Tuesday Morning’s Crabs and Beer

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….

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Turtle Sports Report’s Seth Hoffman checks in on imported Forward prospect (must subscribe)

NIGHTHAWKS:

The Official Site says Gill honored by PBL

-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 2^nd and 3^rd, 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