To Kevin, et al.

Subject: If he doesn't mention Kyle Boller, what does that mean?

I just couldn’t help myself. I had to bring Baltimore’s big debate to Beijing.

I know you’ve been pretty busy these past couple of weeks, Michael. But who are you picking in the Ravens' quarterback battle?

He smiled wide but didn’t immediately blurt out a name.

"I have no idea," he said, taking a seat on the fence. "I just got literally a stack of articles about the Ravens football team. I have to catch up on my reading for it."

Ah, come on, Michael. No favorite?

"I’m excited to see what [Joe] Flacco does, though," he continued. "I was excited when they picked him up, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens."

A-ha! So Joe’s your guy, huh? You’re going with him?

"I met Troy Smith about a year or two ago," he said. "I guess it was right when he got drafted, so it was before last season. We were talking. I was excited to see him in a Ravens jersey."

Doh. Make up your mind, man!

"I’m just excited for the season to start," he said. "I think it’s going to be a good season. Definitely better than last season. And hopefully we can get a little farther in the playoffs."

Well, that’s as close to a QB pick as we’re going to get from him. He definitely revels in talking Ravens, though. Phelps still hasn’t nailed down season tickets, but he says that won’t keep him from the games.

"I can’t wait to get to the Ravens' stadium. I can’t wait to see some of the games this year," he said. "It’s something I’ve been looking forward to ever since I found out I was moving back to Baltimore."

Curious to read more about Phelps and his relationship with Baltimore? Well, you’re in luck. Our good friend, Kevin, is working on a piece for this Sunday’s newspaper on that very topic. But that’s not all we got coming Sunday, so start saving your quarters now.

The Sun will be publishing a special commemorative section, looking back on Michael Phelps’ amazing Olympic performance. We’re talking several pages, revisiting all of the races, the moments, the magic -- everything that went into winning those eight gold medals. Plus, plenty of pictures for the kids!

Be sure to pick up a copy. Heck, get two.