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Adam Jones just walked onto the field under his own power and started playing catch, which means he's off crutches and has taken a major step toward returning to the lineup. He has not been cleared to start running and hitting, but appears to be on pace to return for the final two or three weeks of the season.
Peter Schmuck wants you to know that, contrary to popular belief, he is more than just a bon vivant, raconteur and collector of blousy flowered shirts. He is a semi-respected journalist who has covered virtually every sport -- except luge, of course – and tackled issues that transcend the mere games people play. If that isn’t enough to qualify him to provide witty, wide-ranging commentary on the sports world ... and the rest of the world, for that matter ... he is an avid reader of history, biography and the classics, as well as a charming blowhard who pops off on both sports and politics on WBAL Radio. That means you can expect a little of everything in The Schmuck Stops Here, but the major focus will be keeping you up to the minute on Baltimore’s major sports teams and themes, whether it’s throwing up the Orioles lineup the minute it’s announced or updating you on the latest sprained ankle in Owings Mills. Oh, and by the way, that’s Mr. Schmuck to you. 
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Comments
Pete, wouldn't it be better just to shut him down for the rest of the year? Why risk aggravating the injury for no reason? He's proven plenty this year, let him start fresh and healthy next year.
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Pete's reply: That crossed my mind when it happened, but I don't know. He's moving around pretty good, and it's not like it's a torn ACL or something like that.
Posted by: Julie | August 18, 2008 5:43 PM
Good to hear that Adam Jones is on the mend. Jay Payton has done well as a fill-in, but he's sort of like the Terry Crowley of outfielders--when he's in there, he generally produces, but you don't play him everyday. BTW, was wondering how are things going with Adam Loewen? How much longer before he starts swinging a bat? Regarding Olson and Sarfate--their troubles on the mound remind you just how much of this game is truly mental. To me, it's unbelievable that a major league pitcher can't throw his fastball for a strike. On this level, a pitcher should be able to throw a fastball accurately for a strike, pretty much at will. I'd send him to the instructional league to face hitters and do nothing but throw fastballs, in out, up, down until it's 2nd nature where he wants to place it. As for Sarfate, he just doesn't have enough pitches to be a starter. Perfect for bullpen duty, though. Finally, glad to hear the O's have a system to weed out any inebriated Red Sucks fans from the 50 million fans promotion. That could have gotten ugly...
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Pete's reply: Don't have anything new on Loewen. I assume he's doing his cardio stuff and waiting to go to instructional ball.
Posted by: maxmorf | August 18, 2008 5:46 PM
Good to hear. Jay Payton has filled in well.
Posted by: Luke | August 18, 2008 5:48 PM
Great newssssssssssss
Posted by: John | August 18, 2008 6:25 PM
I'm sure if there was any doubt the O's would shut Jones down for the year. I'm looking forward to seeing him play again.
Posted by: mick | August 18, 2008 9:02 PM
Huff is close to being the Total Sases leader moving into second place. Since Ian Kinsler is on the DL now, Aubrey just needs a triple to go into first.
Posted by: Bill In Elkton | August 18, 2008 11:35 PM