I’ve mentioned this before, and I will stand by it. The Orioles actually ARE doing the right thing by being patient in offering an extension to Nick Markakis.
With Markakis under control until 2011, the Birds have until 2010 to decide on the type of deal they want to get done; and it doesn’t make sense to just invest money when you don’t have to. You never know what might happen, and it would be DEVASTATING for this organization to sign the deal and then have something happen to Markakis (not that ANYONE thinks that could happen).
I understand that the deals given to other players leave people scratching their heads about Markakis, but the Birds are actually doing the right thing here. Just because the deal hasn’t already gotten done doesn’t mean that one won’t get done in the future.
And just because he doesn’t already have something finalized doesn’t mean that Nick Markakis thinks this organization isn’t building around him for the future. He knows better.
There is plenty of time here to get things done.
Let’s see what everyone else has to say….
Best of Monday’s WNST Blogs:
Drew Forrester says despite terrible average, Millar running mouth in locker room (this is much more humorous though)
Drew Forrester says Sherrill Birds’ MVP
Nestor Aparicio wants to take bus trip to Belmont
Marc Bouchard enjoyed first Preakness
Ed Frankovic says Caps heavily involved in World Championships
ORIOLES:
The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Loewen won’t be switching positions
Yankees Official Site’s Brittany Ghiroli says A-Rod to be activated before tonight’s game
The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says O’s, Yanks in unfamiliar positions
The Sun’s Dan Connolly says long term deal coming for Markakis
The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Birds would have to get Kakes to give up free agency to get deal done
The Sun’s Bill Ordine says Birds still in AL East race
The Sun’s Roch Kubatko still doesn’t think Wieters ends up in bigs this season
The Sun’s Roch Kubatko says Cherry promoted to Norfolk
The Sun’s Roch Kubatko says Millar, Sherrill getting fired up by media coverage they don’t like
The Examiner’s Sean Welsh says J. Johnson shining in pen
Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says Sherrill giving Birds ‘confidence’
Washington Post’s Marc Carig says based on theory, Birds SHOULD be game under .500
The AP’s David Ginsburg says ‘losing attitude’ of past gone from ’08 Birds
Dempsey’s Army’s “Heath” says Payton can’t hit righties
Oriole Magic’s James Baker says R. Hernandez has hit hard, just directly at someone
Oriole Magic’s Anthony Amobi says Birds face tough stretch starting tonight
Orioles Hangout’s Tony Pente says 19 of next 22 vs. division foes
Orioles Hangout’s Mike Miller says Reimold extends hit streak to 12 on farm
Orioles Insider’s Michael Ward says Wieters continuing dominance on farm
Fanhouse’s Josh Alper says Birds should start working on locking Kakes up
HORSE RACING:
The Official Site says Big Brown displays ‘nonchalance’ upon arrival at Belmont
The AP’s Rachel Cohen says Big Brown gets ‘rock star’ welcome at Belmont
The Sun’s Childs Walker says industry not concerned with low Preakness numbers
The Sun’s Sandra McKee says Dutrow thinks Preakness perfect race to prepare Big Brown for Triple Crown
The Sun’s Bill Ordine says Casino Drive has Belmont Park experience
The Examiner’s Chris Catalano says UPS scored big with Preakness
RAVENS:
The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Barnes ready to play every down
The Official Site’s Jen Gaffney says Marching Ravens getting new uniforms
The Ebony Bird’s Jarrett Carter not a fan of Preston’s Ravens coverage
HOPKINS LACROSSE:
The Sun’s Edward Lee says Jays; fellow Final Four teams will get ‘defensive’ in Foxborough
The Examiner’s Ron Snyder says Jays playing best ball of season heading into Final Four
Washington Post’s Christian Swezey says Jays benefit from early attack
TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:
The Examiner’s Dylan Waugh says E. Williams having good week
Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem checks in on local WR prospect (must subscribe)
Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem checks in on ‘Big Time’ local OG prospect (must subscribe)
Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh checks in on local LB prospect (must subscribe)
TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:
Turtle Sports Report’s Seth Hoffman checks in on imported Forward prospect (must subscribe)
NIGHTHAWKS:
The Official Site says Gill honored by PBL
SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:
-I would agree with Drew in saying that George Sherrill is the Orioles’ MVP thus far. Although Daniel Cabrera and Jim Johnson would almost have to be a close 2nd and 3rd, right?
-I am going to guess that the Birds go 2-4 over these next six against the Yankees and Rays. This stretch could define this season.
Talk to you tomorrow.
-G
