Well,

Andy's offseason moves {and non moves} are really paying dividends. Har Har. That's what happens when the last time your GM won anything hula hoops were the rage.

Reynolds has become Andy's 2011 version of Garrett Atkins with the added bonus of also being a butcher at third base. Ten games out and fading fast.

Hey JJ, do you want to rethink our bet that the Orioles will be 20 games out on August !st? Heck, they may be 30 games out by then.

But it never was about 2011 anyhow. Can somebody tell me just what year it is all about?

Anybody out there still think Andy deserves four more years?

Get Tillman and Bergesen used to pitching out of the bullpen. They are relief pitchers and that's where they are best served in the Major League. They are the future of the Orioles relief corps. Stop chasing after free agent relievers and use the resources already available. Use the FA money to get Prince Fielder & Jose Reyes

See where the Orioles took your "plate patience" advice to heart. In their very first at bat last night, they sent five men to the plate and were retired on a grand total of 10 pitches. Talking of "Stuff that's hard to do".

Does Matt Wieters have a clause in his contract that prohibits him from taking any pitch that's close to the strike zone when he's either waiting for the first pitch or ahead in the count ? Last night in first inning, swings at 2-0 pitch and flies out with Nick and Adam on base; in the third, swings at first pitch and grounds into third out with Jones in scoring position; in fifth, ahead in count 3-1 with Nick and Adam on and nobody out, swings at ball four twice (fouling off both) before hitting into DP; in the sixth, with the bases loaded and two outs and facing a lefty reliever just brought in to
force him to turn around at bat righthanded, he swings at the first pitch and grounds into force play.

What's so frustrating watching the Orioles is that from year-to-year position players change and the bullpen is reconstructed, but the same lack of instincts and ability becomes manifest.

As long as the Orioles bring in players like Accardo, Andino, Pie, and Tatum, even in back-up roles, they'll continue to suffer the consequences of inferior play. As the famous expression states,
"Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

What's really sad is that Britton, who never hits, had the best RISP at-bat in the game. He was thrown a pitch on the outerhalf of the plate, and rather than try to pull it, hit it to the opposite field. Our "hitters", on the other hand, were trying to pull everything with men on (thus the DPs), were first pitch swinging rather than giving the pitcher a chance to fall behind in the count (Wieters did it twice, just as he did Thursday in the ninth), and, as usual, swung at too many non-strikes in RISP situations.

If Buck's Bums are trying to drive away the remaining die-hards, they're doing a good job.

Britton fit right in as an Oriole pitcher - couldn't pick up a teammate after an error. :( Our opponents do that far more often than we do. They also score free runners (walks, errors) more.

Accardo - another overpaid, underperforming reliever MacPhail wasted milliions on, like Gonzales. Good scouting and GMs find good relievers for low cost.

Why so cynical lately, pete? Lost hope already?

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Pete's reply: I never lose hope, but I sometimes lose faith. Something is wrong with this offensive chemistry and nobody can put their finger on it.

How difficult would it be to:
Figure out why Brian Matusz looks nothing like the guy that pitched last year, as his velocity continues to decrease each and every start.

Find out why Andy MacPhail still has a job with the Orioles.I can't believe he'll survive to dilly dally and thank Petey another year here. If that happens, he'll outlast Buck, who I have to think right now must be considering amending Connor's farewell address and calling it his own.

Now showing: And Justice For All
"There is something very wrong going on here"

Well, at least they made it to my brother's birthday this year before throwing in the proverbial towel. Nice job fellas! Next year, let's shoot for the country's birthday.

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Pete's reply: I share your frustration, but the Matusz situation isn't as simple as you think.

Pete a question for you before my comments regarding the 2011 Orioles. Do you think the Oriles will be able to afford, and then sign, both Bunday and Nick Delminico from the draft?
Most experts who have looked at the Orioles draft state those our the only two difference makers the Orioles drafted. Regarding how poor the Orioles prospects are I think it is imperative both get signed.

So Pete - how bad are the Orioles?

After over 65 games the evidence is in - this team is void of competitive major league pitching and power hitting talent. Regarding the pitching -

Brian Matusz is finished as a number one or two starter. As I stated after his last start his unorthodox pitching delivery has finally caught up with him. His velocity is now way below average for a front end starting pitcher. The rest of the starting pitching on the whole is also not competitive with maybe Britton being the exception.
There is no minor league ptching on the way to help out, Klein has shoulder issues(another over used college pitcher drafted by the Orioles) and the number one pick a couple of years ago, Hobgood, who now looks like he will never make it to the "show" due to physical concerns Year after year this team is not getting better in any way noticeable. The fans are giving up hope by the dramatic decrease in home attendance. I just wonder if the Orioles will ever be competive again under the direction the management/ownership is taking the team.

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Pete's reply: I don't agree that they are devoid of major league pitching. I think Britton, Arrieta and (in time) Matusz are a terrific young nucleus. Give up on them at your own peril. I am disappointed in the offense, particularly the guys who are supposed to provide the power, but I'm more concerned about the inability to hit a single when it really counts. And, yes, I think they'll sign Bundy. Don't know beyond that.

Pete,

I ilke Arietta and Britton. Something is wrong with Matusz, and I have seen enough baseball to make that declarative statement. Do you know something about Matusz that we don't know? The radar gun does not lie.

I really dont understand why the bats that were bought are not producing. Snyder and Bell can do just as good or better than what is there is now. I think you should let the young guys grow up togther and let the old guys go except Scott and JJ Hardy. Not sure if Roberts will be back, why isnt Adams given the chance longer than what it has been. I dont understand the personnel moves at all. Its seems there is no consistancy at all.

I give up!Once again(14 yrs. now) we have "brittle young pitchers, fading veterans,guys getting hurt running, throwing, fielding, etc., Why is Luke(no clutch hits) Scott,M.Gonzales, "unaware" Pie,Reynolds"no field",Lee "fading",Rapada,Gregg,.
Rookies called up, don't play,. The 14 yr. constant is the Scouts( evaluators) minor league coaches, & we've been drafting high for all these tears, where is all the "talent" What a shame.