1. Guthrie, Matusz, Duchsherer, Bergeson, Arrieta.
2. 11 (6 in spring, 5 in fall...)
3. The day after Tillman's final start (I'll guess 5th start, so the 13th start by the #3 spot).

Ok Pete, who's your pick to be the surprise roster spot on Opening Day? If not a surprise spot, how about the last pitcher and fielder to make the club? I'll say vandenHurk over Hendrickson as the long reliever, with Rapada as the lefty specialist. Hendrickson starts in Norfolk, and is called up in May.

1. Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Duchscherer, Arrieta
2. Duch makes 19 starts for the O's before succumbing to an old nemesis...the oblique injury.
3. Zach Britton gets the call on May 13th, the day after Guthrie is felled with an injury...it's about time he gets nailed with one right?

1). Matusz, Guthrie, Bergesen, Arrieta, Duchscherer

2). 10 games

3). June 1

1) Eaton, Hill, Hendrickson, Millwood, Duch

2) 1

3) After Britton

You meant to say AM acquisition, not BS. Otherwise, good post....
wayne

So are you saying that Andy didn't move over and Buck didn't take over?

AMMO - BISO, like you posted 500 times last fall?

Two things are possible:

1) You were wrong with the AMMO - BISO crap.
2) Buck Showalter signed all those scrubs.

Which one is it? I'm only following your post logic.

Posted by: Fire MacBuck | February 8, 2011 4:10 PM

No answer?

So let me see if I understand this correctly. First, you're on vacation and THEN you're going to Florida for six weeks...all expenses paid? As comedian Yakov Smirnoff used to say, "What a Country".

Seriously, I am interested in your initial observations regarding the differences in how Buck Showalter runs spring training versus previous managers. I'm believing it'll more more organized, disciplined and intense. I'll bet you'll see a difference in tone and expectation starting on day 1. [Can't imagine Adam Jones pulling the same stunt this spring if Buck tells him to play a deeper centerfield.]

Looking forward to your reports.

1) Guthrie, Matusz, Arreita, Bergensen, Dushcherer.

2) 4.

3) June 3rd, weekend series against the Blue Jays. (Arreita has rough sophomore slump).

1) Guthrie, Matusz, Duchscherer, Arrieta, Bergesen

2) 22

3) May 5, 2012

Damn, Pete! You go on more vacations then the President!

1. Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Arrieta, Tillman.

2. 10 starts, 32 relief apperances

3. July 3rd

Tillman impresses in ST then struggles with consistency and is sent down by May 3rd.

Duchscherer then takes over takes over Tillman's spot, does well, but is injured by July 2nd, prompting Britton's call up. Duchscherer returns by August 4th is used in relief because Britton is effective.

August 8th, Arrieta pulls hamstring while covering 1st base. Tillman is recalled to rotation and Arrieta is put on the 30 day DL.

August 22, Matusz misses 2 starts due to arm fatigue, Duchscherer covers down.

September 10, Arrieta returns to rotation and Tillman is regulated to long relief/spot starter for the rest of the season.

I love predictions!

I noticed Guerrero is not on the Oriole 40-man roster yet. I assume that is because he still needs to take his physical before it becomes official. Anyone know who will be taken off when that happens? I might have missed it.

Can the Orioles choose Simon, then bring him back for someone else if he gets released?

1. The season-opening starting rotation - in order.
2. The number of starts the Orioles will get from Justin Duchscherer.
3. The date Zach Britton gets called up.

As for the Rotation.. I don't know, I want to wait till after Guthrie goes thru arbitration. Then I will predict.

As for the "The Duke", I hope he gets thru at least till the All-Star break. It's strange, the Orioles haven't commented on why he's so fragile. Do they think they can change something in his delivery to keep him healthy or a strenuous workout regimen or like a I said before give him a lucky rabbit's foot so he lasts the whole season!

Zach Britton, I think some is going to depend on Guthrie's arbitration hearing. So I plead the 5th here until that happen.

Also, Mountain Man where are you? I hope appreciate the fact that I think I had something to do with Peter writing a new piece on his blog. I don't see you commenting yet... come on Mountain lets go chop chop lol. Sorry, Peter I didn't know you were on vacation. I hope you know my response last night was tongue in cheek... well sort of =P

Also, it's good to see Waspman has some love for Simon too. I like him too. I just feel horrible about the situation he's put himself. I just want justice to be served.

@wayne

I nearly spit my coffee out laughing when I read that.

Adam Eaton
hahahahaha

1.) Guthrie, Duchsherer, Matusz, Bergeson, Arrieta.

2.) 17 Starts

3.) May 26th

1.Guthrie,Matusz,Duchsherer,Bergesen,Arrieta
2.20
3.June 20 2011

Starting Rotation (in order) Guthrie, Duchscherer, Matusz, Arrieta, Bergesen

Duchscherer makes 31 starts

Britton is called up on September 1st

25 Man Roster:
Guthrie, Duchscherer, Matusz, Arrieta, Bergesen, Berken, Vandenhurk, Accardo, Johnson, Uehara, Gonzalez, Gregg

Wieters, Tatum, Fox, Lee, Roberts, Hardy, Reynolds, Izturis, Scott, Jones, Markakis, Pie, Guerrero

Opening Day Lineup:
Roberts 2B
Markakis RF
Lee 1B
Guerrero DH
Jones CF
Scott LF
Reynolds 3B
Wieters C
Hardy SS

Guthrie
Matusz
Bergeson
Arrieta
Millwood (that's right, just watch)

0 starts (major injury)

September 1, 2011

Peter,
Any chance my wife and I can meet you on either March 28th or 29th and buy you a couple of hot dogs? We will be over for those last two games to see what we can't get to see for most of the regular season.

Ed Miller Port St. Lucie, fl

...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I don't see why now. I'll be going home on the 10th of March, but will be back for the final couple of games before the opener in St. Pete.

http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/how-the-orioles-decided-to-become-half-baseball-te,19126/

Check out this new venture the Orioles are getting into....

1. Guthrie (he hasn't lost Ace billing, yet)
Matusz
Duch
Bergie
Arrieta

2. Duch will start min. ten games. Record something like 5 - 1 and relegated when...

3. Britton is called up in late July to take over the fifth starter spot. Duch to 'pen. (Tillman will be traded with Reimold.)

Guthrie, Matusz, Berge, Duch, Arieta

15 starts

July 16th -

1). Guthrie, Matusz, Duchscherer, Bergesen, Arrieta,

2). 30 games

3). May 31

Guthrie, Matusz, Berge, Duch, Arieta

15 starts

July 16th -

Guthrie
Matusz
Duchscherer
Bergesen
Arrieta

14 starts

May 29 at Oakland

Guthrie
Matusz
Duchscherer
Bergesen
Arrieta

14 starts

May 29 at Oakland

Peter,
Two questions for you.

Do you ever tuck in your shirt?

Does Greg Bader ever speak off the cuff or is everything a prepared statement?

Yippy!

Baseball season is around the corner. Can't wait to see Jim Hunter and Tom Davis optimism about the great direction this team his headed in, which turns into damage control toward midseason, and finally results in the conclusion that the O's are unlucky to be in the AL east.

Other things I'm looking forward to:
a) another Angelos-Markakis state of the Orioles meeting
b) MacPhail addressing fans in August and telling us how the results don't show it, but we're on the right path.

I'm thinking Duchscherer suffers a little setback in spring training and stays south and pitches a few starts in the minors. Overall starts, 21, and he pitches very well after shaking off some early rust.

Guthrie, Matusz, Bergenson, Arrieta and the surprise to open the season, Vanderhurk.

I think we see Britton by about July 1st. And that Andy engineers an in season trade involving pitching and the rotation.

Thanks for the new post Peter, we can't be left alone for more then three days with Wayne, so in the future when a vacation comes up, maybe do so a prepost and have the Sun put it up after the third day.

We don't want you to be resposible for someone jumping out of their mother's basement window or anything. You know from lack of attention.

And Peter,
Have a great time in the Sunny South, It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it! Think of us poor souls still shoveling snow.

My little rodent friend, I slept in this morning, working the late shift.

And Wayne I threw in Duke struggling in spring training so you'll have weeks and weeks to say, I called it! I called it!

Peter,
This is nonsense. Why did you ask these questions.? The responders are now predicting (by date yet) injuries to our starters.
When there is no "news" leave it at that.

Rob >>

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This is NOT solely a news blog. It's an open forum used to encourage reader participation. Sometimes it's news related and sometimes it's not. Not every blog is designed to report crap that you can find on twenty other websites. If you don't want to read it or participate, then don't.

I can't understand why so many regular posters here constantly tell Peter how to do his job. We should be thanking Pete for allowing us the opportunity to whine like a bunch candy a$$es about how we hate AM & PA. Hell, just ask Meso. He already has the Orioles 22 games under .500 in August with Andy lying to us again. Maybe hope does not "spring" eternal after all.

Guthrie
Matusz-2nd best on staff last year-lights out from beginning of August
Bergesen-returned to 09 performance in Aug and Sep
Duke-not enough IP to rate higher
Arrieta if he doesn't pitch his way out of it in the spring

15 starts for Duke to mid to late June and

Britton gets called up then.

Glad to have the games back on "bal." Have a warm time in Sarasota.

1 Guthrie
2 Matusz
3 Duke
4 Bergy
5 Arrieta

Duke 22 Starts
Britton gets called up in July

1. Guthrie, Matusz, Bergeson, Arrieta, Tillman.
2. 0. He gets hurt in Spring Training, out for the year.
3. September 1.

Guthrie, Matusz, "Duke", Arrieta, Bergesen. I think Duke and Bergesen may be similar pitchers thus placing Arrieta between them is a good move.

Duke's luck changes this year and the Os get 30 starts from him and he makes his $4.5 mil.

Britton is called up in September with the expansion of rosters because everyone stays reasonaly healthy this season and the Os are in a tight race with the Yankees for the wild card.

Will we be hearing you and Jim Hunter chatting on the radio this spring & summer?

1.) Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Arrieta, Duchscherer

It seems to make sense to me to put Duchsherer last so they can skip his spot in the rotation whenever possible to rest his body.

2.) I'm going to go with 22, the same he had in 2008.

3.) I'm thinking we won't see Britton until one of the current roster starters gets traded. Tillman will be called up if/when an injury occurs. However, I think this question in particular is massively dependent on a lot of different variables. (performance of various players, success of the team, injuries, trades, etc.)

Guthrie, Duchsherer, Matusz, Bergeson, Arrieta

1. Matusz, Guthrie, Bergeson, Duscherer, Arrietta

2. 26 Starts

3. September Call Up

Why are we even talking about bringing Zach Britton up? Haven't they brought up enough pitchers in the past 3 years? Plus where is Tillman, the savior, in this conversation. Wasn't he the "gem" in the Bedard trade? Funny how Seattle got "fleeced" huh? Adam Jones, the "future" centerfielder is not part of their long term plans anymore. If he's not good enough to get a long term contract on a bottom feeder like the O's, where esle would he get it? Minor leagues perhaps?! And Tillman won't even make the team. How's that for a MacPhail "gem" ?

oh no , get to watch you again in sarsota with those sandles and kissing uop to the manager , be a man ask real some real questions and get some real shoes it might change orioles luck in 2011

Guthrie, Duchscherer, Matusz, Bergesen, Arrieta

22 starts

June 10

Duke, Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Arrieta.

Duke makes 21 starts in the regular season, 26 if we include the playoffs.

Britton gets called up in September. Tillman gets some spot starts when guys goes on the 15 day DL short term and looks good, but not good enough to stay in the rotation.

Meso -

What, may I ask, are you talking about?

Adam Jones is no longer part of the O's long-term plans? Why? Because they haven't offered him a long-term deal yet? Maybe, just maybe, they're waiting to see how well he hits with a real lineup around him for the first time. And they can afford to do that because, guess what... He's under team control through the 2013 season!

And I'm the biggest Chris Tillman hater out there, but who cares if he doesn't make the team this year? I, for one, will be happy if he doesn't, because then, he can work on getting his velocity back up and developing some more movement on his fastball in the minors.

Negativity is the norm here, Meso, for obvious reasons, but there's enough here to be negative about without making things up.

PS - Seattle did get "fleeced" in the Bedard trade. While he was great when he did pitch, the Mariners paid close to $15MM and got just 30 starts out of Bedard in 2008 and 2009.

The Orioles got Jones, who most certainly still could be the "future" center fielder, Tillman, George Sherrill, who they traded for Josh Bell and Steve Johnson and Kam Mickolio, one of the pieces in the Mark Reynolds trade.

PSS - Which AL team was actually worse than the Orioles in 2010? I'll give you a hint. They got fleeced in the Erik Bedard trade a few years back.

Mesotheliangelos;

"Why are we even talking about bringing Zach Britton up? Haven't they brought up enough pitchers in the past 3 years?"

I didn't know there was a quota. Are we there already?

"where is Tillman. Wasn't he the "gem" in the Bedard trade?"

He doesn't turn 23 until mid April and you're upset that he hasn't conquered the world yet. Glad I'm not one of your kids.

"Adam Jones. If he's not good enough to get a long term contract on a bottom feeder like the O's, where esle would he get it?"

Jones is just 25 this year and hit 284 with a 442 sl% in 2010, both comfortably above average numbers. He got to those nice numbers by hitting 302 with a 476 sl% from the first of June to the end of the season.

As bad as the O's were last year, I can't blame you for tuning out. You sure did miss AJ putting on a good performance.

1. Guthrie, Matusz, Arietta, Bergeson, Britton....Duchscher's arm falls off in an exhibittion game, is reattached, and he will stay behind to rehab after revolutionary surgery by Dr. Richard Kimble.

2. 1 and done

3. Britton pitches his way into the starting rotation with a lights out spring, stays on the active roster.

Some other predictions...Pete will be doing color and analyzing some of the radio broadcasts....Peter Angelos will actually attend some of the games without a security detail....The Oriole Bird will be named in a paternity suit by the chick on the commercial with the hots for him.....

Hey look, Meso's here! What's that you say Meso? All bad, no good? Got it, thanks man!

Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Duchscherer, Arrieta

20

September

Guthrie, Duchscherer, ,Bergesen, Matusz, Arrietta - Matusz is fourth only because I think they hold him back to start the home opener.

24

June 15th.

Guthrie
Matusz
Duchscherer
Arrietta
Bergesen

Duke starts 19 games.

Britton comes sometime in August, but we bring up Tillman first.

On a side note, I have really high hopes for Bergesen. When he's dominant, his game stats look a little like Cliff Lee's: efficiently and effectively pitching to contact. We've seen this guy mow down the Red Sox on multiple occasions. Other than Jeremy Guthrie, what starter have we had in recent years that could do that? He's been sidelined/derailed by some freak injuries, which is why I'm hesitant to write him off as simply inconsistent. I think that a healthy year could reveal a very quality starter for years to come.

not brooks...
Are you saying that $750,000 per start was not good for the Mariners?

I don't know compared to A.J. Burnet during his Yankees stint I'd say they played with house money on that one.

And Gil, do I detect some light hearted banter? Man things are crazy on this blog.

1. Don't know
2. Don't have a clue
3. Give me his number I'll call him up now.

I think it's time to guess when Pete will put up his next blog post? Pete you have brought us to this. You are quite the mysterious blog man. You travel the world and let the inmates run the asylum. Kind of fun compared to the ones where you have to get approved first.

Pete's next Post

1. Date/Time
2. Subject
3. How many posts before Wayne Meso or Gil bashes Macphail no matter what the subject line.

Smitty, funny stuff so I will play along.

1. Friday 3:oo pm
2. Brob and his health (I hear is already in Sarasota).
3. 0-5, no more than that.

As far as the Bedard trade goes, the Mariners were definately the loser, although I don't think the O's did as good as many ppl claim - especially because Sherrill was then traded for garbage.

Matusz
Guthrie
Bergesen
Arrieta
Tillman

0 starts for Duchscherer

September callup for Britton. Like Jeff said, watch Ryan Drese. Don't bet against him making some quality starts for Buck and the O's !!

not brooks;

An interesting point you make about seeing what Jones can do with other good hitters around him. It begs the question, where do you slot Jones in the batting order?

Guthrie
Matusz
Bergesen
J. Johnson
Arrieta

0, he takes JJ spot in the pen. (B/c Buck knows baseball.)

Britton--good season at Norfolk, but no room at the inn.

@Smitty,

You're "Nuts" for taking of a survey of when Peter S is going to write his next blog. You know I am j/k, anyway.....

Speaking of being "Nuts" I was watching MLB Hot Stove tonight and Billy Ripken suggested three places of where Michael Young might land if and when he's traded. His very first pick was Baltimore. The player he said the Orioles should trade in order to obtain him was Vlad G. First of all there were a lot of fans that clammored for the Orioles to pick up Vlad. No one clammored for Michael Young. Maybe some of us tossed the idea around a bit., but no one really clammored for him. The only thing I will say is this. It makes no sense for the Orioles to trade for Michael Young, none whatsever. In fact Billy Ripken, pick up the phone right now, tickle the digits of your brother Cal and tell him you're sorry for coming up with such a "Nutty" idea! Oi Vey!

Petey,
Won't even hazard a guess. Too many injuries and other unknowns. Let's talk about it a couple of weeks before you rejoin us in the (hopefully) warming north. But, in the meantime, have a sangria at Colombia for me.

Squirrel, I was actually quite pissed when Billy came up with such a preposterous trade idea with Vlad for Young, lol

Makes no sense to me, but I can see how it would make sense to the FO. You could even see the motive for the quick turn around of attitude and money when the O's pursued Vlad. Seems they may have had ulterior motives...

I don't expect Vlad to return with the O's next season, even if the O's put up a fairy tale season; but Young could be with the O's for the next four years or so, as he is very athletic and healthy, and super-utility.

Anyways, I hope it doesn't happen, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did.

I think Pete has taken a vacation from this blog too, not a single response to any of the posts...

J,
Pete's probably busy packing, you know those shirts have to be folded just so or a crease shows.
Pete,
Little tip I've learned over the years. tumble dry them when you get there and they hang out perfect.

I'd bet right now TX would do Billy's trade in a NY minute. Boy, have they got egg in the face over their manuvering. Young finally got tired of being shopped, but being told that he wasn't being shopped.

Are they so dumb in Texas that they don't think Young's agent can go online and read the Denver papers? To be that big headed and Vain, you'd have to believe that you could sell somebody seats to the Super Bowl, when you didn't actually have a seat for them to sit in.
As they say,"Only in Texas!"

Meso, How can you possibly think the O's didn't get the best of the Bedard Trade?
The O's netted Jones, Gold Glover. All Star Caliber center fielder.
Tillman, not yet 23 and he's put up sterling numbers in the minors.
I'd say about 1/3 of Reynolds comes from that deal since Hernandez and Mickilo were dealt for Reynolds.
And Bell and Steve Johnson are both going to be at AAA from that deal since Andy flipped them out of the Sherill trade.

Not a bad haul, just when did Bedard last pitch in a ML game? How many wins was that he tallied last year?
Seattle got abused in that deal, period.
No discussion...

Mr. S.- You've got some disturbed individuals on this blog. Just like the other ones I visit!

Awesome and hilarious!
Your haters are a bit more depraved and psychotic, however.

Maybe I'll be back, punks.

Matusz
Guthrie
Bergesen
Duchscherer
Arietta

26 starts

Sept 1

Pete,

I'd hate to interupt your 4 month vacation *wink*, but I would like to request that you entertain us another subject. Could I be so bold as to suggest one?

Well, now that the offseason is almost offically, how about you give your opinion on how the offseason went.

OK Pete, barring any other player moves or an injuries:

1). Guthrie, Matusz, Duchscherer, Arrieta, Bergesen

2). 12 games

3). June 3 - Britton and Tillman as well

QUESTION:

Everyone remembers what AM said as the team was ready to head North last season.

And of course, everyone remembers how terribly wrong he was.

SO,

What do you think AM will say this year when the team breaks training camp?

A) He'll say the same thing, but in a slightly different way?

B) He won't stick his foot in his mouth this season?

You meant to say AM acquisition, not BS. Otherwise, good post....
wayne

So are you saying that Andy didn't move over and Buck didn't take over?

AMMO - BISO, like you posted 500 times last fall?

Two things are possible:

1) You were wrong with the AMMO - BISO crap.
2) Buck Showalter signed all those scrubs.

Which one is it? I'm only following your post logic.

Posted by: Fire MacBuck | February 8, 2011 4:10 PM

No answer?

@Wayne,

Of course MacPhail will keep harping the same BS is been harping. He keeps BS'ing us about how they must stick with the plan. But what that plan is, has never been articulated. Goals have not been defined, and accountability still remains an alien concept in Turdland.

How can you run a business without stated goals and a clear strategy for getting to it.

OK, yeah, I get the rhetoric, grow the arms and buy the bats. The arms they're growing are not about to produce four 20 game winners this season. The bats they bought won't click all at once all of a sudden all in one year. They're a one year rental anyway (Lee, Guerrero).

So what was the point of these mediocre acquisitions? Here we are, another year, and the O's are still at the crossroads. They will be left at the crossroads again at the end of this seasons, with more holes to fill at first, DH and perhaps centerfield.

Sounds like a MacPhail plan. 4 years with no consistency built whatsoever. What surprises me is that Buck is on board with this dog and pony show.

Prime free agents like Crawford, Lee, Teixeira and others have come and gone, and yet no moves. What are they waiting for? Pujols? Yeah, that's funny! Or the next A-Rod? Sounds like another Angelos baseball season. React to the fan pulse. Never spend more than what it takes to provide some false hope. Just to bring enough suckers to Turdland. Because one thing is for certain. Yankee and Redsox fans will always be there for him.

Meso,

"They will be left at the crossroads again at the end of this seasons, with more holes to fill at first, DH and perhaps centerfield."

Don't you mean Left Field, if they don't resign Guerrero?

Now we reach the part of the program where a certain poster begins to carry on a conversation with himself.

But I'll play, Is there some rule that says that Lee and Guerrero can't resign here. Because that's the beginning and ending assumption of these negative posts. If the O's would have signed these guys for two year deals the song would have been "multiyear deals for over the hill vets". This way we get to see if these guys can really produce, BEFORE commiting to 2012. Has either guy said I'm one and done?

The second part of your negative assumption is that the O's have no one in the minors that steps up and has a big year in 2011, That's assuming that Bell, Riemold, or anyone else, can't step into a ML role in 2012.

Your negative assumption also assumes that the O's young pitching pitches at 2010 levels throughout 2012. That there is no improvement of the core of young players over a 3 year period. In fact your assumption goes even further then that, it ignores the performance of the young pitching after Buck arrived.
Even if the O's pitching produces at that level the O's will be a competitive team in 2011.

Your other assumption that you make over and over again is that the ONLY way to build a winner is through Free Agency. Even though every year the playoffs and World Series proves that assumption wrong again and again.

The Yankee way is one way to build a winner, but the Yankees built that winner around a homegrown core in the mid 90's that has been the core of their team ever since. Boston has a core of homegrown talent that they have built around as well.

The O's have to produce that core to build around. Facts on the ground say much of that core is here, now.
You assume that Wieters, Jones, Markakis, Reynolds, Matusz, Guthrie, Arrieta, Bergenson, Tillman, and Britton can't be the core of a competitive ML roster. And that guys like Machado, Givens, Mahoney etc. have no ML future.

My grandmother used to have a saying about those that Ass ume that they know so much. Me So Wayne you've proved ole' grandma right once again.

I pretty much consider the junk between WayneO-and Meso to be more of a circle jerk than actual conversation. Is there no shame?Perhaps they can find a way carry on in private,

1. Guthrie (3rd straight w 200+ innings, 15 wins)
2. Matusz (Leads staff w 18 Wins!)
3. Bergensen (Also approaches 200 innings, 12 Wins)
4. Duchscherer (Leads staff in ERA, 2.59, breaks down by July to Britton's delight)
5. Arrieta (strong start, 3-1 w 3.87 ERA, gives way to Sophmore slump by June, opens door for Tillman)

The Duke pumps out 20 starts but comes unraveled when the dog days of summer heat up in July, allowing Zach Britton to come up and mo down the Bosox in a key 1st place battle!
Tillman wil lalready be iin the bullpen replacing Koji who pulls his groin for the 2nd time.

Britton starts July 9 vs Boston.
Strikes out Gonzo 3 times!

jim66,

Your comments are beginning to remind me of the two old codgers in the Muppet Show who sat in the balcony and harassed the people on the stage. You sign in every now and then and make snarky comments of little value. You used to actually discuss baseball.Your last comment was about as pi** poor and crude as it could get. And yes, I know you could care less about what I or anybody else has to say.

Gil, I couldn't help my snarky self. I guess I just blurted that out.Perhaps I could have taken MF's approach, and written a practical, thoughtful reply, but why waste the time.
Ok, so now go ahead and characterize the posts of those I've supposedly disparaged. Be sure to put the word 'value' in there somewhere.