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The Swinging Bunt

Cover Curse?  Everyone has heard about the dreaded magazine or video game cover jinx.  Whether its Sports Illustrated or Madden, if your mug is up on their, watch-out!  One would certainly think that no publication would want this bad rep… so what are they to do?  Multiple covers, of course.  MLB ‘09 has done just that, and has issued custom covers for all Major League Clubs for their fans to enjoy.  Newly re-signed second basemen Brian Roberts appears on the Orioles’ cover with beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards in the background… let’s all pray he doesn’t have a bad year!

Baez is a criminal!  Blogs by Fans, Spring Training ‘09 lists what they believe are the 40 worst contracts signed by active players in Major League Baseball.  The Orioles are only responsible for signing one of these said deals.  In 2006, ‘09 roster hopeful Danys Baez, inked a three season $19M contract, which the O’s are $6.33M on the hook for this year.  This one-time Cuban defector should be deported for stealing, seriously.  Newly signed starter Adam Eaton makes the list also, but the three year $24.51M deal he got in ‘06 is being paid for mostly by the Philadelphia Phillies.  If those O’s were defending world champions they wouldn’t need their horrible decision trying out for their rotation either.

Oh, those sad, sad Nats.  O’s fans… at least you’re not Nats’ fans.  This has been a very difficult week for the Washington Nationals organization, maybe their most trying since moving from their club from our neighbors to the north to our nation’s capital.  While the team remains in Spring Training preparing for the season, it’s been off-field issues that have gotten negative national attention from poor decisions the front office has made.  These choices have led to a tremendously disappointed fan-base, and under great scrutiny GM Jim Bowden resigned yesterday.  The worst of their moves?  … some say its the scamming of Latin ball-players… I’ll mention the questionable move to have this thing is their mascot.  What is that?

Scanning the Blogosphere

SI.com Photos sections has the top 8 college basketball games to end the regular season in pictures.  #7 features tonight’s game at Comcast Center, Wake Forest-Maryland.  The photo for the game is Greivis driving right for a lay-up earlier this season against Miami.

Pro Football Talks has new St. Louis Ram and ex-Raven, Jason Brown’s ‘not exactly complementary’ comments on former teammate Kyle Boller.  I’m sure being called “gun shy” is exactly what Boller needs when he himself is looking for a contract as a free agent, as well.

The Sporting Muse lists the most intimidating players in all of sports history by each sport.  Two players who have played (or maybe still do) in Baltimore make the cut.  Ray Lewis was recognized in the NFL, the other may surprise you… former Oriole flop Albert Belle made baseball’s list.

Pro Football 24×7 explain that “Bart Scott’s agent dupes Jets GM.” Ozzie doesn’t get duped by anyone!

Scout.com says in their latest 2 round mock draft says the Ravens will take USC OLB Clay Matthews and Jairus Byrd,  a corner from Oregon.

Blogs by Fans, Spring Training ‘09 previews the O’s projected Opening Day roster and gives insight into the team’s key roster battles.

Busted Coverage:  The latest from our favorite dumb ass liquored up kicker, Steeler Jeff Reed… it includes puking and signing women’s private areas.  Shocker.

CMS Video of the Morning

The newly launched MLB Network is looking at every team in their “30 Teams in 30 Days” season preview.  Here’s a link to the Baltimore Orioles edition, which aired February 27^th.

Also, as the Loyola beat-writer here at this fine station, I would be remiss not to alert everyone to the fact that I have posted the video I shot from Rider’s buzzer-beating victory over the ‘Hounds last week on Senior Night at Reitz Arena. Painful for any fan of the Green and Grey.

The Morning’s Final Thought

The Baltimore Orioles as an organization have their problems.  Breaking news for every, I know.  Everyone knows they take a lot of grief, and overwhelmingly deserved at times, from fans, and media alike… heck, I’d say if you’re listener to WNST, you’ve heard all about it.

In order to regain the trust of the town, the baseball team needs to really make a concerted effort to reach out to rebuild burned bridges.  Being present doing good things in the community is probably the quickest way back to good graces, but lowering ticket prices is a nice start as well.

Here’s the latest updates on the Orioles’ 2009 Birdland Stimulus Package.

It’s really important for the club to focus on fans that are my age and lower.  I’m 23 and personally, with the exception of a few occasions, during my 5 years in Baltimore… I’ve only been to ball games on Tuesday and Friday nights because of those ’special’ nights.

It’s a Charles Street length road to travel to get the whole way back to being the biggest game in town… but at least they’re maybe getting past the crawling stage.