division? They appear to have all the pieces in place.

Man of the Year: David Garrard has to continue to be efficient and effective in 2008.

Bust of the Year: Troy Williamson is simply not that good.

Sleeper: Matt Jones had a great camp…and has earned his chance to play.

Tennessee Titans: Can Vince Young reduce the turnovers? That is the question for this team. They have a solid defense a good running game, but need VY to take care of the ball better…9 -17 TD to INT ratio will not get it done.

Man of the Year: Vince Young…it is his team and he has to be a better on field leader.

Bust of the Year: LenDale White? I think he will have a good year, but all this Chris Johnson talk has me worried a bit.

Sleeper: Justin McCariens has the size and speed to be exactly what VY needs.

Have a question? go to www.fansfantasyfootball.com

But the next few weeks might not be quite as exciting.

There is a QB controversy; and it’s not for good reason. No one on the roster is a legitimate NFL QB…..yet. We hope they find one.

Terrell Suggs might want to be in Camp; but he won’t be for a while. It’s not a good sign for a player whose future in this town is in question.

Ray Lewis wants a contract that the Ravens shouldn’t even THINK about giving him. The idea of 52 playing as the franchise player next year seems crazy; but it could happen.

This O-Line is a MAJOR question mark. Will Gaither, Yanda, Grubbs, Brown, etc. prove to be the types of talent we were praying they would be?

There isn’t much depth at WR or TE. Someone has to catch passes.

The secondary MIGHT be better. MIGHT.

John Harbaugh has never even been a Coordinator; more or less a Head Coach. Do we REALLY know he’s ready? Rex Ryan expected to be a Head Coach this season; Cam Cameron was a Head Coach just a season ago.

And two of the stalwarts in the Ravens’ greatest era of football-Jonathan Ogden and Brian Billick-won’t be there.

But yesterday WAS exciting. It’s good to have football back.

Let’s see what everyone else has to say….

Best of Monday’s WNST Blogs:

Bob Haynie says ‘barring injury, Adam Jones will become the greatest centerfielder in Orioles history’

Drew Forrester says base running blunders costing Birds

Casey Willett says Harbaugh introducing W.I.N. mentality

Lonnie Nelson says Sunday’s loss was tough for Palace’s quest to make playoffs

Mark Bouchard says Harbaugh must toughen up Camp

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says homers from Jones, Hernandez help lead Birds past Jays

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Birds can put distance on Jays in battle for cellar tonight as Olson faces Marcum

MLB.com’s Scott McNeish says Scott nabs AL Player of Week honor

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Jones’ ankle felt ‘fine’ in return last night

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Birds, Loewen must reach new deal as position player allowing him to be sent back down to farm

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Walker ‘eager’ to rejoin pen

Blue Jays Official Site’s Jordan Bastian says Litsch can’t get out of fifth in loss

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec and Roch Kubatko say Cardinals, Brewers could be in Sherrill market; he wants to stay

The Sun’s Roch Kubatko says only 44 of 89 pitches strikes for Liz in win

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says former Bird Gibbons expected to sign minor league deal with Brewers

The Sun’s Bill Ordine says keeping fans’ interest may be challenge for Birds

The Sun’s Dan Connolly thinks Elrod’s #44 will never be retired by Birds

The Sun’s Roch Kubatko says Trembley told Liz ‘nice going’ after outing

The Sun’s Roch Kubatko says Birds giving away Scott t-shirts in August

The Sun’s Roch Kubatko says Birds sign 14^th round pick Beal

The Sun’s Roch Kubatko says Millar dropped to 8^th in lineup

The Sun’s Roch Kubatko doesn’t think Birds will go 1-25 on Sundays this year

The Examiner’s Jay Trucker says Mora gets big two run single in 6th

The Examiner’s Dave Carey says Trembley keeping tabs on young pitchers in organization

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says Birds win 3^rd in last 4

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says Walker to throw simulated game today

Washington Post’s Marc Carig says Liz gives up 3 runs over 5 2/3

Washington Post’s Marc Carig says Beal picked signing with Birds over playing at Maryland

The AP’s David Ginsburg says Jones added infield single in addition to homer

Toronto Globe and Mail’s Robert MacLeod says Litsch disappointed with performance last night

Toronto Star’s Mark Zwolinski says 12k see Birds beat Jays last night

Toronto Sun’s Mike Rutsey says Jays fall back to cellar after loss

Fox Sports’ Aram Tolegian has Birds 19^th in Power Rankings

Baseball Prospectus’ Joe Sheehan says Jones “Player to Watch” in 2^nd half for AL East

Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan has Birds 19^th in Power Rankings

RAVENS:

The Official Site introduces 2008 Media Guide

The Official Site gives you chance to vote on team’s pregame music

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Flacco officially signs 5 year deal

The Official Site says Harbaugh in no rush to name starting QB before Week 1

The Official Site says Flacco going to work as if he is starting QB

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says moving operations to Westminster not easy process for organization

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Harbaugh ‘enthusiastic’ as first Camp as Head Coach kicks off

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Flacco proves to be ‘the man’

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says competition for QB job opens today

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Suggs’ arrival date ‘up in air’

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Harbaugh ‘needs to be consistent, not back down from confrontation’

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Pryce, D. Williams amongst injured vets to report yesterday

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Lewis/Ravens battle could get ugly

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Nakamura first Raven to report

The Examiner’s Eric Detweiler says Ravens rookies aware not everyone making team

The Examiner’s Ron Snyder doesn’t expect Suggs practicing by Friday

The Examiner’s Ron Snyder says first Camp as Head Coach much different for Harbaugh

The Examiner’s Eric Detweiler says Zbikowski “fighting” for roster spot

Aaron Wilson says Ravens hoping this final QB competition for many years

Aaron Wilson says Harbaugh expects Camp to be ‘tough’, ‘hard’

Aaron Wilson says Ravens get all other Draft picks signed

Frederick News-Post’s Stan Goldberg says Flacco doesn’t view signing as ‘big deal’

ESPN.com’s DJ Gallo says Flacco can be the man

Sporting News War Room considers Scott, Lewis, Suggs amongst Top 20 LB’s

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says Terps picked 5^th in ACC Atlantic

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says long offseason coming to close for Friedgen

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Navarre ‘more comfortable’ playing DT

Washington Times’ Gary Yantis says E. Williams struggled on golf course

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says E. Williams considers Blacksburg ‘scary’ place to play

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps receive 147 points in ACC voting

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says potentially available scholarship would go to Otulaja

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Ralph not looking forward to facing Johnson, Navy’s offense

Florida Times-Union’s Bob Thomas says Friedgen excited about bringing back depth

CBS Sports’ Gregg Doyel considers Friedgen ‘questionable hire’ in ACC football problems

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

Terrapin Times’ Dan Painter checks in from Reebok Camp (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Dan Painter checks in from NIKE Pro City League (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh checks in from Reebok Camp (must subscribe)

The Official Site offers parking, fan info for Navy game

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site offers Summer Preview as Eers try to defend title

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Sun’s Matt Bracken says passing, shooting important to Navy’s incoming class

REAL MARYLAND:

The Official Site says team parts ways with Head Coach Gonzalo

The Official Site’s Max Lom says team signs Hunte to training roster

HORSE RACING:

Washington Post’s John Scheinman says Magna loses Executive Vice President

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Here’s the skinny on Jim Palmer vs. Ray Lewis today. Palmer of course played 20 seasons in Baltimore; winning 3 Cy Young awards and 3 World Series titles. He was a 6 time All-Star and won 4 Gold Glove awards. His number 22 is retired by the Orioles; and he was elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1990. Ray Lewis is entering his 13^th season in Baltimore; he has made 9 Pro Bowls and has been a 7 time All-Pro (6 times on the 1^st team, once on the 2^nd team). He is a 2 time AP Defensive Player of the Year; and he was the MVP of his lone Super Bowl title (XXXV). Three World Series titles mean my vote goes to Palmer.

-Kudos to the Ravens for getting all of the Draft picks signed. It is good to know everyone will be practicing today.

-When I first read Bob Haynie’s statement about Adam Jones; I was taken back. But he’s absolutely right. I might even go a step farther. Adam Jones might also be the most important player in Orioles history.

Take a step back.

 Jones is going to be GREAT. He’s going to be absolutely magnificent for years to come. He is the real deal. (As Bob said, barring injury.) More importantly; Adam Jones has the personality to be a marketable figure for the Baltimore Orioles in what we are HOPING will be a great rebuilding process leading to a genuine turnaround. He can be the absolute CENTERPIECE or everything the Orioles do over the next few years. If this rebuilding works; Adam Jones will be the fulcrum. Adam Jones will be the piece that carries it. He will be the star. Markakis might be a better player; but he doesn’t have Jones’ personality. Jones is CRUCIAL to the next 5-10 years of Orioles baseball.

-Voters are right to pick Maryland football 5^th in their division. They have no reason to expect anything more…..yet. But if Ralph keeps his guys at least a bit healthier than last year; they have the kind of depth (especially on the O-Line, at LB, and at WR); and the home run talent (DHB, Da’Rel Scott, etc.) to be VERY surprising. But they still have to find a QB.

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G