Any stats on Berken? Maybe I'm not paying sufficient attention, but I've never even heard of this guy before.

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Pete's reply: Five games at Triple-A after promotion. Has 1.05 ERA at Norfolk.

I like how this is shaping up, now get Matt up here STAT.

i'd like to see koji go on the d l, hernandez come up and has 2 successful starts, koji comes back and goes to the bullpen and hernandez stays in the rotation. if koji needs 5 days rest between starts and has trouble pitching in heat and humidity how can you keep him in the rotation? that said what were the orioles thinking signing a guy like that to a 2 yr contract to be a starting pitcher?

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Pete's reply: Don't know if the O's could be expected to know that Koji would have trouble with the heat. He's not exactly the first pitcher to come over here from Japan.

I wouldn't mind seeing Henandez brought up for Koji but what if he pitches lights out? Do you send him back down or move him,Berken or Bergy to the bullpen.Koji would be an expensive bullpen arm.

I don't care that much for Waters but it would make more sense because he can be sent back down without taking a wrecking ball to a kids confidence.Of course they would have to yank him early from today's game.

Honestly, I think Uehara should go to the bullpen. It is a role he's used to, and he gets gassed at 80 pitches. Bring up both Berken and Hernandez and put Koji and Lou on the DL.

As far as Chris Ray and Jamie Walker, I think its time to option the first and release the latter. Ray needs to get his confidence back up. Walker isn't going to be able to right the ship. Lets just say he is the Titanic and has already sunk to the bottom.

Pete once again without sounding like i am totally against Andy, signing Koji was another mistake that this team is guilty of. signing free agents after they are long past there prime, and it looks like that is the situation once again. Although he was there first signing from the far east, they should have known that he has constant hamstring troubles . He is also very fragile and is subject to being out of shape and fatigued.He looks finished after pitching 1 inning with all the huffing and puffing that he does.

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Pete's reply: Well, signing Koji had a dual purpose. It was also meant to make the O's more visible in Japan and it has done that. I wouldn't judge him just yet. He has pitched well for the most part, better than almost anyone else on the staff.

What's the big deal and if Montanez needs surgery why are they waiting before DL'ing him?? The way this management teams handles the press and the fans is bizarre.

Pete,

Interesting Izturis had his hand over his heart during the national anthem yet Brob and Jones don't.

Some one should teach them something about honor and respect. It appears Cesar got the picture

hey pete someone should tell the orioles players that during the national anthem their caps should be placed over their hearts and they shouldn't be talking to each other..especially on memorial day. a little respect doesn't cost a dime. as a matter of fact the guys who aren't starting and the coaches should line up in front of the dugout during the n.a. and pete you should be they guy that tells trembley this. i would but i'm in boca.

I should have written this years ago but about 5 minutes ago I decided that enough is enough --- Memorial Day is a great day for this.

Would someone please get the word to the young Orioles players (and even some of the vets --- B. Rob take note) some important information that they should have learned in school? When the National Anthem is playing, it is time to honor the nation that gives you the privilege of playing a game and making millions of dollars. It is not time to goof around.

So, here are the directions:
1. Place your hand over your heart, with your cap in your hand
2. Look toward the flag
3. Shut up

Pete, I am tired of players yakking it up, with hands and arms all over the place, slouching in whatever direction they feels like slouching. Dave Trembley sets a good example and does everything right. He needs to act like a manager and TELL the players what to do.

These young guys can be real icons (like Cal, Derek Jeter, etc.), but no one will respect them if they keep up this nonsense.

I’m a USNA and Navy veteran. Can you tell?

My 6x Great Grandfather and all his brothers fought in the Revolutionary War, my 2x Great Grandfather and many of his cousins fought in the Civil War and I have relatives who attended the USNA so I come from a family well versed in the duties of our conutry. I agree that the ballplayers should show respect during the anthem but I also agree that the reason all my relatives fought was for the freedom that enables them to play the game, talk during the anthem and for us to write our opinions. The world has much bigger problems than how rich ballplayers or that fat guy three rows down from you act during the anthem.

Too bad about Lou Montanez. That's going to take some time to heal. Had to have it done myself at 13 after a mistake with a sickel.

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Pete's reply: That's why we don't want you around sharp objects.