Pete, who won the minor league Jim Hunter award for outstanding broadcasting? I've been anxiously waiting the results.

Going back a few posts, I don't want the Rays to clinch at the Yard nor would I want any team other than the O's. Nice story in Tampa and wish them well in the Post Season, but not for the next 4 games.

I think Guthrie should pitch the final game if he is able to. Maybe he can end the losing streak because who knows if we are going to win another game in '09. I also think it's important for Guthrie to get back on the horse and hopefully do into the winter confident that he's ok.
I really hope that we can see a few decent pitching performances from Lis and Olson because maybe they can end the year on positive notes and other than Guthrie, these 2 are by default mostly, our best bets in the '09 rotation. Watching Waters last night indicates that he has to be dead on and have a favourable ump to have any chance of success. He's a soft-tosser so control is a must. The same thing goes for Burres and more often than not, these guys will get hammered and besides, do we need 2 similiar pitchers?
I am counting the days until the season ends and hockey starts but I guess we need to keep wearing the rose-coloured glasses for another year anyway!!

TerryP -

What's with the constant negative outlook on this team? You taking positive reinforcement classes from bob lancione? Seriously, we all know where this team is at. It ain't pretty and we knew it wouldn't be going into the season. Heck, MacPhail even said it wouldn't be pretty. But you have to admit that MacPhail is finally placing emphasis on this franchise where it should be. The farm system.

There is no way to sugarcoat the last 11 years. No one seemed to place any focus on scouting and development. MacPhail began to overhaul a dysfunctional farm system last off season. But quite frankly, that ain't something you fix in 1-2 off seasons. Try more like 4-5 off seasons. No one wants to hear that, however in this division, that's what it is going to take for us to compete for a playoff spot. I think we have some pieces in place, we have 4-5 promising arms in the system. Could you say that 2-3 years ago? We have a stud at C, and a couple of intriguing infield/outfield prospects. And with another couple years of high draft picks, we can then allow ourselves to add a few mid price free agents.

So, I understand the frustration of 11 straight losing seasons, and the deterioration of what once was a proud organization, however Angelos seems to be giving MacPhail the authority to change the landscape. Maybe Andy isn't doing it quick enough for your liking, but the path he's taking is the right one. It takes a lot of courage to go that route because the natives have been restless for a long time!!