It was an absolute landslide.

Michael Dukakis thought it was the worst blowout he had seen.

Baltimore loves the cartoon bird, or at least this bar does.

I asked Thursday about the best Orioles’ bird logo, and there was no question that you people loved the cartoon bird.

I remember a few months ago when we discussed “Baltimore” on the road jersey and some of you said the next step should be bringing back the cartoon bird.

I agree it was the best logo -- absolutely classic. But do you really want it back now? Or should it be left to a different era?

I think I’m OK with having it retired, maybe at least until the Orioles are more relevant in Major League Baseball. But I’m sure some of you feel going back to the cartoon bird will trigger good karma.

I was going to do a golf post today, but we’ll let this run all weekend. We’ll make it an informal poll.

Maybe someone in power pays attention. Or maybe not.

Daily Think Special: Would you like to see the cartoon bird return full-time to Orioles' hats next year?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:53 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (124)
                       

In two days we have managed to talk about fat and slow players and guys who just didn’t look like they belonged in the majors.

And we did a little trashing of Alanis Morissette.

Not bad at all for a midweek.

Since you guys have been especially impressive this week, I am turning the floor over to you today. Or to TJ, anyway.

TJ, one of our patrons, has suggested a pretty interesting topic. He wants to know which is your favorite Orioles bird logo?

There are probably three main choices here: the classic ornithologically correct one from the old days, the original cartoon bird of the 1950s or the late 1970s-80s cartoon bird.

Because I am a child of the early 80s, it’s an easy choice for me.

I remember once talking to now deposed lefty Jamie Walker last year about the 1970-80s cartoon bird. He told me he won that hat at a carnival in Tennessee when he was a kid and refused to take it off for weeks.

It was just too cool, he said (actually, he used much more colorful language but this is a family fake bar).

I am in agreement with Walker.

Daily Think Special: Which is the best Orioles bird logo of all-time?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:41 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (75)
                       

We’ve gotten the accolades out of the way for base runners, mentioning the best in Orioles history Monday.

Let’s take a bit of the flip side Tuesday.

The obvious question is who is the worst base runner in Orioles history, but that is such a tough call.

Certainly, we remember specific boneheaded plays from the likes of Jack Cust and Melvin Mora.

But are they the worst base runners in club history, or makers of memorable gaffes?

So let’s just analyze the slowest Orioles position players over the years.

Catcher Gus Triandos is legendary. He had one stolen base in a 13-season career, but he was a perfect 1-for-1.

Boog Powell was a big man who had to carry a cement bag behind him. And Lee May in his later years was the Big Bopper for a reason. Then there was Harold Baines, for whom the term “balky knees” was created.

For my money, I am going with a guy I covered: catcher Geronimo Gil. He did have two stolen bases (and twice was caught stealing) in his six-season career. But that was early on. By 2005 I am convinced I could have beaten him from home to first, and I am not exactly Ben Johnson (before or after stanozolol).

Gil was that slow. For giggles, I looked to see if “The Chief” is still playing ball, and he is in the Mexican League, batting .303 with eight homers, 11 doubles and a triple (wonder if that one is on You Tube).

He has attempted to steal four bases and has been thrown out three times -- in the Mexican League. He is now listed at 240, which was about his playing weight in 2005 when he was listed at 200.

Anyway, the Chief is my call, with an asterisk for Triandos, who I never saw play.

Daily Think Special: Who is the slowest Oriole of all time?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:04 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (141)
                       

Watching Robert Andino steal home Sunday afternoon is today’s inspiration.

I’m not sure I have seen that a whole lot. Corey Patterson was the last one to do it for the Orioles, back in 2007. Andino did a nice job anticipating the fielder and taking advantage of his mental lapse.

It got me thinking about who was the best base runner I have covered in the Orioles’ last nine seasons. Not the fastest guy necessarily -- that probably is Patterson. Although Jay Payton went from first to third as quickly as anyone I can remember.

But great base runners combine speed with baseball instincts; they are the ones that can go from first to third safely in nearly every opportunity. It doesn’t hurt if those guys mix in a nasty edge, too.

For me, Jeff Conine had all of those attributes. He was a gifted athlete and an incredibly instinctual ballplayer, but he also had good speed and enough power to waste a catcher at home plate if he had to. Brady Anderson fits that description as well.

I asked local radio guru Craig Heist about who was the best Orioles base runner he has covered in his career here, and he says Roberto Alomar.

Tough to argue with that one.

If you want to go old school, Frank Robinson will always be in the conversation, as will Paul Blair and Al Bumbry. And I am sure there will be some names thrown out from pre-Frank days.

Stealing bases doesn’t automatically make you a great base runner – we’ve seen that over the years. But, for argument’s sake, know that Anderson is the organization’s career steals leader followed by Bumbry, Brian Roberts and Blair.

Luis Aparicio holds the club’s single-season record with 57 stolen bases. I couldn’t find an all-time organizational list for stolen base efficiency.

Listen, this one is about as subjective as they come. And that’s what we like in the bar. It’s all about opinions here. So offer up yours.

Daily Think Special: Who is the greatest base runner in Orioles history?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:13 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (31)
                       

There’s been a pervasive thought for much of this young Orioles season.

This club doesn’t have the pitching to compete with the big boys of the AL East yet. But the belief has been that they could swing the bats with anyone.

Not lately.

The Orioles offense is in an absolute funk. How bad is it? They have scored 20 runs in their last 11 games -- that’s fewer than two a contest.

In that span, they are 2-9 and have scored three or fewer runs 10 times.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley has tried lots of things to jump-start the group, especially the top hitters. He’s swapped Adam Jones and Nick Markakis in the lineup, he has rested Aubrey Huff and Brian Roberts. He has moved Luke Scott, the hottest hitting Oriole, into the cleanup spot.

And these professional hitters just aren’t hitting.

Not sure what more changes need to be made. Maybe move Melvin Mora out of the fifth spot? There really doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of options.

Trembley keeps saying that he knows his guys will hit again. He says they are too good to continually struggle this much. He’s probably right.

But I’m sure you people out there have some moves in mind that could jump-start the offense. So let’s hear them. It’s your turn to manage the Orioles.

Daily Think Special: How would you jump-start the scuffling Orioles offense?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:21 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (60)
                       

We are going to move beyond the baseball draft today, because, let’s face it, none of us really knows what we are talking about.

That’s never stopped me before, of course, but I am not too old to try new things.

Today’s subject is courtesy of Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie (with an assist from my colleague Peter Schmuck, who whipped out his notebook when he realized that a bullshooting session was turning into something interesting and quotable.)

After Guthrie’s loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night, Guthrie was chatting with a few of us, when he said this:

“The one good thing about tonight,” Guthrie said, "facing Ken Griffey Jr. I grew up a big fan. Had all his rookie cards. It's almost like you want to step off the mound and tip your cap to him. There are only a few out there like that."

It was the first time Guthrie had ever faced Griffey. The future Hall of Famer was hitless in three at-bats against him and 0-for-4 for the night. His average is down to .208.

But it’s what Griffey has done in his career, and the way he has carried himself, that struck Guthrie. When I pressed him on whom else in the game today he has that kind of respect for, he mentioned Derek Jeter.

It’s not a long list for most of us.

It got me wondering. If you were a current player, who would you hold in that regard? I say Griffey and Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Maybe Chipper Jones and the remaining ex-Brave hurlers, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine.

Am I forgetting anyone? Someone who was not just great, but seemingly did it right. Is there someone I mentioned who doesn’t belong in that group?

Daily Think Special: Which current players would compel you to tip your cap?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:24 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (20)
                       

Major League Baseball’s draft kicks off Tuesday night, and it is now a made-for-TV event on the MLB Network.

God help us all.

I remember back in 2001 standing around a writer’s cell phone -- the only one with a speaker phone -- asking questions of the Orioles’ scouting director at the time about the new first-round pick, Chris Smith, who was a mystery to all of us (and still is).

Now, the draft has its own show. Progress, I guess.

Anyway, the Orioles are on the proverbial clock with the fifth pick. It looks as if all-world San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg will go to the Washington Nationals, and then the Seattle Mariners likely will select University of North Carolina first baseman Dustin Ackley with the second pick.

If either of those two falls, the Orioles will grab one. But they won’t drop that far.

With Ackley off the board, there really isn’t a position player that is a slam-dunk at No. 5. Georgia high school star Donavan Tate (who has a dual football/baseball scholarship to UNC) is risky but intriguing. USC shortstop Grant Green had an uneven collegiate season and may have dropped out of the top ten.

That means with the fifth selection in the first round, the Orioles will take ... a pitcher.

It could be a high schooler. It could be a collegiate one.

But they are going to get another pitcher. Bank on it. It goes with Andy MacPhail’s philosophy of “growing the arms.”

Still, the organization is devoid of top hitting prospects, and that is a concern.

So, if it were you, would you go with the best hitter out there, even if he is not as much of a sure thing (as if there is a sure thing in the baseball draft) as the top pitchers?

Or is MacPhail right and you keep piling up the arms?

Daily Think Special: Would it bother you if the Orioles took another pitcher in Tuesday’s first round?

Bonus Think Special: Any idea on which player you want the Orioles to draft?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:48 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (35)
                       

Hope you had a good weekend.

Even with the Orioles and Jeff Zrebiec on the West Coast, I watched a lot of baseball – went to a couple of minor league games and managed two Little League ones.

Guess you can dress me up and take me out, but you can’t beat the baseball guy out of me.

Anyway, we’ve got some old Bruce on the jukebox (“Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” is screaming at me as I type this) and we’re going old-school baseball again.

This weekend we had a great discussion about the Orioles’ most intimidating pitcher -- not necessarily the best, but the fiercest on the mound.

Let’s flip it today.

Who was the most intimidating Orioles hitter of all time? I am talking about the guy who dug into the box, glared ahead and made the pitchers go, “uh-oh.”

There have been several of those guys to put on an Orioles uniform. Love him or hate him, Albert Belle was undeniably scary when he was holding a bat and scowling (really, he was scary and scowling no matter what he was doing).

And in the late 1960s, pitchers just weren’t used to seeing a guy of Boog Powell’s size digging in at the plate.

But, for my money, this is a two-horse race -- one that may divide generations.

Frank Robinson or Eddie Murray?

Both are Hall of Famers. And both scared the bejeesus out of pitchers.

I am going with Frank, partially on a conversation he had with me and a few other writers years ago when he managed the Washington Nationals.

We were talking about purpose pitches, and we asked him how often he thought about charging the mound when he got hit by a pitch.

“I didn’t have to. I’d get my message across,” he said, and then made a swinging motion and pointed toward the sky, his way of saying that in his next at-bat he’d homer against the offending pitcher.

We all laughed, and someone said, “But Frank, you might have to wait a couple innings to retaliate. Didn’t you ever want to do it instantaneously?”

Robinson paused and then said, “Oh I got plenty of revenge running from first to second. I’d send a clean message to the middle infielder trying to turn a double play, and word would quickly get back to the pitcher not to hit me again.”

Yes, people. We have a winner -- in my mind, anyway.

Does someone beat that?

Daily Think Special: Who was the most intimidating hitter in Orioles history?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:05 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (44)
                       

I am writing this a few hours after San Francisco Giants lefty Randy Johnson picked up his 300th win, becoming the 24th pitcher in baseball history to reach that milestone.

(Sorry for closing the bar without warning Thursday. Blame the weather and the Nats’ front office, not me.)

I have covered a no-hitter, a 3,000th hit and a 300th win in my career. I am still looking for a perfect game, a triple play and a winning August or September at Camden Yards.

You can’t rush history, I guess.

I was talking with a colleague in the press box about whether the 6-foot-10 Johnson was the most intimidating presence ever on the mound. Bob Gibson might win that race, though Johnson, Dave Stewart and Goose Gossage have to be in the discussion.

That got me thinking: Who was the most intimidating Orioles pitcher of all time?

Jim Palmer was the best. But I am not sure he intimidated opposing hitters with his mere presence. Tim Stoddard was definitely a big guy who cast a daunting shadow.

Alan Mills sure had a greet scowl (and a solid right hook).

Maybe this is one for the old-timers to add their two cents.

Daily Think Special: Who was the most intimidating pitcher in Orioles history?

Bonus Think Special: Who was the most intimidating pitcher in baseball history?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:46 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (66)
                       

Great Erik Bedard discussion on Tuesday. Not sure you pushed me off the fence one way or the other, though I agree with those that argue you can’t have enough pitching.

I think it will come down to how much he is looking for. The Orioles won’t be getting a discount, so it’s likely they’ll be outbid. But if all things are equal, I believe Bedard would consider Baltimore.

Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays would have the edge. But Bedard says publicly -- as well privately to some old teammates -- that he really liked it in Baltimore. So you can’t dismiss a return here -- if the money is right.

To another pitching topic: On Wednesday night Randy Johnson goes for his 300th win, and he’ll attempt it against baseball’s current Homecoming opponent, the struggling Washington Nationals. Conventional wisdom says he gets it Wednesday, but baseball has never acquiesced to conventional wisdom.

That said, Johnson will get 300 eventually. If not Wednesday, then a start in the near future. And it’s possible he’ll be the last one to reach that milestone.

The next closest is Jamie Moyer, who has 250 wins and is 46 years old. It’s possible, I guess, but he’d probably have to do it at age 49.

Including Moyer, there are only seven pitchers who have between 150 and 299 wins: Andy Pettitte (age 37, 220 wins), Pedro Martinez (37, 214, currently without a team), John Smoltz (42, 210, hasn’t pitched in the majors yet in 2009), Tim Wakefield (42, 184), Bartolo Colon (36, 153) and Livan Hernandez (supposedly 34, 151).

There are no definites on that list. In fact, I don’t think any of them get there. Looking ahead, CC Sabathia is the only pitcher under age 30 with at least 120 wins; he has 122.

Sabathia could do it, or maybe Roy Halladay (age 32, 139). But they’d have to pitch well into their 40s.

So I’m not sure it gets done ever again.

Daily Think Special: After Randy Johnson, will a pitcher again reach 300 wins? If so, predict the pitcher.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:45 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (29)
                       

Slap me the next time I try to engage you people in a civilized discussion about the NBA.

As Jack tried to put it politely, that talk just doesn’t fly in here.

This is a seamhead and pigskin joint. We should stick with that, for the most part.

So it is back to baseball, and to a subject we’ve knocked around a little in the past.

Erik Bedard.

The Surly Canadian, as we jokingly referred to him in his days in Baltimore, pitches against the Orioles on Tuesday night for the first time in his career.

Right now, he is still with the Seattle Mariners, you know, the organization that gave you Adam Jones, George Sherrill and Chris Tillman.

By the end of July, Bedard will probably be somewhere else. The Mariners aren’t contenders, and they’ll probably try to get something for Bedard, a free agent this winter.

The Orioles wouldn’t trade for him this year. There is no point. But I am curious as to whether you’d want him back for 2010 and beyond.

Bedard is a pretty darn good pitcher when he is healthy -- though he’s only had one 30-start season in his career. He won 28 games for the Orioles in his final two seasons here, posting a 3.76 and 3.16 ERA, respectively. And he is 3-2 with a 2.48 ERA through nine starts in 2009.

He turned 30 in March. For perspective purposes, he’s just one year older than Rich Hill. Given all that, Bedard likely will get a pretty lofty contract. Consider that Bedard’s Mariners’ teammate, Carlos Silva, wasn’t as accomplished and received a four-year, $48 million deal two years ago -- and that’s probably your going rate.

My guess is that Bedard will get between $10 and $15 million per year in free agency. He’s making $7.75 million this year.

He could make more if he decides to go to the highest bidder, but I’m not sure Bedard does that. I think he’ll be pretty picky about his landing spot. He likes being comfortable and left alone by the media, and he won’t get that in the big markets.

So Bedard could be intrigued about coming back to Baltimore at the right price. He still has plenty of friends here, and there’s always a special place in a ballplayer’s heart for his first organization.

I assume there are two camps out there regarding Bedard: One, his left arm would be a great addition to a promising young staff. Two, his attitude and fragility aren’t worth the millions he’ll command.

My take: I am not sure he’s a pitcher you build around, but he is awfully good when he’s in a zone. Call me torn.

Daily Think Special: Would you like to see Erik Bedard back with the Orioles in 2010 and beyond? Or have you moved on?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:12 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (68)
                       

We have done plenty of baseball, the old standby, and we’ll be back tomorrow with an oldie/goodie. I promise.

But I am venturing back to the NBA for a moment.

I think Dwight Howard is a wonderful young player and the Orlando Magic should be an interesting matchup for the Los Angeles Lakers.

I will watch as much as I can.

But I have to admit, not having LeBron James against Kobe Bryant is a disappointment.

To me, that is Must See TV.

Now, it’s Might See TV.

Should it matter?

It is the NBA Finals after all. And even if you aren’t a NBA fan, championships are always worth watching.

But, still...

It just isn’t the same. Am I wrong here?

Daily Think Special: Does LeBron’s absence affect your interest in the NBA Finals?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:40 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (14)
                       

Luke Scott stole the Matt Wieters Show on Friday night.

That was fine with Wieters, who was elated to have been part of a win in his first game.

For the record, he was hitless in four at-bats, and made a nice play on a bunt on the first pitch of the game.

Jack was probably the closest, with a 0-for-3 projection. But Austin’s “nothing in Game One, eye opener in Game 2” is still out there.

But while Luke Scott was smashing the ball – again – and the fans were cheering for Wieters, Brad Bergesen pitched a gem.

He allowed seven hits, no walks and two runs in eight innings. And he did it against a pretty good Detroit Tigers offense.

In case you weren’t been paying attention this week, rookies Bergesen, David Hernandez and Jason Berken all pitched well and picked up wins. Rich Hill was roughed up, but looked good in his previous two starts.

Not sure they’ll be able to keep it up, but the rookie trio all impressed this week.

Daily Think Special: Which of the young starters in the big leagues has impressed you the most?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:53 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (9)
                       

It may not be football season, but we are bringing back Prediction Friday.

It’s the Matt Wieters version.

We know Wieters will be starting Friday against Detroit’s Dontrelle Willis.

We know Camden Yards will be packed and people will be going nuts for the club’s top prospect and Baseball America's 2008 Player of the Year.

We know Friday night is all about Wieters in Baltimore.

And we know Wieters homered twice in his professional debut for the Frederick Keys against Lynchburg on April 4, 2008.

But that was Single-A. This is, as the players call it, The Show.

So what does Matt Wieters do in his first big-league game? (Before you balk because it is too much pressure for this kid, don't worry. I'm not sure he cares about pressure. Or is stopping by this bar).

I am going to be conservative. I say he goes 1-for-3 with a walk, a double and his first big-league RBI. I say he also throws out a batter from behind the plate.

What do you think? What’s your prediction?

Daily Think Special: How does Matt Wieters do Friday night? Predict his box score line.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:37 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (32)
                       

There is a reason I bypassed law and med school and went directly into a journalism job that paid $14,500 in 1991.

It was my uncanny journalistic instincts I just couldn’t ignore. And my radar is raging today. I’m getting the sense you guys think this Matt Wieters fella is going to be good.

He certainly has the background and the talent. But we won’t know how good he will be for years to come.

It’s possible he becomes the best catcher in Orioles history. And, honestly, that bar -- unlike this one -- isn’t particularly lofty.

The Orioles haven’t had a catcher make the all-star game since Mickey Tettleton in 1989. By my calculations, only four catchers have ever represented the Orioles in the all-star game: Tettleton, Terry Kennedy (1987), Andy Etchebarren (1966, 1967) and Gus Triandos (1957-59).

Before you ask, Rick Dempsey, Chris Hoiles and Elrod Hendricks never made one and Charles Johnson made two, both with the Florida Marlins.

I’ve asked this question before, but in the spirit of Wieters’ promotion, we’ll ask it again, hoping the Orioles aren’t the only ones with new blood.

Who is the greatest Orioles’ catcher of all time?

Based on all-star appearances alone, it’s Triandos. I never saw him play, but he gets my vote based on what I’ve heard (old-timers can certainly chime in here). Plus, he’s the subject of a hilarious bit in “The Wire,” that I can’t share at a family bar.

I’ve also told you before that my favorite Orioles catcher of all time was the late Hendricks, a man who never failed to make me laugh while he was a coach.

Dempsey is arguably the most popular -- for good reason.

I want you to choose one. For those of you who hate redundancy, we’ll put a bonus twist on this.

Daily Think Special: Who is the greatest Orioles catcher of all time?

Bonus Think Special: How long will it take for Wieters to be in the conversation?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:35 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (63)
                       

OK, people. You are getting your wish.

Matt Wieters will be up Friday, starting at catcher and hitting against Dontrelle Willis.

Set the doves free and light the fireworks. Try not to turn over the compact cars on Pratt Street.

I was supposed to be off Friday for a family obligation. That’s been shelved. The obligation is now day-to-day.

It’s my job to be there and watch Wieters make his major league debut.

But what about you? Will you be there Friday night? Will you be watching?

Is this something you want/need to see or are we in the Baltimore media hyping this too much?

Daily Think Special: How excited are you about Matt Wieters’ debut Friday? Will it be worth it?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:22 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (61)
                       

You’re back to work today, and I am back to talking baseball.

I went into the Toronto Blue Jays’ clubhouse to talk to Kevin Millar before Monday’s game and ended up chatting with B.J. Ryan, the former Orioles closer who is having a rough year in Toronto.

I’ve always pulled for Ryan. He was a standup guy when he blew a save and he always appreciated the reporters that would talk to him on the days he did his job flawlessly (the media has a tendency to chat with relievers only when they stink it up).

In my nine seasons writing about the club, I have covered more closers than managers -- and that is hard to fathom. I even covered the short-lived Ryan Kohlmeier era.

When he was on, B.J. Ryan was as dominant as any closer I’ve been around. He was absolutely filthy in 2005 -- recording 36 saves, tied for third most in a single season in Orioles history. Randy Myers holds the record with 45 in 1997 and Gregg Olson had 37 in 1990.

The Orioles’ current closer, George Sherrill, is on a little streak of his own. He’s a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities since May 2 and is 10 of 12 overall. Sherrill now has 41 saves as an Oriole and he’s closing in on the club’s top 10 career list.

Current setup man Chris Ray, who bridged the closer gap between Ryan and Sherrill, is 10th with 49. Gregg Olson is far and away the saves leader at 160, Tippy Martinez (105) and Stu Miller (100) are next in line -- and deserve major props since they rarely pitched just one inning.

It got me thinking. If you could pull one Orioles reliever from history and put them in the ninth inning of a do-or-die game, who would it be? You can’t use a primary starter such as Mike Boddicker or Jim Palmer.

It has to be a guy who was a late-inning reliever for most of his Orioles career. I’ll go with Tippy, though the B.J. Ryan of 2005 is high on the list.

Daily Think Special: Which Orioles reliever saves your biggest game?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:43 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (70)
                       

One of the inherent and crucial skills of a good bartender is to know when to cut off a patron so that there are no embarrassing incidents.

So, with those skills in hand, I say it is time to flag Orioles pitcher Adam Eaton. Cut off his pitching supply.

I know, most of you saw this one coming. You didn’t want him to be on this roster at the start of the season. The Orioles figured it was worth the risk, since the Philadelphia Phillies will be paying all but roughly $400,000 of the $9 million remaining owed on his contract. At best, the Orioles thought they might get a veteran innings eater for next to nothing. At worst, they cut their losses after a couple months.

Well, Eaton has had eight Orioles starts and, after the latest disaster in New York on Thursday (seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings), has an 8.56 ERA.

It’s time to call him a cab. I think we all agree on that.

The question is who should replace him in the starting rotation. The in-house candidates are Mark Hendrickson, who was just moved to the bullpen, and Brian Bass, who seems to be settling in as a middle reliever.

So it’s time to dip into the minors.

Here are some options, their ages and my plus/minus for each:

At Triple A Norfolk:

Chris Waters, 28 (4-2, 4.74 ERA). The lefty has big-league experience, but hasn’t put up big numbers this year and is only a stop-gap solution.

Chris Tillman, 21 (5-0, 2.25). The club’s top pitching prospect is dominating, but he’s just 21 with seven AAA starts.

David Hernandez, 24 (3-1, 3.50). He also only has seven career Triple-A starts and doesn’t have an impressive pedigree, but he’s struck out 46 in 36 innings.

David Pauley, 25 (3-3, 3.96). Also has big-league experience, but has been only OK at AAA after a rough spring.

Jason Berken, 25 (2-0, 1.05). Been great in five Norfolk starts since promotion, but is behind several others on the depth chart.

At Double A Bowie:

Jake Arrieta, 23 (4-1, 2.70). Tons of confidence and great stuff, but is also very inexperienced.

Troy Patton, 23 (4-, 1.14) Has been awesome at Bowie, and has most big-league success of bunch, but is coming off 2008 shoulder surgery.

At Single-A Frederick:

Brian Matusz, 22 (3-2, 3.09) Very polished for age, but in his first full pro season.

Here’s my take: Bring up Hernandez.

Tillman is the guy that’s pitching best at Norfolk and the one that’s most intriguing, but there’s no reason to rush him. Let him continue to succeed at that level. Heck, let him fail a little at that level and rebound from it.

Hernandez would be rushed, too, but there’s not as much pressure on him. Give him a chance to see what he can do. Who knows what can happen?

Daily Think Special: If you were Andy MacPhail, how would you fill Adam Eaton’s rotation spot?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:01 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (52)
                       

I like to brag that I have the smartest, hardest-drinking customers on the Internet. And with the exception of ordering the occasional cybercab for Barry, Big E, Rob and the boys, I’d say you’re rather well-behaved, too.

Every now and then, someone makes a comment on one day that triggers conversation for the next. Jon did that Wednesday in our discussion about your least favorite 2009 Oriole (so Jon gets an open tab all day).

Most of the answers were fairly obvious, but Jon threw me a Bert Blyleven curve on this one. Jon’s answer: Jeremy Guthrie.

Jon’s reasoning: “Guthrie still hasn't figured out who he is as a pitcher (and neither have his coaches, for that matter). It is painful for me to watch him pitch. He continues to favor his slider over his other off-speed pitches even though it is the weakest of his four (he should never throw it to another major league batter). He's got a decent curve. His fastball command is very inconsistent, though that is by far his best pitch. His approach is that of a strikeout pitcher (fastballs early, then sliders and curves), though he doesn't really have a strikeout pitch. He needs to pitch to contact more, use his change up more often and early in counts, and use his fastball to get strikeouts when he needs them.”

Very detailed thoughts there, Jon. Certainly, numbers show Guthrie is having a much different start to 2009 than he did last season. He has allowed four runs or more in five of his nine starts; in 2008, he allowed four or more runs just twice in his first 14 starts.

On Wednesday night Guthrie surrendered five runs -- including three homers -- in seven innings. Guthrie’s given up 11 homers now in nine starts. He gave up 11 homers in his first 14 games last year.

This time last season he had a 3.62 ERA. Right now it stands at 5.37. Before you demand a MRI on his right elbow and shoulder, know this: He was 2-5 this time last year and is 3-4 now. So things are bad, but win-loss-wise they are better.

Here’s my take: Guthrie isn’t pitching like an ace. But he’s not an ace, certainly not yet anyway. He’s a solid pitcher who would be in the middle of a good rotation but was thrust into the ace role for this team by default. He’s 30, but he’s in just his third full year in the big leagues. He’s making mistakes, he’s getting some bad breaks and he’s being swallowed up by the big inning. Basically, he is still learning at this level.

Guthrie will be fine. I don’t think you’ll see an ERA below 4.00 this year, but I don’t think you’ll see one over 5.00, either. I think the reason some are panicking is because Guthrie is the one rotation bright spot of the past two years. Thus, the expectations got out of hand. Stay calm and his numbers will balance out. But, yeah, I could be wrong.

Daily Think Special: Are you concerned about Jeremy Guthrie? What’s your take on his rough start?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:32 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (45)
                       

I am officially back from Kansas City, where the barbecue joints are a little wealthier.

This was my first road trip with the team this season, and I like to travel -- on occasion anyway -- because it provides a little more one-on-one time with the players that’s not available at home because of the larger media contingent.

The trip confirmed my belief that this is a pretty good clubhouse. You may not notice a change in the on-field play, but there definitely are some nice additions from a personal standpoint.

Of the new guys, all seem to be pretty easy-going and accommodating. Catchers Gregg Zaun and Chad Moeller and infielder Ty Wigginton are particularly good when it comes to talking about baseball. They are all veterans, so I guess that is to be expected.

Starters Brad Bergesen and Rich Hill both have a chance of being pretty good quotes as they get more comfortable.

But that’s how we, as journalists, look at things. Fans have a whole different criteria for judging new players -- and much of it has to do with on-field performance.

I want to know who is your favorite new Oriole so far in 2009. I have to ask this question now because, within the next few weeks, I think your answer might change. And there might be a unanimous pick.

So let’s discuss it now while this club is Matt Wieters-less.

Daily Think Special: Who is your favorite new Oriole so far this season? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:35 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (26)
                       

It's time to switch gears in the old bar.

(Quick programming note -- the bar will be closed Saturday through Monday unless something dramatic arises and we have to chat about it. Instead, I’ll be concentrating on the Orioles-Royals, barbecue and then getting back home.)

It's time to show we aren’t just seamheads in this place.

We can be horseheads, too. (Suddenly, I had a Godfather flashback.)

The Preakness is Saturday. And that means something to me. It always will.

I haven’t been to the event since I was old enough to rent a car. I certainly haven’t been to it since I have been married. Mrs. Barkeep wouldn’t be a fan of my potential antics in the infield.

Regardless, the Preakness will always have a special place in my heart. Since I haven’t attended it in nearly two decades, I guess I don’t have the right to complain if it moved elsewhere. But boy would I.

As we all know, this is a city that loves its tradition. It’s a fan base that doesn’t like to give up something that links to its past (how else can we explain, "Thank God I am a Country Boy?")

So, I am assuming I am not alone here. Forget the economic impact it might have, I’m looking for the sentimental value.

Daily Think Special: Does the Preakness being held in Baltimore still mean something to you? How would you react if it moved from Maryland?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:20 AM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (19)
                       

Lots of great screw-ups in the bar Wednesday, and I am not talking about the patrons.

I asked about sports flubs, and some awesome ones were added. Fred Merkle gets a free night of drinking for mentioning his own situation. Or at least he gets points for knowing his baseball history.

Speaking of history -- I am all about segues and I need to fly to Kansas City Thursday morning so this will be a quick entry – I've got one for you today.

Scouts love looking at a young player and making comparisons with former baseball greats. For instance, I know at least two scouts who a few years ago told me that Nick Markakis reminded them of a young Paul O’Neill.

That’s not a bad comparison, really. Markakis may turn out to be better, but if he ends up playing 17 seasons and hitting .288, I don’t think anyone will complain.

Well, now I want your comparisons for Adam Jones. I hear Mike Cameron (with fewer strikeouts) and Torii Hunter a lot.

What are your thoughts?

Daily Think Special: Adam Jones reminds you of whom?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:45 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (67)
                       

I covered the game Tuesday night, and I wanted all of you to know my expert analysis:

Adam Jones is good. I mean, real good.

He may not be Aubrey Huff – I was surprised how many of you are riding snugly in the Huff bandwagon now – but Jones is impressive.

His only blemish on the night was dropping a routine fly in the sixth. But it led to nothing and will be forgotten long before his two-homer performance, the first of his big-league career.

I bring up the error because it is the perfect segue on a long night, and, hey, even bartenders need to go home.

Sam Sessa, The Baltimore Sun’s nightlife reporter and a fellow blogger, recently wrote about his idea for the perfect sports bar.

It would be one that highlighted losers and, more important, sports flubs.

And that got me wondering, what’s your favorite sports screw-up of all-time?

I know, Jeffrey Maier’s interference is your least favorite; we’ve been over that one 2,131 times. But what is the one that makes you smile? Maybe because you really wanted the other team to win? Or maybe because you are sadistic and just like to see others in emotional pain on national TV?

I’ve got to nominate Jack Cust’s dirt swim to third base when he was an Oriole. Yeah, it wasn’t as dramatic as Buckner’s or C-Webb’s, but it made me laugh in another groaner of a season.

Daily Think Special: What’s your favorite sporting flub or screw-up?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:59 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (27)
                       

This bar often befuddles me. I’ll never understand what makes all of you tick. And maybe that’s why I enjoy it, sort of like that attractive and mysterious girl in college. You know, the one that eventually called campus security over what really was a simple misunderstanding (did I type that aloud?).

I guess I should know by now that Mondays can be slow at Connolly’s. Or maybe our rag-tag bunch of regulars was so shocked to see women in this joint that they were speechless.

Anyway, Monday I asked who should be considered the First Lady of Baltimore/Maryland sports and there wasn’t a whole lot of response. Regardless, there were some solid suggestions.

I’ll go with Pam Shriver as the First Lady because of her passion for the area’s sporting life and her time and financial contributions to it.

I also liked the suggestion that Vi Ripken is the Queen Mother.

Let’s move back to the Orioles today since we had a great response last week. Tonight is T-shirt Tuesday featuring Aubrey Huff’s No. 17.

Fourteen months ago, many of you wouldn’t have wiped your, um, car with it. But Huff has done one of the most amazing transformations I have seen in sports in the past decade.

When he jokingly -- half-jokingly, anyway -- called Baltimore a horse**** town on a national radio show two offseasons ago, the fans hammered him.

He did everything right after that, though. He apologized. Then poked fun at himself by wearing an “I Heart Baltimore” T-shirt. Most important, he had a Team MVP season in 2008.

Huff has emerged as the team’s elder statesman -- team leader is a little much -- and its class clown now that Kevin Millar is gone. His self-deprecating (and often crass) humor has grown on everyone in that clubhouse, including the media.

And when he twice fist-pumped Sunday after his homer against the New York Yankees' Joba Chamberlain, a perfect and planned mockery of Chamberlain’s irritating exuberance, he earned a little more admiration from some of you.

It doesn’t hurt that he is still producing, and is arguably one of the better middle hitters in the American League.

So I wonder, on the day of Huff’s T-shirt Tuesday, what do you think of old Huff Daddy now?

Daily Think Special: What’s your opinion of Aubrey Huff? What did you think of the fist pump?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:11 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (42)
                       

Welcome back to Connolly’s Bar, where we fist pump every time we get a tip.

Which, incidentally, is about as often as Joba Chamberlain notches a win (seven times in the last two-plus years, if you are counting at home).

I’ve interviewed the New York Yankees’ righty before and he seems like a nice kid. And he’s a good quote -- especially for his age. But I know there are several veteran major leaguers who get rankled by his theatrics on the mound. So I wasn’t surprised by the little fist-pump shot taken by the Orioles’ Aubrey Huff -- one of the more underrated jokesters in the AL -- after he homered in the first Sunday.

But, yeah, the Yankees and Chamberlain picked up the last laugh by getting the game and series win.

I sat that one out, staying home instead with my wife and kids on Mother’s Day. I even cooked dinner -- I grilled, but, hey, that counts.

Anyway, Happy Mother’s Day to all the ladies that drop by Connolly’s. Half price drinks for you today (we need to do something to pretty up the clientele in this dive) and a special dedication.

I am wondering, who is/was the most influential woman in Baltimore/Maryland sports? Use your own criteria. Could be an athlete, a coach, an administrator or a behind-the-scenes mom or wife.

I’ll withhold my answer until Tuesday, but here are a few possibilities off the top of my head: Tennis player, businesswoman and philanthropist Pam Shriver; University of Maryland women’s hoops coach Brenda Frese, who put that program on the map, and Vi Ripken, who deserves much of the credit for raising Baltimore’s most famous baseball family.

I am sure there are some other excellent candidates. Men, women and children can all participate in this one -- only the women get half off the tab, though.

Daily Think Special: Who deserves to be considered the First Lady of Baltimore sports?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:23 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (16)
                       

I’m not sure, in the brief history of this bar, that we have ever had a day when so many patrons have so vehemently argued with me.

For those who missed it, I said I probably would still vote for Manny Ramirez for the Hall of Fame despite the announcement of his failed drug test Thursday. (Full disclosure: I do not have a vote yet, and The Sun does not let its sportswriters vote on postseason or career awards.)

Most of you told me I was way off. You said Ramirez is now a cheater -- despite his explanation that it was part of a prescribed medication -- and he shouldn’t warrant consideration.

Part of my argument is that we don’t know concretely who took performance-enhancing drugs and who didn’t. So it’s tough to eliminate suspected players from consideration (although Ramirez’s positive test could put him into a different category).

Several of you brought up great points, and it got me thinking.

What if a player gets into the Hall of Fame and then, say, in 10 years it comes out that he was a steroid user? What if we eventually learn that Player A, a Hall of Famer, failed the undisclosed tests in 2003?

Then what do you do? Do you kick him out of the Hall in retrospect?

Daily Think Special: What would you do if evidence arose that a current Hall of Famer used steroids?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:44 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (16)
                       

I had one of those joys of a sportswriter Wednesday night.

I wrote a rainout story that no one will see. A full story trashed when the game resumed. It was a good one, too. Maybe I’ll show my 10-year-old son, who wants to be a writer.

But Alex wants to be “a real writer, Daddy, not one for a newspaper.”

The kid is bright -- has no tact, but bright.

Anyway, after a couple spirited days ripping the Orioles in the bar, I’ve got an interesting one for you. It is courtesy of my buddy, O's beat writer Jeff Zrebiec, who was killing time during the myriad rain delays Wednesday helping me pour drinks.

We know that many of you want to see the Felix Pie experiment end. And it very well may sometime soon.

But what happens if it does, if Pie goes to another organization and then the light goes on? What if Pie succeeds in another organization? It is not impossible. He has plenty of talent and is only 24.

So how would you feel then? Would you chalk it up to bad luck or would you be angry? Would you mention him in the same breath with Jack Cust and John Maine as ones that shouldn’t have gotten away?

Daily Think Special: How will you react if Felix Pie succeeds elsewhere?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:11 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (64)
                       

A few more days like Tuesday and we’re going to have to build that outdoor crab deck after all.

I definitely would have had the funds if I had only left that $20 on Mine That Bird instead of pulling it at the window to get a couple extra beers. I was thirsty at the time.

(I am kidding, of course. But I have a buddy who swears he was in line to see a band in a Pittsburgh bar years ago when two girls convinced him and his friend to drive them to a party. The girls ditched my friend once they got to the party and he never did see the little-known band, Nirvana, in that dive that night. Ouch.)

Anyway, what an incredible debate we had Tuesday. I didn’t do the math (I’m a word person, people), but it seemed nearly divided between those who want to exhibit patience with Andy MacPhail and those who aren’t buying the concept that a plan is in place.

I am squarely in the middle. I think there is a plan. But I think it has obvious risks. I think MacPhail has done a much better job running the club than anyone I have covered (this is season nine of my bad baseball vigil).

But he is not without fault. I, for one, agree with some of the customers that MacPhail missed a golden opportunity to deal George Sherrill last July. Baseball whispers suggested he couldn’t get closer value for Sherrill, so he didn’t investigate aggressively.

Problem is Sherrill’s value will never be higher than it was after his tremendous, gutsy performance in the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium. I was there, and Sherrill was the belle of the ball – everyone was talking about him.

This isn’t an indictment on Sherrill; he is plenty useful as a big league pitcher. But if you are a rebuilding club and you have a 30-plus-year-old at the top of his value, deal him for a couple potential building blocks.

MacPhail didn’t, and now Sherrill has been moved -- maybe temporarily, maybe not -- out of the closer’s role. Orioles manager Dave Trembley says he doesn’t have a specified closer right now. It’s being assumed that it’s a closer-by-committee, but I doubt that is the case. Trembley will use matchups, but my guess is he will settle on someone soon.

Sherrill is correct when he says closer committees don’t work. Relievers are creatures of habit. They need to know what their roles are. I’ve been around plenty of closer controversies over the years, and all the guys say the same thing: I don’t care where I pitch, but let me know when I am going to pitch.

Some fans dust off the old argument that on a bad team you don’t need a good closer. But I disagree. Nothing is more deflating to a club – a good one or a bad one – than losing a game it should have won. It can affect a club’s confidence and psyche for days.

My guess is that your new Orioles closer is either old closer Chris Ray or competent set-up man Jim Johnson. Danys Baez is pitching better than any reliever right now, but he is also coming off elbow surgery and excels when there is a little less pressure.

I’d probably give Ray the first shot, then move on to Johnson and maybe back to Sherrill if no one seizes the opportunity.

What’s your call?

Daily Think Special: Who should close for the Orioles right now?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:00 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (52)
                       

It was an ugly day outside the bar and not a particularly pretty one inside either.

You knew the Orioles were going to struggle, you were braced for it. But the reality struck hard in April. And you see plenty of spots where they could/should be improved: closer, left field, starting rotation, catcher.

You’re ticked off. And it’s hard to blame Baltimore’s whipping septuagenarian, Peter Angelos, for this year’s start since the owner has apparently done everything club president Andy MacPhail has asked since June 2007.

So some of you are pointing the finger at the previously unscathed MacPhail.

That’s my sense from Monday’s conversation (if this journalism gig doesn’t work out, I’m thinking therapist for my next profession. I’m a listener).

If you want a silver lining on this dreary day in the beginning of what could be another dreary season, it is this: There is a plan in place. I know you have heard that before. But you were being sold a line, nothing more. And when members of the media pointed it out, we were labeled as too negative. But, yes, there is a plan now.

OK, here is another shot of reality, poured along with some Jack Daniels: No one knows if the plan will work. MacPhail’s plan is all about young pitching, and there is no commodity in baseball that is more sacred and more tenuous.

Basically, if the young arms in the minors meet expectations, this barren stretch will almost seem worth it. If they get injured or fall short, then it will be back to another plan and -- God help Orioles fans -- another regime. And I won’t need to get the bitters out of the back closet.

This year was expected to be experimental. And since the only real experiment has been Felix Pie in left -- and it hasn’t taken off -- your patience is evaporating.

Eventually this season, you’ll see another glimpse or two of the future. But MacPhail has to make the right calls on timing here or disaster looms. Bringing up players when they aren’t fully ready may be OK for some and confidence-shattering for others.

MacPhail had a similar pitching plan in Chicago and the Cubs once had three of baseball’s best young pitchers, Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, in the same rotation. They were on the doorstep of the World Series and fate -- and ill-timed fan-interference -- intervened.

Now only Zambrano remains at Wrigley Field.

Minor-league talent does not always translate into major-league success. There are so many variables. So I want to know if you still believe in MacPhail’s plan or are you just too jaded from the continual losing to believe any Orioles’ executive?

We’ve discussed this one periodically, but I thought, given Monday’s argument, we should dust it off and see if your viewpoint has changed.

Daily Think Special: Do you still believe in Andy MacPhail’s plan?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:48 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (90)
                       

I know I’ve been doing this bar gig a while now, because today was my daughter’s second birthday.

It seemed like just a few months ago I was writing about her first birthday. Apparently it wasn’t. Based on my advanced mathematical skills, I think it has been a whole year. Time really does fly when you are a journalist.

Anyway, it was nice to be knee deep in wrapping paper and elbow deep in sugary icing and not dealing with real life’s challenges for a weekend. Or a baseball team’s challenges.

I am not on this road trip with the Orioles, and that’s a good thing. That was a real tough trip to Toronto, a three-game sweep that extended the Orioles’ current losing streak to six. It’s the longest current one in the majors.

We knew April would be a brutal month, but it is now early May and the Orioles have lost 14 of 17. Their 9-16 record is tied with Cleveland for worst in the AL and only the Nationals’ 6-17 is worse overall.

Perhaps most disturbing for the Orioles is they are already eight games out of first, farthest back in the majors. And, perhaps most surprising, the team that’s in first in the AL East is the Toronto Blue Jays, who are 18-9.

We all agreed that the Orioles likely would have a rough 2009 (although I am not sure you thought it would be this ugly this early). But many of you, just last month, predicted the Orioles would finish better than the Jays.

There’s a long way to go, but that prognostication isn’t looking promising. So here’s what I am wondering. With one month complete, what is more surprising to you: The Jays’ success or the Orioles’ failure? Will there fortunes switch by the second half?

Daily Think Special: Are the Jays this good? Are the Orioles this bad?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:23 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (56)
                       

First, let me offer my apologies to all the regulars.

I told you I wouldn’t shut down the bar for a day without letting you know. And I am sure some of you showed up Thursday and saw the “closed” sign hanging from the door. I apologize.

Based on a few e-mails I received, some of you were worried the place was shut down forever. You guys don’t get off so easy.

We’re back -- after what was probably the worst 48 hours of my professional career. As many of you know now, The Baltimore Sun underwent substantial newsroom layoffs this week, and we lost a bunch of great people in sports.

There was even an Internet posting floating around for a few minutes that a certain barkeep would be pouring drinks on the street. It didn’t happen. Not yet, anyway. But in life and, especially, in journalism nowadays, we’re all day-to-day.

I knew at one point I’d be the target of Internet rumors, but I assumed it would involve my BFF, Paris Hilton. Or at least a bizarre kiln accident. But not job security.

Anyway, you are still stuck with me, but some of my good buddies and colleagues lost their jobs. And it’s hit me – all of us, really – pretty hard.

One particularly good pal, Childs Walker, lost his sports job, though he has the option of staying at the newspaper in another capacity. Childs was our super-utility reporter and writes well about anything.

At heart, though, he was a baseball guy, and we spent many hours debating baseball, at least until Jeff Zrebiec told us to shut up. One of our last discussions was about Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis.

We both agree Markakis is one of the best in the game. But we knocked around whether there were any outfielders that we would trade him straight up for. We agreed that Cleveland’s Grady Sizemore is on the short list. In fact, he might be the only one.

Sizemore may be just a tick better than Markakis right now, but it is extremely close. And I know some of you would rather have Nick simply because he is already yours. No argument with that.

I asked a scout that I trust the same question. He named the New York Mets’ Carlos Beltran and Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton immediately. Hours later, he came back with Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki and Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun.

But that’s assuming the question is for right now. If it is for the future, then the scout removes Ichiro and Beltran from his list. For the record, he said he’d rather have Nick over Grady, because Sizemore strikes out too much.

It’s an interesting debate. So I thought I’d toss it out to you.

I am dedicating it to my buddy Childs, even though he is a Gilman grad, and the rest of my outstanding colleagues who are moving on to the next stage of their professional careers. Raise your glass to one heck of a good group of journalists and people.

Daily Think Special: Which outfielder/outfielders would you trade Nick Markakis for?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:56 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (42)
                       

O’s manager Dave Trembley defended his pitcher last night.

Calmly at first. Angrily, for a few moments.

And then, coming back for me, he was downright apoplectic that Jamie Walker was called for a balk during a crucial moment in the seventh inning.

For his rage, Trembley got Angel Hernandez’s thumb and an ovation from the fans. It was the manager’s seventh career ejection -- in less than two years at the helm of the Orioles.

Not a bad rate around here.

Obviously, the king of the managerial ejection was Earl Weaver. You didn’t go to games in the 1970s and early 1980s at Memorial Stadium without seeing Earl get tossed.

The worst managerial arguer was Lee Mazzilli, who I believe only got bounced once -- not long after it was printed in a certain newspaper that he had never gotten bounced. He looked like an off-Broadway actor in his lone dismissal.

So Weaver is tops, Maz the bottom. Where do some of the others fit in? Who really got their money’s worth when arguing?

And share with me a classic Orioles’ ejection story if you have one.

Daily Think Special: Next to Earl Weaver, which O’s manager offered the most spirited ejections?

Bonus Think Special: What’s your favorite Orioles ejection memory?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:47 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (21)
                       

OK, we’re done with the NFL draft and we are milking the one-year anniversary of the bar for one more day.

If you missed last week -- and I want a written excuse if you did -- we decided to put murals of quintessential Baltimore sports moments on the walls to celebrate this dive not being closed by the health department, the legal authorities or disgusted grammarians.

We’re doing it by decade, starting with 1950, and we are one short.

Here’s the roll call: 1950s, Alan Ameche’s plunge; 1960s, Brooks leaping to the mound at the end of the 1966 World Series clincher; 1970s, the four 20-game winners; 1980s, Eddie Murray rounding the bases in the 1983 World Series clincher; 1990s, Cal Ripken taking his victory lap.

That leaves this decade. And we are a little short on football on the walls. Besides, I have covered the Orioles for nearly the entire decade and, trust me, there hasn’t been much to remember.

Obviously, an image from the Ravens lone Super Bowl championship -- which occurred in January 2001, incidentally, so I don’t have to battle with decade-definition police -- has got to be it, right?

Jermaine Lewis’ touchdown scamper down the sidelines could work. Or Duane Starks’ INT and TD.

But my call is not an action one. Ray Lewis holding the Lombardi trophy over his head while confetti flutters about.

But this is your bar, your wall too.

Daily Think Special: What Baltimore sports moment this decade should be immortalized?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:41 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (24)
                       

I have been busy with that other sport in Baltimore this weekend, the one that once was the main one around here in April (and May through October, too).

Meanwhile, I know many of you have been OD’ing on Mel Kiper Jr.

We even watched a little of the NFL draft at Camden Yards Saturday and Sunday before the Orioles’ games started. The sound was down, of course. We Berman-proofed.

As I’ve said before, I give Ozzie Newsome and company the benefit of the doubt. They’re pretty good at this, and I thought Joe Flacco was a reach last year.

So I understand my limitations.

I also understand the importance of having a great offensive line, and if the Ravens believe OT Michael Oher was a must-have, I’m OK with that.

But what I don’t understand is another first half of the draft passes and the Ravens do not upgrade their pass-catching options. Sure, they could have unearthed a gem like fifth-round tight end Davon Drew from East Carolina. Who knows?

Right now, though, the draft felt a little underwhelming to me since there is no one new to get excited about in the offensive skill positions. Maybe that comes in a trade.

Without a certainty though, I can’t give the Ravens’ 2009 draft higher than a C.

How off am I (I know I am a baseball guy, here)?

Daily Think Special: What grade do you give the Ravens’ 2009 draft?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:04 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (29)
                       

I knew the 1990s mural would be pretty clear cut. And it was.

Still, I am giving out free beers to Drungo and J-Bigs for their walk down CFL memory lane. The CFL Colts, what a chapter in this city’s history.

Maybe we’ll have a corner mural with the less popular, but always fun Baltimore clubs over the years -- the Clippers and Skipjacks, the Blast and Spirit, the CFL Colts and the Bayhawks, to name a few.

Oh well, Cal Ripken Jr. doing the lap at 2131 pretty much was the highlight of the 1990s.

We only have one more wall to paint. But we are going to put it on hold until probably Tuesday. (You can wait people. It’ll likely be a non-brainer any way).

This weekend we have to focus on the NFL draft. I’m one of those people that enjoy the draft. My wife doesn’t get it. She’s never gotten the allure of “The Three Stooges” or Dog the Bounty Hunter either.

Some things just can’t be explained. And why a bunch of guys would sit in a room and watch loudmouths and helmet-haired men talk incessantly until a name is read from a card is one of those things.

But I am in -- I always have to give a little love to fellow Calvert Hall alum Mel Kiper Jr. It’s my Hallman duty.

Anyway, the Ravens are picking 26th in the first round. And the mock drafts out there are all over the board (pun intended). Ken Murray, The Baltimore Sun’s NFL expert, is predicting that USC linebacker Rey Maualuga will fall to the Ravens.

I like both Ken and that pick. I think it would make a whole lot of sense to get a linebacker or defensive lineman if one of the apparent studs falls to No. 26. I saw Penn State’s Aaron Maybin, a local boy, play a lot at Penn State, and that would be a great snag for the Ravens if he fell -- or another one of the USC linebackers.

But we all know they need an offensive playmaker with speed. So plenty of boards have them grabbing a wide receiver: Kenny Britt of Rutgers, the Terps’ Darrius Heyward-Bey or Florida’s Percy Harvin. A cornerback, like Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith, is a consideration, as is an offensive lineman, such as Michael Oher of Ole Miss.

Part of the fun of the draft is predicting who your team will take and compare it to who you want them to select.

Ozzie Newsome and company are pretty good at this. They don’t need the help of some frumpy baseball writer. But if Oz did call, I’d tell him to go get Maualuga, Maybin or Harvin if one is available.

What’s your call?

Daily Think Special: Who should the Ravens take with their first-round pick Saturday?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:45 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (30)
                       

We’re on decade two of our wall mural discussion -- for some it might feel like 20 years -- and I’m flummoxed.

I am confused, too.

To me, no scene captures the 1980s sports landscape in Baltimore like the Mayflower van moving the Colts away in a cover of darkness and snowflakes.

But many of our best customers here are threatening to boycott if we paint that image on the walls. And, as we know, I am a man of the people. Still, it should have a place somewhere, right? It defined a generation of heartbreak for sports fans here.

So, we’ll paint the Mayflower van image in the men’s room. You can do with it what you like in there (hey, I own the place. Someone else cleans the stalls).

I liked the Baltimore Blast suggestions – indoor soccer certainly was a big deal for kids around here. I spent my share of time at the Civic Center/Arena/To Be Named Again Later.

But if we aren’t doing the moving van for the 1980s, we have to do the Orioles. They did win a World Series in the decade after all.

We’re putting Eddie Murray rounding third base during Game 5 of the World Series after his second homer. I know Cal catching the final out has some support, but we aren’t going there because ...

We’re now onto the 1990s. And I have three suggestions: Ripken’s 2131st game in 1995, the Orioles celebration on the last day at Memorial Stadium in 1991 and the Ravens first game at Memorial in 1996.

You can also add your own choices. As I showed with the 1970s and 1980s, I am willing to change my mind.

Daily Think Special: What 1990s Baltimore sports moment should be immortalized in a wall mural at Connolly’s?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:40 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (32)
                       

I’ve thought long and hard about this. There were plenty of great suggestions for the 1970s Baltimore sports mural at the bar.

But I think Kevin OS is drinking for free today. Brooksie’s dive is iconic. And O’Brien’s kick was monumental for this town, signifying the last (real) Colts championship.

I gotta go with Kevin, though, and his suggestion of the 70s mural featuring the four, 20-game winners of 1971: Palmer, Cuellar, McNally and Dobson. It’ll never be done again, and it not only represents the Orioles’ dominance of the era, but the club’s once strong commitment to pitching.

So that’s the 70s. The quartet joins Brooksie’s 1966 leap and The Horse’s 1958 plunge on the walls.

Now, to the 1980s.

If you’re visiting the bar for the first time, we are painting the walls with murals that capture each decade (since 1950) of sports in Baltimore. One image only (although we can cheat if we have to, but I am trying to be honest here).

Remember this was the decade in which the Orioles won their last World Series. So you could have a shot of Eddie Murray hitting one of his two homers in Game 5. Or Cal catching the last out. Or Rick Dempsey waving a towel and stirring up the crowd.

Or you can go with what I think was the defining moment of the decade in this town. Yep, the Mayflower van leaving in the snow.

Hey, people are going to drink whether they are happy or mad. So I’m OK with slapping some pain up on the wall.

You tell me.

Daily Think Special: What 1980s Baltimore sports moment should be immortalized on a Connolly wall?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:54 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (23)
                       

Get out the champagne glasses and party hats.

This is anniversary week at Connolly’s. I didn’t realize it at first, but Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the opening of this dive. That means for one year you people have been wasting your time here with me, reading dumb jokes and answering ludicrous questions.

Much obliged. It’s been a lot of fun.

On that first day, I asked you guys to help me pick the ultimate Orioles’ sports mural to put behind the bar. And the consensus was Alan Ameche’s touchdown plunge in the Greatest Game Ever Played. Great choice.

The runner-up was probably Brooks Robinson’s leap toward the mound after the O’s won their first World Series in 1966.

Those are the two that will forever be etched in most Baltimore sports’ fans minds -- especially those that were old enough to experience them.

Well, Ameche’s shot is behind the bar and Brooks is in the front when you walk in. But we still have four more spots to fill.

And since the 1958 NFL Championship game signifies the 1950s and Brooks and the boys’ celebration shot captures the 1960s, we have the four most recent decades left unrepresented.

So let’s pick a mural for each decade that best represents Baltimore sports.

Today we will do the 1970s. We’ll do the others as the week progresses.

For the 1970s, how about Jim O’Brien’s Super Bowl V kick sailing through the uprights on Jan. 17, 1971 that marked the last title the Baltimore Colts ever won?

Or Gus Johnson’s late shot against the Knicks in Game 7 of the 1971 Eastern Conference finals that put the Baltimore Bullets into the NBA Championship (which they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks).

Or maybe Doug DeCinces’ game-winning homer on June 22, 1979 that started Orioles Magic?

Or a Brooks Robinson dive in the 1970 World Series (But that would mean two Brooksies. You can’t overdo Brooks, but think about it.)?

How about Steve Cauthen aboard Affirmed winning the Preakness Stakes by a neck over Alydar on their way to the last Triple Crown in 1978? (That one is for Martha, if she ever returns.)

Or come up with your own. Just give me the ultimate Baltimore sports moment in the 1970s to capture on a wall of Connolly’s.

Daily Think Special: What 1970s Baltimore sports moment should be immortalized on a Connolly wall?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:55 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (23)
                       

While I was running around doing work Thursday, many of you were coming up with some great Orioles slogans for 2009.

A pretty funny day in the bar.

Big E gets to drink for free today because I liked one of his suggestions the most:
“Guthrie and Uehara and pray it rains tamarah.” It’s best, Big E suggests, if said with a Balmer accent.

The Orioles were off on Thursday and I still watched a little baseball on TV. I, at least, have an excuse. I get paid to be obsessed with this sport. But many of you do it as a hobby.

We know it is April, and we’re a long way away from the baseball postseason. But the NHL playoffs are here and the NBA playoffs are looming.

And I am wondering what interests you the most right now? There a lot of seamheads in this place, so I am assuming baseball may be king (at least when it isn’t the NFL season). But I know there are a lot of Washington Capitals fans that stick their heads in here on occasion. And playoff hockey is always pretty cool, no matter the participants.

Not sure there are a ton of people that care about the NBA playoffs around here, not until the finals anyway. But I could be wrong.

So here’s my scenario for you to ponder: You flip on the TV and the NHL and NBA playoffs are on and so is an Orioles game. Your remote just broke, and we all know you are not getting up to change the channel repeatedly. So which sporting event do you leave it on?

Daily Think Special: What’s your watching pleasure: April Orioles/major league baseball, Washington Caps/NHL playoffs or the NBA playoffs?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:49 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (24)
                       

I am celebrating a little today.

Because I never again have to write about "Baltimore" on the road jerseys. Now, when the Orioles find a spring training home once and for all, I may be able to retire a contented man.

Yeah, I’m at least 25 years from retirement age, but it is not a sure bet that the spring training mess will be resolved by 2034.

I am turning today’s subject over to one of Connolly’s patrons, AL East -- remember, I’m always looking for topic suggestions from you people.

AL East, who gets a free drink chip, wants to know what the best sign is you’ve ever seen at a sporting event. And he/she wants you to come up with a good sign for this year’s Orioles.

AL East’s suggestions include: "Let Them Eat Kake. 21." and "We’re Watching Nick at Night. 21."

The most amusing sign I have seen at Camden Yards so far this season was the nasty, "Tex, Severna Park Hates You," directed at New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira on Opening Day.

I’m not an arbiter of hate, but I did chuckle a little at the direct tenor of that one. I’ll never forget a few years ago, someone had a T-shirt with Peter Angelos’ face and a slogan that said, "Baltimore’s Real Peter Schmuck."

Mean-spirited and perhaps out of line, but clever.

My favorite of all-time goes to the student body at Austin Peay University back when James "Fly" Williams played there. The ultimate classic: "Fly is Open. Let’s Go Peay."

We’ve done chants and signs in here before, and I have no problem recycling them for a bonus special. But let’s make the regular special a little fresher.

Let’s hear your most clever sign, slogan or chant for the 2009 Orioles/their players. (This is a waist-high, Bruce Chen fastball for Rob, Scooter and some others).

Daily Think Special: Give me your best 2009 O’s slogan or chant.

Bonus Think Special: What’s the best sign you’ve ever seen at a sporting event?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:24 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (66)
                       

Here’s to everyone who turned a somber day at the bar into a good one. Nice discussion about today’s best baseball announcers.

I’m not shocked to see Jon Miller lead the discussion. He is, indeed, a great baseball voice. I’m not as shocked to read that people are still angry about his departure from the organization.

That’s one that many of you won’t get over. I get it.

Today we are going to talk about another long-standing beef of Orioles’ fans that finally has been resolved. One I never did get.

Monday, the Orioles won in Texas with “Baltimore” written across their jerseys. It occurred for the first time in my baseball-watching lifetime (I was a toddler when “Baltimore” was replaced with “Orioles.”)

Perhaps it’s because of my age, or because those things never really bothered me when I was a baseball fan. But as I have written countless times, the whole “Baltimore” issue never resonated with me.

And I know I am in the minority. And I know this is the last time I’m writing about this. Ever. But some of you cared, and I am a man of the people.

So how was it? Was it as good for you as expected?

Daily Think Special: Was seeing “Baltimore” on the road jerseys a big moment for you?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:02 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (33)
                       

Sorry if it is hurting your eyes, but the lights are purposely dimmed here in the bar today. We’re in somber mode. It’s been a rough week in baseball.

First, the tragic passing of Nick Adenhart and now the news that Philadelphia Phillies’ Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away Monday in a booth before the Nats-Phillies game and former Tigers' pitcher Mark "The Bird" Fidrych died in Massachusetts.

Fidrych pitched the first game I clearly remember attending -- a July 4th O's win at Memorial Stadium in 1977. Eddie Murray homered against him.

I never interviewed Adenhart -- heard nothing but good things about him -- but I had the pleasure to both talk with and interview Kalas, as recently as last year.

A gracious man and an absolute pleasure to shoot the bull with. He was to Philadelphia what Chuck Thompson was to Baltimore.

I have cold Yuengling on tap and am raising the first to Kalas, who is being mourned by an entire region today.

I had another topic idea, but we’ll skip it for now. In tribute to Kalas, here’s what I want to know: Who is the best radio announcer left in the business?

I know many of you have XM Radio these days and listen to a lot of different broadcasters. That’s a great thing for us East Coasters, because two of the best are on the West Coast: Los Angeles Dodgers legend Vin Scully and San Francisco Giants’ Jon Miller (it’s hard to see that “Giants” part, isn’t it?).

You may not realize it Baltimore, but you’ve been as spoiled as it gets. You’ve had Ernie Harwell, Thompson, Bill O’Donnell and Miller, just to name four great ones. And now you have Joe Angel and Fred Manfra, pretty darn tremendous ones as well -- though, I admit, since I know the men behind the microphones, I may be a bit partial.

Kalas was certainly up there. In fact, in my hierarchy, Kalas was the second best active announcer, one step behind Scully and an inch ahead of Miller.

Here’s to you, Harry. Hope you’re grabbing a cold beer tonight with the other Harry, Chuck and the rest of the legends today.

Daily Think Special: Who is baseball’s best active broadcaster? You can throw in TV if you like.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:07 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (38)
                       

Hope everyone who celebrates it had a great Easter.

I did, though I might have set a record for attending the most Easter egg hunts in a week’s span. Such is the life of a father of three. I also enjoyed the final round of the green-jacket sweepstakes. I was pulling for Kenny Perry. Love those aging, paunchy guys.

I skipped Sunday’s Orioles game, but covered the first five. And I wanted to address one subject that is on a lot of your minds (or so my e-mail box says).

In the Orioles’ six games so far, they have had three different starting left fielders, and that doesn’t include Ty Wigginton, who will play there on occasion.

Felix Pie has started four games in left, Ryan Freel one and starting designated hitter Luke Scott one (Opening Day against tough lefty CC Sabathia).

The Orioles have not been cryptic about their plans for left. It is Pie’s job to lose. Like Nick Markakis in right in 2006 and Adam Jones in center in 2008, Pie will get a majority of starts there until he proves he can’t hack it. He certainly has the defensive tools, though his route-taking needs refinement.

But they also want to make sure they get guys like Wigginton and Freel in the lineup on occasion, and left is the only spot on the diamond that is not fully set.

There already have been some interesting decisions made. On Thursday, Pie had two hits, both singles going the other way, something he has worked on this spring. And then Friday he was out of the lineup in favor of Freel.

Some questioned that decision. But Freel needs to get in the lineup, and I don’t have a problem giving Pie a day to contemplate his first successful offensive day in an Orioles uniform. Others, of course, would have liked to see him try to continue the momentum. He has been hitless in his two starts since.

I’ve said this before, but I like what the Orioles are doing with Pie. Give him a low-pressure chance. Let him know that if he goes into a 0-for-10 slump, he still has a job.

If he continues to flounder, say in July, then cut bait (like the fishing theme?), put him through waivers and bring up another unproven player such as Nolan Reimold or Lou Montanez and give him the same extended chance.

Because Pie is out of options and the above two aren’t, it made sense to give him the first chance, even though he didn’t play as well in the spring.

So, for now, I think Pie should be the primary starting left fielder, especially if this season really is about the future. But I know many of you disagree. Some want to see Reimold (big power. but still raw), Montanez (can hit, but limited defensively) or even Scott (though as a DH, he’ll play plenty) in there full time.

So, I’ll give you the sticky, beer-soaked floor on this issue. If you were O’s manager Dave Trembley, what would you do? Would you have a platoon in left or would you give it to one player, see what happens and re-evaluate in a few months?

Daily Think Special: What would you do with the Orioles’ left-field situation?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:36 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (54)
                       

Late start to the bar today. Day games after night games are killers.

And we had to pay off the health inspector again, too. So bar apologies for not getting you that 8 a.m. cocktail.

Let’s shrink the ball of discussion a little bit today. I know this is a beer-swilling, beer-spilling, pretzel-smashing, people-punching dive. But we’re going to inject a little more sophistication temporarily.

This is Masters weekend. And I, for one, enjoy watching it. Sunday at Augusta always seems to have drama -- and usually that drama is courtesy of Tiger Woods.

I can never tire of Tiger simply because he is that much fun to watch. But I know there are fans out there who are sick of him.

Love him or despise him, Tiger is, in my opinion, the most intriguing athlete right now. He always has a chance to win.

He also doesn’t have a true adversary, no Jimmy Connors to his Johnny Mac, no Magic to his Larry. In a way, that is too bad.

But I am sure there is somebody else you pull for in the majors whose nickname is not that of a ferocious cat. It might be Mickelson or Singh or, heck, in this place, John Daly.

I'd like to see Jim Furyk challenge, because I’m a fan of guys who look awkward on the golf course.

So is there someone who you like to see challenge Tiger? Is it everyone because you are sick of his greatness and hype?

Let’s argue some golf people. It’s a 2-for-1 special and I have lots of little umbrellas in the back.

Daily Think Special: Are you sick of Tiger Woods?

Bonus Think Special: Do you pull for another golfer to beat Tiger in the majors? Who?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:45 AM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (25)
                       

I am filing this as I am about to leave Camden Yards after Koji Uehara’s first win as an Oriole and a Major League Baseball pitcher.

He wasn’t great, but he got the job done, allowing just one run in five innings.

He rarely touched 90 mph on the radar gun, and you have to wonder how that’ll work as the season progresses.

But it is obvious the guy knows how to pitch. And I think he’ll be fairly successful this season.

I think he could win 10 or more, lose 10 or more and have an ERA under 5.00. I think there will be times against impatient teams when he dominates.

And I think there will be times when he’s not hitting his spots and teams tee off on him. He won’t have a lot of room for error. That all should balance to a mid-4 (or slightly higher) ERA.

Regardless, I think he’ll be intriguing to watch, since he does throw strikes, a lost art at Camden Yards. At least those are my early thoughts.

What do you think are realistic numbers for Uehara this season? I am saying 10-12 with a 4.70 ERA. Just a guess. We'll see how close I get.

Daily Think Special: Now that you have seen him in a regular-season game, predict Koji Uehara’s final 2009 win-loss record and ERA.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:48 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (23)
                       

I’m still passing out the orange beer to the patrons with the Orioles-colored glasses today. You all know who you are.

Tonight won’t have the same feel as Monday, I’m sure. The New York Yankees fan base may be alive and well again today now that the allure of Opening Day is behind us.

But that doesn’t mean this game won’t be worth paying attention to. In fact, this one is a must see on the other side of the globe.

Koji Uehara will be making his major league debut for the Orioles.

Uehara’s mound opponent will be Chien-Ming Wang, but the Japan-Taiwan matchup isn’t the most intriguing.

For Japanese baseball fans, they want to see Uehara pitch to Hideki Matsui. The two were former teammates on the Yomiuri Giants -- the Yankees of Japan -- and at one time were two of the biggest baseball stars in that country.

Roughly 50 Japanese media members will be on hand to watch the matchup. Honestly, tonight will have some historical significance locally, too.

It will mark the first time a Japan native has played for the Orioles.

Truthfully, Uehara’s debut is the second-most anticipated of 2009 around here. When catcher Matt Wieters plays his first game, Orioles fans will go nuts.

It got me thinking. What was the most anticipated debut in Orioles history? And will Wieters’ rival it?

For me personally, I think it had to be Ben McDonald’s. He was drafted as the top pick overall in June and was called up in September in the middle of the Orioles’ improbable pennant race in the “Why Not?” season at the tender age of 21.

He pitched 2 2/3 innings in relief of Curt Schilling in a loss to the Cleveland Indians on Sept. 6, 1989 (September 6, hmmm?). I don’t remember the game, but I remember the buzz.

Given the significance of the season -- and month - in which he debuted, I’ll go with Ben McDonald. But some of you old-timers might have better examples, such as when the former Cincinnati Reds MVP Frank Robinson debuted with the Orioles in 1966. I’m sure Baltimore was excited about that one, too.

Daily Think Special: Whose Orioles' debut was most anticipated?

Bonus Think Special: Where will Matt Wieters’ debut rank on that list?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:40 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (31)
                       

Made it through Opening Day and no one booed me.

Can’t say the same about that guy from Severna Park. Wine and cheese was spilled all over Camden Yards as the crowd made good on its bar promise, got to its feet and lustily booed Mark Teixeira.

I know it was Opening Day, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Camden Yards was packed with Orioles fans. Really.

It’s been a long while since the Yankees were in town and the crowd was dominated by orange and black. So there’s one plus from Monday afternoon.

Another plus is the top of that lineup. Brian Roberts and Adam Jones combined to score five runs and reach base in nine out of 10 chances.

Jeremy Guthrie wasn’t spectacular, but he stuck it out for six innings and got them a win.

And Cesar Izturis, he did OK in his Orioles debut. A run-saving, diving stop in the sixth and then a surprising home run that basically sealed the victory.

Yep, good times abounding at the Yards for Orioles fans.

I’m sure many of you are extremely excited, and I am not even going to try to temper it. There will be plenty of time for that.

So go ahead and get optimistic, giddy if you like today.

Daily Think Special: What’s your take on the Opening Day win over the Yankees?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:49 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (37)
                       

I normally try to put baseball life in perspective.

It is just a game, just a diversion to real life. Ultimately, what I do for a living is just that, a job. At times, a very cool job and at times, an absolute disaster. Regardless, I try not to make it define me.

All that said, Opening Day is special for me. It always has been. It is rooted in tradition, which is rooted in Baltimore.

This will be the 40th Opening Day of my life (but I am not yet 40, for the record) and I bet you I have been to a major league ballpark for at least 25 of them, probably 30. My current streak is at 13, though not all Camden Yards.

Last year, I opened the season in Seattle watching Erik Bedard. Boy, that seems like a long time ago.

Anyway, Opening Day was like a holiday in my household growing up. My parents didn’t think twice about taking us out of school and writing a note that said, “Please excuse the Connolly children for their absence. They got Opening Day tickets.”

I remember at one point in the early 1980s that our ticket source dried up and my sisters and I were going to lose our Opening Day streak. So my oldest sister, Ann, took a heroic shot at history.

At the time, she was a bank teller in Lutherville and Hall of Fame broadcaster Chuck Thompson was one of her customers. She told him our predicament and asked if he could help us. We weren’t looking for handouts, just a ticket connection. And just before Opening Day, the golden voice of Baltimore sports came through. For a teller at his bank.

Now that I am on the other side of it, I can’t imagine how many ticket requests like that Thompson fielded over the years -- one of the reasons he is so unforgettable. That story sticks with me because it just reminds me how much Baltimore valued the start of baseball season back then.

I’m not sure that sentiment remains. But part of me hopes so. Because when I was a kid, Opening Day and the day we were loaded into the station wagon at 6 a.m. for our week “down the ocean” were by far the two best non-holidays of the year.

That’s my story. What’s your best Opening Day story?

Daily Think Special: Is Opening Day still special in Baltimore?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:38 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (23)
                       

I made it down to Norfolk without a problem. At least if you don’t count sitting on Interstate 95 without moving for 90 minutes a problem. People in Northern Virginia just call it typical.

I think I really want to see the Nationals get to the playoffs soon, just to reward those people for living in that gridlock. And this is coming from a guy who grew up a solid iron shot from an Interstate 695 on-ramp.

For those of you who commented, e-mailed me or cared, I didn’t get a chance to download anything new for my ride – though I will when I come back. An Eels compilation CD and Jason Isbell’s new one – which I’m learning to love – held me for much of the trek.

Koji Uehara is scheduled to pitch today, and I’m looking forward to seeing that as much as Norfolk’s stadium. I like checking out ballparks, and I’ll give you a quick review of it soon.

This will be my last glimpse of the Orioles before Monday, when I hear they are taking on the New York Yankees and some guy who used to play in the Balmer Catholic League. After reading your thoughts Thursday, I am confident it is going to be loud at Camden Yards. Mark Teixeira may want to find some Rafael Palmeiro Memorial Earplugs.

So since this is it for me, I’ll give you my thoughts – in an awards form.

O’s spring training MVP: Adam Jones. We’ve been hearing how he is ready to take the next step in his maturation. And if spring is an indication, it could be a good year in center field in Baltimore.

O's spring training Cy Young: Alfredo Simon. He showed up late due to visa problems as an afterthought in the rotation race and he ended up excelling while nearly every other candidate stepped backward. He allowed just two earned runs in 16 innings in Dave Trembley’s Camp Competition.

O's rookie of the spring: No, not Matt Wieters. The guy who raised the most eyebrows was outfielder Nolan Reimold. The kid has big power – he hit four homers in 28 spring at-bats – and had a .406 on-base percentage. Wieters certainly was impressive, but it was expected. It’s nice to see Reimold excel when the brass is watching.

O's comeback player: Chris Ray. Didn’t allow a run in 12 appearances. He’s back from Tommy John surgery.

O's shaft of the spring: Lou Montanez. He batted .340 and fanned only five times in 50 at-bats. But he never really had a chance to compete for a job. Don’t cry for him; he’ll be back up.

O's pitching disappointment of the spring: Hayden Penn. There were no excuses or mishaps this time. He had a shot, didn’t grasp it and is now out of the organization.

O's hitting disappointment: Felix Pie. He struck out 12 times in 59 at-bats and batted just .237. Some are disappointed that he is going north with the Orioles. But this is the right move. Pie is out of options. He has a huge upside. A poor spring should not change the plan. Maybe in July, but not now. The other guys had minor league options available.

OK, that’s my list. What’s yours? You can give an answer for each category. Or we’ll make it simple for you.

Daily Think Special: What was the best and worst development of the spring?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:35 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (31)
                       

When we first opened this rat trap almost a year ago (a year this month. No kidding), one of the concerns was that eventually the topics would run as dry as a well-made martini.

And let me tell you, there have been instances. Yes, indeed.

But on occasion the bar runs itself, when one day’s discussion bleeds into the next obvious topic.

Wednesday we kicked around the song. “How 'Bout Dem O’s” by a local group of musicians called “Warning Track Power” and debated whether it should become a Camden Yards staple this season.

Incidentally, it was a real mixed review on the tune. Some gushed. Others were rather harsh. All in all, the song is fun enough and the band gets points for enthusiasm. Whether I want to hear it 81 times this year, umm, the jury is still out there.

Anyway, two great byproducts came out of Wednesday’s discussion. One, I got some more musical suggestions to download (Free drink tabs today for Chris, Doug M, Tony and Lauren. I will check into each suggestion and pick from there. Doug, I am definitely downloading The Saw Doctors -- very much in my wheelhouse -- and Chris, we have similar tastes. Gaslight Anthem’s The ’59 Sound is one of my favorite CDs of the past year and I saw the Heartless Bastards perform in October.)

I’ll be in my car for 10 hours over the next two days on my way up and down I-95 from the Orioles-Nats exhibition in Norfolk, Va., and I definitely want a few new tunes.

The second gem from Wednesday’s talk comes courtesy of Joe Polek, who’s drinking all week on me here. He provided this link.

It’s a few Balmer guys, calling themselves, “The Boooog Pows,” performing the video, “Boo Teixeira.”

The concept is that they are going to “settle the score” and boo former favorite son and current New York Yankee Mark Teixeira when he comes to Camden Yards for the first time in pinstripes on Monday, aka Opening Day.

Whether you agree with the sentiment -- and I am an objective sports journalist who hasn’t booed since the early 1990s when I wasn’t getting paid to spew drivel -- you have to admit the song is funny. And the guys performing it make this a must watch for O’s fans. I don’t know Teixeira too well, but I bet you he would find it amusing.

The drinking of the orange Kool-Aid is pure comic genius as is the tribute to Boog. I don’t know who these guys are, but they are clowns worthy of my admiration and three perpetually open stools at Connolly’s.

I know this concept was all the talk back in December. But now that we are days from Opening Day and Teixeira’s homecoming, I am wondering if you really are motivated to give a Bronx cheer to the Bronx’s first baseman on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.

Daily Think Special: If you’re going to the opening series against the Yankees, will you be booing when Teixeira is announced? Or are you over being jilted?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:33 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (49)
                       

OK, this is why I love this town. And if you are not from here or haven’t spent some time here, it might be tough to explain. But there’s always passion around this place, even if it is buried under 11 years of pain.

For the past two days, the majority of loyal Orioles fans have predicted the club would likely finish in fifth (tops, fourth) in the AL East and Dave Trembley’s job should be safe because the team is short on talent.

So the fan base seems to have realistic thoughts about the upcoming season.

But then I get an e-mail today from a guy named Steve Colmus, a local musician and Orioles fan who got together with some other musical friends and put together a tribute to the 2009 club.

Here’s how he describes the song, which is called: “How ‘Bout Dem O’s.”

“It's relentlessly positive and maybe a little unprepared for what our April and May could look like, but it's pure optimism and enthusiasm for the MacPhail-Trembley era, and all the young kids soon to be coming this way.”

So, yeah, there is still optimism in March/April in Charm City.

Here’s a way to listen to the tune -- if you haven’t already heard it on the Internet.

Regulars to the bar know I am a big music fan (in fact, I’ve got a long drive ahead of me on Thursday and may take a new CD to listen to along with my iPod. Any suggestions to download? Rock, indie and alt-country are the preferred choices).

Let’s throw this Orioles song into the goofy-bordering-on-kitschy category. But any ditty that tries to rhyme “Izturis” and “Markakis” and throws in a “Flat Breezy” for good measure is worth a listen.

Colmus and his band, which is calling itself Warning Track Power, are hoping to get steady play at Camden Yards this year -- sort of like the “Orioles Magic” revival from last year. That video is stale now that Kevin Millar and Adam Loewen are north of the border.

Not sure how that is going to go for WTP, but I’ll let you guys take a swing at it. And, hey, if you are all digging it, maybe you’ll hear it at the Yards sometime.

It’s April Fools today, so I figured we’d go soft with our question. Light beers on me.

Daily Think Special: Will this float as a new Orioles theme song?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:34 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (33)
                       

Interesting perspectives on Dave Trembley in yesterday’s bar. Most believe he deserves the nod through 2009 -- assuming the club plays hard for him -- no matter the results.

I’m starting to sense that many of you are resigned to a poor 2009, so long as you see bright spots. I think that’s the way you have to look at the upcoming season, and any extra is gravy (the good type, not the lumps we serve here on the meatloaf).

I was intrigued that several of you brought up Joe Maddon and the Tampa Bay Rays to illustrate (or argue against) Trembley’s case. The Rays demonstrated plenty of patience with Maddon and it paid off.

But, remember, the Orioles aren’t yet where the Rays are talent-wise.

I bring up the Rays because I am in the process of doing my annual AL East previews for The Baltimore Sun and I was immediately hit with a dilemma regarding the Rays. As good as they are, and as wonderful as their season was last year, I am predicting them to finish third in the East and not make the playoffs.

Perhaps it is faulty logic -- especially considering pitching is paramount and the Rays have four starters age 27 or younger that won double-digit games last year. And that doesn’t include mega-prospect David Price, who will start the season at Triple-A.

But, right now, I like the rotations of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox more. The Yankees have five guys who could win 15 games and the Red Sox, by June anyway, have six to seven legitimate big-league starters.

I could see the Rays winning 90-plus games this season, and not making the postseason. Because it is tough to repeat a miracle season (Rays igniter B.J. Upton is already out for the first week at least). And because the Red Sox and Yankees, partially because of their payrolls, are just deeper at this time.

So I have the Rays third, behind the division-winning Red Sox and the wild-card-winning Yankees and ahead of the injury-prone Toronto Blue Jays and the last-place Orioles. I’m afraid I have become just another one of those jaded national writers you all abhor so much.

Am I alone here? Do the Rays make the playoffs again?

Daily Think Special: What’s your predicted order of finish for the AL East? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:02 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (25)
                       

Hope everyone had a better weekend than me – I was sick for most of it -- and the University of Pittsburgh’s men’s basketball team.

That was an amazing game on Saturday and I am going to go all TV cliche on you now. It’s a shame one squad had to lose.

We are a week from Opening Day and I am in full gear-up mode for the season. In everything I write or every Q&A I do, it seems I am asked about the security of Dave Trembley’s job.

Trembley’s winning percentage in his year and a half with the Orioles is among the worst in franchise history. That is not his fault, of course.

I think Trembley has done what he could to change the losing culture, but when you don’t have the horses you can’t win the race (that illness has made me a cliche machine).

The club has a 2010 option on Trembley’s contract and Andy MacPhail has shown he is a patient man who understands what Trembley is facing.

And, like many before him, Trembley hasn’t had a level playing field to show what he can do.

But will that make a difference if, around midseason, the Orioles are headed toward another fifth-place finish? Surely, there will be pressure to make a change.

Remember there have been eight managers in the past 15 years in Baltimore.

Daily Think Special: Should the Orioles’ 2009 record and performance dictate whether Dave Trembley should manage the club in 2010?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:16 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (61)
                       

We looked at my positive spring observations at the bar yesterday. Apparently my discussion of the Orioles’ pitching prospects made at least one patron get “goose bumps.”
(Here's a free drink chip, Sudhir).

Wow, I usually have to know someone a lot better for that to occur.

Today, however, we’re taking a depressing trip to Realityville. I know it is better in June and not March, before the team has played a meaningful game. But we serve it real here at Connolly’s.

After my 10 days in Florida, a friend asked me, “Well, are the Orioles going to be any better this year?”

He was a good friend, so I leveled with him.

“No, I don’t think so. In fact, it’s conceivable they could be worse.”

The reason I say that is because of the absolute mediocrity, to be kind, I saw from the pitching staff during my time in Fort Lauderdale. Sure, it is spring. And it is possible that these guys who were struggling can turn it around.

But I don’t think that is likely. It’s incredible that with three open rotation spots available, no one has pitched particularly well. In fact, during my snapshot of the O’s last week, only Alfredo Simon, Chris Ray and Brian Bass impressed. Some were OK, such as Adam Eaton and Mark Hendrickson, and some were terrible.

I am probably most surprised by how poorly Hayden Penn has pitched. He has the reputation as a bulldog, and he has caught so many bad breaks over the years that you would think he’d really seize the opportunity pitching for his Orioles career this spring.

He hasn’t. Really, few have. And that’s a legitimate concern for the season. Remember, as good as the bullpen could be, the starting pitching has to get there. And the bullpen has to stay healthy. The six relievers the club is counting on were all on the disabled list at some point in 2008.

No question this organization has more talent in it than it has for some time. But you might not see much of it until 2009 is unsalvageable. April, alone, features games against the Rays, Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Rangers and White Sox. A real brutal stretch.

So, I hate to be a wet blanket in March, before Opening Day’s first pitch, but that’s how I see it right now. Simply because of how disappointing the pitching has been.

Daily Think Special: Given what you’ve seen/heard/read this spring, what’s your gut feeling about the Orioles’ 2009 season?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:29 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (62)
                       

Now that’s more like it people.

Civilized criticism and thoughtful questions. You guys should be newspaper reporters, you know, assuming that job title continues to exist.

Seriously, some nice thoughts/questions sent Andy MacPhail’s way.

I’m actually kicking around the idea of a day spent answering your questions at the bar, and a lot of them could be the same thrown out to MacPhail. It would be my opinion, of course, but a lot of my feelings are formed after talking to people within the organization. Let me know if it would be worth having a question-and-answer day about the Orioles here. If you think so, maybe we’ll set it up.

Anyway, I promised to share some of my observations from spring training, and we’ll do that today. I’ll go with the positives – we’ll get to the negatives later.

I was impressed with the club’s trio of stud pitching prospects -- Chris Tillman, Jake Arrieta and Brian Matusz.

I also talked to two scouts about the trio. One thinks Arrieta should be in the majors now. He’s got great stuff and has, umm, lots of confidence. Plainly speaking, the scout said the kid was too cocky to be overwhelmed by the majors. That scout thinks he’ll be the best of the three and should rise the quickest.

Another scout told me Tillman is the guy. That he is a future No. 1, that Matusz has the acumen to be a No. 2 and that Arrieta is “a No. 3 at worst.” If healthy, the scout believes the Orioles have an amazing future top of the rotation already set.

Honestly, I have to say Tillman impressed me the most. His curve is outstanding, at least it was when I saw him throw. His fastball has good movement and, as the scouts say, he was missing bats.

What impressed me the most, though, occurred the day he was sent down. I interviewed Tillman with a group of reporters and he was a completely different kid from last year. So much more confidence, and much more relaxed talking to us than he was in 2008. The kid, just 20, seems to have matured a great deal. Count me as a passenger on the “Tillman’s special” bandwagon.

I’ve also been impressed with the way Matusz has handled himself since he was signed. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Arrieta, so I can’t offer an opinion on his makeup, except to relay what the scout said.

My belief is that you’ll see one of these guys up in Baltimore this season. Maybe two. I guess there’s an outside chance you’ll see all three.

I also expect that Brad Bergesen, a control artist and a super nice kid, will beat them all up to the majors.

I agree with the one scout that we’ll probably see Arrieta, 23, first of the trio, then Tillman later on (because of his tender age) if he is successful at Triple-A and then Matusz, 22, if he makes it up at all in 2009. But that’s just a guess.

I am curious as to which one of the three you most want to see in an Orioles uniform.

Daily Think Special: Which of the ‘Nasty Three’ of pitching prospects are you most interested in seeing play for the Orioles?

Bonus Think Special: Would you be interested in an “ask the barkeep” day at the bar, where you pose the questions and I give the opinions?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:00 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (30)
                       

Well, Tuesday’s conversation certainly spiraled out of control.

I wanted to know what you would ask Peter Angelos if you had the chance. Some of you took it seriously and brought up some excellent queries. Grab a free drink chip. You know who you are. (Free night of drinking for Rich for his George Kell salute).

But as the day went on, there were more and more “When will you sell the team?” entries.

We got it. You’d like Angelos to sell the team. That’s a fresh thought. Really moves the chains.

Listen, there’s no question that Angelos’ regime has featured plenty of mistakes – and 11 losing seasons and counting is a strong indictment of his ownership. There have been personality conflicts that have hurt the organization’s progress in the past, no doubt, and there have been – and still are – examples where his loyalty to certain people is misplaced.

More than anything, I think Angelos deliberates too much and gathers too many opinions – strong traits for a good trial attorney -- and instead he needs to trust one person and let him run the club. From my current vantage point – and I am not inside the warehouse – that appears to be the case with Angelos and club president Andy MacPhail, who Angelos boldly hand-picked without conferring with others.

As for accusations that Angelos is cheap, hoards his money and doesn’t want to win, I am not buying it. He’s not going to spend $200 million to keep up with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. But his payroll has consistently been in the top half of baseball during this woeful stretch. Terrible decisions and mismanagement by his lieutenants is more to blame than tight purse strings.

That’s my emotionless, cerebral opinion anyway. Now I’ll duck as the beer glasses come my way.

Let’s keep this “playing reporter” thing going for another day (hey, I’ve kept it going for almost two decades). You now get Andy MacPhail for one question. Turn the grill on the club president.

At this moment, what’s your burning question for MacPhail (I might even crib from you)? What do you most want to know about the Orioles and his vision for now or the future?

Daily Think Special: What would you ask Andy MacPhail?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:31 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (52)
                       

I got back to the area this weekend from Florida, meaning I basically passed Orioles owner Peter Angelos in the air on his way to Fort Lauderdale.

For all the criticism he gets for being hands-on, Angelos is not a very visible owner these days. He doesn’t often come down to spring training, and when he is at Camden Yards he doesn’t venture far from his skybox.

Most of the current Orioles have never met him. Contrast that with, say Houston’s Drayton McLane, who is always hanging around the Astros. During the Grapefruit League season, McLane signs about as many autographs as his players do.

That’s not Angelos’ style.

He prefers watching the games on TV while he’s working from his law office (yes, he often works that late). He pays attention, don’t get me wrong. He’s just not physically at the park much of the time.

So when Angelos makes a public appearance at an Orioles exhibition in Florida, which happened Sunday, we in the media take notice.

Now, let’s assume you are in our position. What would you ask Angelos? Some of you, of course, will say, “When are you going to sell the team?” That’s a cheap joke as well as an obvious mystery we’d all like to know. He doesn’t discuss that publicly and, regardless, that answer apparently fluctuates often. For every rumor that Angelos is close to selling, there are five that he is even more committed to handing it down to his sons.

No, let’s make this professional. You get a chance to ask Angelos one serious, baseball-related question, one that is appropriate for the situation. Would it be about his relationship with Andy MacPhail? His thoughts about where Matt Wieters should start the season? What he thinks about a potential salary cap? What was his drop-dead number with Mark Teixeira? Where the team will play in future springs?

The forum is yours. Make it professional and respectful (editing is our right here at the bar). But I’m not asking you to pull punches, either. Ask away.

Daily Think Special: What would you want to ask Peter Angelos?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:56 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (59)
                       

I’m back from Florida, happy to behind the bar again but a bit displeased with the look of the place. There are two holes in the wall, all of the floating sausages are gone from the dusty dome of vinegar and the cash register is nearly empty.

Seems like when I’m not all here, you guys aren’t either. We’ll fix that this week. I am rededicated and have some Orioles’ observations for you from the Grapefruit League.

But first I want to address University of Maryland’s men’s basketball. Considering how the Terps looked early on (the loss to Morgan State, the embarrassment to Duke), you have to be pleased that they made the real dance and won at least one game.

Also, raise your glass to Dave Neal, who played his last game as a Terp on Saturday. The kid got plenty out of his ability and was the epitome of a gym rat. It’s a shame the Terps couldn’t have lasted a little longer for Neal’s sake.

Now, that aside, let’s look at the burning question for 2009-10. Will Greivis Vasquez be back next year? We all know the junior is contemplating the jump to the NBA. And we know he can bedazzle with his talent.

But the consistency isn’t there. He disappears on occasion. His mouth gets him into trouble. And Maryland is young enough and possesses enough talent that he could be showcased a little more next season.

I am not one of those people who deride players for making the jump to the pros early. I always think about it as if it were my child. And try to balance it for the better of the player, not the program or the fans.

It’s possible Vasquez gets drafted in the first round and gets a signing bonus that sets him up for life. And it’s tough to walk away from that. But if he were my son (I’d be on him to tone down that act, by the way), I’d push for him to stay at Maryland for his senior year.

He’s not a slam dunk NBA pick right now. And he could accomplish a lot more for himself and his legacy if he stuck around for another year. Yes, he’d be risking injury, but in his case the upside outweighs the risk. That’s my opinion anyway. And it has little to do with Maryland’s chances for 2009-10.

Daily Think Special: If Greivis were your son, what advice would you offer about whether to turn pro?

Bonus Think Special: Evaluate the Terps’ men’s basketball season.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:37 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (32)
                       

Hey all.

I'm up near Viera, Fla., today, waiting for that huge Orioles-Nationals clash.

I loved the most attractive athlete conversation from Wednesday. I am giving an open tab to Doo for the Katarina Witt reference. I forgot all about her. Boy, was/is she an impressive athlete.

And a free drink chip to Bash123 for her Nick Markakis reference. Only one woman spoke up, so she gets special preference.

As my time in Florida is about to come to an end, I have lots of Orioles thoughts I want to share with you. But, hey, this is a bar. And we have to appeal to the public. Right now, it is all about the NCAA tournament, and I’m not going to be any different.

In a few minutes I’ll be filling out my brackets and sending them in to my various buddies. But I’m not there yet. So I can’t reveal my picks today. Besides, we’ll have our basketball version of Prediction Friday tomorrow.

What I want to know from you is how far you picked the Terps to go in the tournament. There will always be a hint of homerism, of course, but hey, the NCAA pools are all about winning.

I believe the Terps will get by Cal and then be stopped by Memphis. But I am sure there are some people out there that think Gary Williams can game plan and beat the Tigers as well.

I, for one, can’t wait for the Golden Bears game, since one of my best sportswriting buddies, Gary Washburn, a former O’s writer, is a Cal grad. There will be some trash-talking with that one.

Do you think Gary Williams, through all the turmoil, can pull one out here? He is, after all, best when no one believes in his squads.

Daily Think Special: How far do the Terps get in the tournament? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:02 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (8)
                       

Got a late start to the bar today.

I know what you guys are thinking, but I am blaming the delay on the weather, not me being under it.

Anyway, we had some great St. Patrick’s Day suggestions yesterday on whom you’d like to buy a beer. My favorite was Upstate O’s Fan and his Pat Tillman suggestion. Here’s a drink chip for you.

Some of you picked attractive members of the opposite sex. No need to question your thought process there.

Those picks got me thinking a little. Who do you consider the best-looking or sexiest athlete of all time? This is not a sexist blog. Women can certainly chime in with their picks as well.

Anna Kournikova’s going to get some votes. So will Danica Patrick.

I gotta admit I was big fan Mary Lou Retton way back in 1984 (hey, I was 14), but she wouldn’t rank for me now. Kournikova probably wins for me, though I might go with softball player Jennie Finch, who I interviewed some years ago.

Stunning woman and a good interview (I know that doesn’t matter to the rest of you, but I am a journalist masquerading as a bartender here).

I know many women who will forever be loyal to Brady Anderson and his 90210 sideburns (another great interview, but I'll leave it to someone else to talk about his looks).

Give me your opinions.

Daily Think Special: Who is the most attractive athlete of all time?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:33 AM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (39)
                       

It’s our first St. Patrick’s Day together at the bar, and the taps, the taps are flowing.

Smithwick’s and Guinness on me. But don’t be bringing that green, food-coloring stuff around here. That’s about as Irish as Shaquille O’Neal.

I’m going to see if my buddy, Washington Post baseball writer Dave Sheinin, will drop by and offer up a “Danny Boy.” Sheinin’s got some pipes, and it used to be one of our St. Patrick’s Day rituals when he covered the Orioles.

We’ll get to the question of the day quickly, because this place has some celebrating to do. The suggestion is from another baseball writer that I have had the pleasure of working closely with over the years: The Sun’s Orioles beat writer, Jeff Zrebiec.

In honor of St. Patty’s Day, Zrebiec suggests this one: Which athlete -- in any sport, from any era -- would you most want to buy a beer? We’ve done similar ones like this in the past, but we aren’t limiting it to Baltimore this time.

Decide on your own criteria, but it probably should be someone who you respect that also seems like the fun type.

Zrebiec says Andre Agassi, because he admires the way Agassi has undergone such an amazing character transformation from bad boy brat to tennis ambassador and philanthropist. Plus, Z knows there would be a whole lot of women around him if he were Agassi’s wingman.

Pete Schmuck suggests Jim Thorpe, because the guy could do anything athletically, led a fascinating life and could do some partying. Also, he’d be the one guy in the bar older than Schmuck.

As for me, it’s Babe Ruth. The greatest ballplayer of all time and the life of the party. And he was fat and from Baltimore. Enough said.

It’s your turn. And pass the corned beef.

Daily Think Special: Which athlete, past or present, would you most want to buy a beer?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:36 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (51)
                       

It’s been several days since I’ve mixed your drinks, and I am assuming things are still calm back at the bar.

My hope is that no one has thrown a Steelers fan through the plate-glass window. Or at least you’ve cleaned up if you did.

There aren’t a whole lot of position battles going on here at Orioles camp in Fort Lauderdale. One that was decided before pitchers and catchers reported was the closer role.

Manager Dave Trembley believed that George Sherrill, who went from Seattle Mariners setup man to Orioles closer in 2008, deserved to stay in the spot after saving 31 games and making the All-Star Game.

Trembley had a legitimate dilemma, though, because the Orioles’ closer in 2006 and 2007, Chris Ray, is back from elbow-ligament replacement surgery.

And he appears to be healthy.

Sherrill deserves the nod, especially since there is no reason to push Ray, who hasn’t pitched on the big-league level since July 2007 – and probably hasn’t been healthy in a big-league game since about April of that year.

Also, the mild-mannered Ray isn’t the kind of guy to complain about losing his spot. He told me that he thinks Sherrill deserves to be the closer based on what he did last year.

That said, and with all respect to Sherrill, Ray is the better long-term bet. When he is healthy, he has an electric arsenal. Sherrill has good stuff and is devastating to lefties, but his best assets are his determination and grit. And that carries over no matter what role he is in.

Plus, Sherrill is almost five years older than Ray. So Ray is definitely the closer of the future (again). But what about now?

Daily Think Special: Who should serve as Orioles closer during the upcoming season -- Chris Ray or George Sherrill?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:11 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (27)
                       

My first day down in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and there wasn’t much to see except for a lot of Minnesota Twins on the basepaths.

A not-so-pretty game that was highlighted by an impressive diving grab and subsequent double play by center fielder Adam Jones that prevented at least a run.

I talked to a former big-league executive Wednesday who believes Jones will be an All-Star one day. But a better bet is that he will end up as a Gold Glove outfielder.

Just watching this 23-year-old kid play this spring – the jumps he’s getting to balls, the way he is directing his left fielders – makes me think the Orioles have something special defensively in this guy.

I never saw Paul Blair patrol center in his prime, but I know enough about Orioles history to realize that it would take a lot for Jones to become the franchise’s greatest defensive center fielder. The bet is it won’t happen. Blair, after all, won eight Gold Gloves with the Orioles.

But could Jones become the second best?

The answer is yes, because there is no clear-cut alternative.

Was Al Bumbry the second best? Brady Anderson? Mike Devereaux?

They were all good, but all had their weaknesses, too.

I know he didn’t play here long, but Corey Patterson should be in the discussion. He could flat out play the position. He just couldn’t hit well enough to keep it.

Gary Matthews Jr. had some highlight-reel catches, as did Luis Matos, but neither was consistent. Neither player was a starter here for an extended time. And, on occasion, Matos was painful to watch.

Think about this: Blair is the only outfielder to ever win a Gold Glove with the Orioles. Jones gets one, and statistically anyway, he moves into second place for all O’s outfielders.

Daily Think Special: Next to Paul Blair, who is the best defensive center fielder in Orioles history?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:29 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (35)
                       

I made it down to Florida without a problem. Even had Pete Schmuck as a chauffeur. He wouldn’t wear the hat or let me call him Reginald, but it all worked out anyway.

One of these days, I’ll pay him back by picking him up from the airport. I just want to go to baggage claim holding a sign that says, “Schmuck” and watch the faces of those around us when he cheerfully comes up to me.

I haven’t made it to the ballpark yet. Will do so Wednesday and will introduce myself to many of the new players in orange and black.

But since I am not officially back on the baseball beat until I file Wednesday night, I figured this would be a good time to talk Ravens.

While I was lollygagging with a week-plus off, Ozzie Newsome and Co., were busy. Real busy. Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs stayed -- as many of you predicted. Jim Leonhard, Jason Brown and Bart Scott went elsewhere and Matt Birk and Domonique Foxworth joined the squad.

Lots of movement there. But no wide receiver. Not yet anyway.

Newsome has talked patience. Said he’s not done making moves yet. And as we have talked in the past, Newsome deserves the benefit of the doubt based on what he has done while in Baltimore.

And I think, considering the damage that could have happened so far this offseason, Newsome has kept this team competitive for 2009.

That said, we all know that somehow, some way the Ravens need to improve at wide receiver – even if their three best receivers weren’t free agents after next season.

There’s a long way to go, but let’s grade Newsome and the Ravens’ front office so far this winter. Hey, we graded Andy MacPhail halfway through the O’s offseason, so turnabout is fair play.

I’ll give him a B- because I like the Birk signing and I believe Newsome has minimized the damage. But I can’t give him anything higher until the Ravens improve the receiving corps.

Daily Think Special: Grade the Ravens’ offseason so far.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:46 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (33)
                       

OK, the closed sign has been flipped over. I am back.

Hopefully all of you are, too. Here’s hoping my regulars didn’t dry out during our week-plus hiatus. Therefore, drinks on me today.

I am flying to Florida Tuesday morning, so we’ll be all about the Orioles for a week or more, probably starting Thursday. Some interesting storylines are already starting to develop and we’ll get to many of them this month.

Not that you asked, but I had a good week off. Did a whole lot of organizing around the house, read a bunch and finished watching The Wire from Season One until the show’s end (that was an offseason goal. Quick aside: Boy, is that drama gripping. And not just the fifth season, which hit home with a Baltimore Sun storyline.)

I also maxed out my iPod while buying/inputting a bunch of new music in the bar’s jukebox. I got the new U2 CD and the new Jason Isbell one and downloaded The Gaslight Anthem’s most recent offering, among others. Reviews are pending.

And I spent a bunch of much-needed quality time with my kids -- including taking my 10-year-old son to a Washington Capitals game, which several of you suggested.

Overall, that was a great call, though the game we went to was a Caps’ blowout loss. The fans were primed to celebrate, but the Caps were buried early and the crowd was removed from the equation.

With all the red in the place, though, it wasn’t hard to visualize how crazy the Verizon Center gets when the Caps are winning. And true hockey fans swear that there is no better experience than attending playoff hockey in a home arena.

I’ve never experienced that, nor have I covered/been to a March Madness event. But I have covered postseason NFL and MLB games, major college football contests, a key auto-racing event and one U.S Olympic trials.

For me, the two coolest experiences -- strictly from a stadium-energy standpoint -- were the World Series in St. Louis in 2006 and when the Ravens played in the AFC title game in Oakland back in 2001.

St. Louis is such a great baseball town and the place exploded when the Cardinals won. And even though the Ravens deflated the Oakland Coliseum crowd that year, the roar was thunderous in that stadium before and around kickoff. The Super Bowl, which is more corporate social outing than diehard fan celebration, paled in comparison.

One of the greatest things about sports is the energy that emanates from a crucial event. And that brings me to today’s question.

Daily Think Special: Energy-wise, what’s the best sporting event you ever attended? The one that the excitement was most palpable.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:57 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (49)
                       

This bar has been in existence (cyber existence, anyway) for almost a year and I have been waiting patiently to deliver the line.

The time is now.

“OK people, time to leave. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

All right, it’s official. I am a bartender now.

As many of you know, we are temporarily closing the bar. I’m going to take a few days off, and when I return, I’ll be rested and coming at you from sunny Florida.

I’ll be back with watery drinks, obscure music (listening to Chuck Prophet as we speak) and dumb jokes around March 9 or shortly thereafter.

But to tide you over for at least a couple days, I’m giving you a 3-for-1 special (you’ve never had that, even in college). We’re hitting on three topics. So comment well and comment often.

Friday marks the first day of NFL free agency. And it’s looking more and more like Ray Lewis is going to test the market. We’ve heard that he fancies playing for the Dallas Cowboys and you can’t discount his rejoining Rex Ryan with the New York Jets.

But when it is all over, I say the most important leader in Ravens’ history will stay in Baltimore. That’s my prediction. Do you think Ray Lewis stays with the Ravens?

While we are discussing leaders, one of the more interesting questions heading into Orioles’ spring training camp is who will emerge as the club leader in 2009?

Often, the clubhouse leader is a veteran who is one of the club’s best players. But for the past two years, Kevin Millar was the unquestioned clubhouse leader. He got along with everyone and wasn’t afraid to say something if he felt a teammate was out of line.

He was relegated to a bench player by the end of his stint with the Orioles, but he still held everyone’s respect. Now, Millar, who is attempting to make the Toronto Blue Jays, is gone. Someone likely will step up in the clubhouse.

The two obvious candidates are veteran Brian Roberts and budding star Nick Markakis. Both signed extensions this winter, and so we know they’ll be around for a while. But, honestly, neither relishes that leadership role.

Markakis is quiet by nature – and he is just 25. Don’t expect him to rah-rah the guys yet, if ever.

No doubt, Roberts has the years and the respect to become the guy, to set the example in words and deeds. But he is also more of a “leader by example” type. Guys will listen when he talks, but he’s not confrontational. So he’d have to work on that part of “leadership.”

There are other candidates. Catcher Gregg Zaun could emerge as a leader once he gets comfortable in the clubhouse, and Melvin Mora isn’t afraid to speak his mind.

But here’s my pick: Jeremy Guthrie. Normally, everyday players take on the leadership role, but not always (ask the other 24 men on the Blue Jays roster and they’ll tell you that Roy Halladay is the unquestioned club leader).

Guthrie is the Orioles' best pitcher, he’s smart and well-spoken and has a little edge to him when he wants it. So I’m bucking convention and saying Guthrie emerges as the team’s clubhouse leader.

The last topic is an obvious one. After Wednesday against Duke, the Terrapins have three more games this regular season: At N.C. State and Virginia and at home against Wake Forest. They probably need to win two of three and then at least one game, maybe two, in the ACC tournament to get a NCAA tourney bid.

Well, will they get it? Or is it off to the NIT again?

OK, that’s it for me in the longest entry in Connolly history. Have a great week, we’ll see you soon and, last one out, turn out the lights and get Rich and Mike from Jupiter into a cab.

Daily Think Special: Once the posturing is over, will Ray Lewis remain a Raven in 2009?

Bonus Think Special: Who emerges as the Orioles’ team leader in 2009? Does anyone?

Double-Secret-Probation Special: Are the Terps getting a NCAA tourney berth?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:19 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (21)
                       

I asked for your opinions on the potential surprise of Orioles camp Tuesday. And got little response in return. (Free drink chip to Craig. I like your Hayden Penn call. About time he catches a break).

Now we’ll go the opposite and see if we can drum up more business.

Who is the guy you think will take a step backward this spring? A player who you think should make the roster or earn a starting spot but jeopardizes it with a poor performance.

Some will throw Jamie Walker’s name out there. The Orioles showed last year that they would cut a veteran owed millions (Jay Gibbons) if he doesn’t fit in the plans. But Walker is a pro and relievers’ performances often fluctuate from year to year. I could see Walker bouncing back.

There are several other choices: Any of the pitchers not named Guthrie or Uehara. Felix Pie might be another possibility since he has started camp a little later than everyone else (though I think he’ll be fine.)

It’s your call, but make it. We are selling all drinks for your two cents the next two days, because I am boarding up the doors starting Thursday. I’ll be back the some time the week of March 9-13

So get your thoughts in now.

Daily Think Special: Which Oriole will hurt his status with a poor spring?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:35 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (22)
                       

Well, Gary Williams has plenty of fans at the bar.

An overwhelming number of you said that the next few weeks mean little in the evaluation of Maryland’s head men’s basketball coach.

Some say it’s because the university won’t eat the money remaining on his contract. And others say Gary deserves patience, and Saturday’s win against UNC just shows how good of a coach he is.

I was just throwing it out there, people. No need to Fear The Bartender. We’ll revisit the Terps on Thursday, which I think will be the bar’s last day open for a little over a week. We’ll reopen with me on my way (or in) Florida.

I, for one, am curious to see which Terps team shows against the Dukies on Wednesday.

Got a couple new CDs in the jukebox today. I finally got the new Springsteen (I really like most of the tunes, but that “Queen of the Supermarket” one is painful). I also took a chance at a Circuit City closing and bought the most recent Ryan Adams and the Cardinals and my first Marc Broussard -- each for half price. I’m a Ryan Adams fan, so that one should be fine, but got to admit I’m not sure how much I like the Broussard. I’m gonna give it a few listens, but it’s a little poppy so far for my tastes.

OK, let’s talk some baseball.

It’s been a decade since I haven’t been at spring training this late in February. And I’m really starting to detest the cold up here. I have to endure two more weeks before I see a Grapefruit League game -- though the first one of 2009, against the WBC Italian team, is today.

One of the cool things about the spring is you get to see guys you’ve never heard of pitch or hit for the first time. And each year there is at least one (sometimes several) that surprises. My guess is it will be a pitcher this spring in Orioles camp because the offense is pretty much set.

Here’s my pick for the biggest surprise in Fort Lauderdale: David Pauley.

Why? I don’t know. But I like guys that are buried in good systems, and he couldn’t really crack the Boston Red Sox staff. Plus, he’s out of options, so he’ll get a long look.

So I say Pauley, a 25-year-old righty who went 14-4 in Triple-A last year, is my pick. Who’s yours?

Daily Think Special: Who will be the surprise in Orioles camp this spring?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:57 PM in Daily Think Special | Permalink | Comments (22)