1. Bred Bergesen, a solid starter already at 23, could be ROY.

2. Luke Scott, the unsung hero of the team, this could be a career year for him.

3. Adam Jones, an All Star berth; he will only get better with time.

4. George Sherrill, quietly spectacular closer numbers

5.Reimold and Wieters, it's nice to see the kids playing; they are doing well already and will improve with age.

6. Oscar Salazar, this late-bloomer seems to amke something happen every time he plays.

I'm already sharpening my knives for tomorrow's inevitable "What was the worst part of the Oriles first half?" question. Is there a character limit on posts?

And the O's original 5-man rotation: Guthrie, Uehara, Simon, Hendrickson and Eaton. By year's end it will be Bergesen, Tillman, Hernandez, Guthrie and Hill.

bergesen was very nice. reimold was a real happy surprise. but for me the play of adam jones is the winner. by the end of last year i was saying that if this guy stayed healthy he would be the best centerfielder the O's ever had. if he continues to progress the way he has, i may have to up the ante. adam jones has the potential (remember the word is potential) to be in the top 5 O's players in history. His bat is light years better than Paul Blair even before the beaning and his glove is not too far behind. He has shown the ability to hit for average and I think he has the potential to hit 25 - 30 home runs per year. Now we need to sign the guy to a 6 or 7 year extension.

Reimold winning the left field spot thereby relegating Jeff Stone to the bench.

well some could say the best thing about the first half is that it's over. but bergesen, reimold, jones, andino, hernandez, wieters. the young kids are playing, paying well and there are more kids to come setting the foundation for the future. for the future starts now. tillman, arrieta, matusz are coming by no later than early next year, o's need more quality young position players but things are looking up for the first time in years.

To me the best thing about the Orioles' first half was their ability to come from beind, something that this team hasn't been able to do for years. Games were guaranteed over if the O's trailed by a run or 2 in 7th or 8th innings but the 9-run rally against the Red Sox and the recent comeback against the Mariners prove this club has some heart to it.

Brad Bergesen. Hands down.

Danys Baez and Brian Bass establishing themselves as reliable relievers was a definite good thing. In terms of a single game, watching Nolan Reimold deliver a walk-off three run home run was electrifying, as well as the come from behind 11-10 victory against Boston.

All the kids coming up and contributing, moving Hendrickson to the bullpen where he's been great, coming back from down 10-1 to beat Boston, beating up on the NL East (except the Marlins), not losing very many blowouts....there's light at the end of the tunnel, and for a change it's not an oncoming train!!

Dave Trembely..... managed to get 40 wins out of a team with horendous opening day starting pitching......

Bergeson has been a great boost for the team, but I gotta go with Reimold. To think that we may have actually brought around a true power-hitter brings a smile to my face. I love the fact that we keep bringing up pitchers, but I can't help but wonder if they'll be around at the end of their contracts (see: Ryan, Bedard, Cabrera). Ok, kidding with the last one.

How about the quantum leaps in caliber at short and catcher? Part 2, the unquestioned improvement in the bench overall.

The fact that Tillman, Arrieta, Matusz and Patton have had good seasons in the minors.

The fact that the Orioles stuck to their plan and did not get sidetracked. They are doing a terrific job of moving the new young talent onto the roster, and it appears this will continue. They are the most interesting last place club I've seen in a long time -- and they won't be last for long.

You can't forget about the Adam Jones bobble head, possibly the best giveaway of all time at an O's game.

Unquestionably the pitching of Brad Bergeson. He had a rocky start but has been pitching like he belongs. There hasn't been a lot of consistency in O's starting pitching this year, with the exception of Bergeson. Thinking about a rotation next year involving him, Arrieta, Matusz, and Tillman, makes my mouth water. They need to bring this guys up in the 2nd half and give them some time to acclimate.

Bergeson and team MVP, Luke Scott

Obviously, Brad Bergeson is the biggest and most pleasant suprise for the O's this season followed by Luke Scott and Nolan Reimold.

But to me, the best surprise has been the teams ability to play all 27 outs, go out and play a full game regardless of the score.

For the last few seasons, if not longer, once they were down by 4 or 5 runs they just seemed to lose interest and give up on the game. This year that hasn't been the case and I'm proud of that fact.

Bergeson all the way. The poise and cofidence he has for a 23 year old is unbelievable. He looks like a young Mike Mussina out there. Strong starting pitching is where it all starts, and if Bergy is the real deal and takes over as the O's ace - that puts them one step closer to being a contender in 2-3 years.

that it is over and we are not in last place... oh, right, we are in last place. damn. and yeah we have 40 wins, but we have 48 losses, and the last time I checked, the season was not 176 games. damn dummies.

Rick Maese leaving The Sun was the best thing to happen all this year for Baltimore sports teams.

But the best part of the first half of O's baseball season is that now there is less than two months until the Raven's Super Bowl winning season begins! Yahoo!

It has been tough watching the Orioles struggles with pitching, batting, base running, fielding, coaching, injuries, attendance, rookies, veterans, and Gary Thorne. However, that isn't to say that there haven't been some positives. Not too many, but some.

Bergeson's development has been a pleasant surprise; it's nice that the Orioles have at least one competent starting pitcher in their rotation.

Luke Scott has shown major improvement over last season in terms of his hitting. If he stays with the O's and can get better, he could be a monster. A freak. A freakish monstrosity!

Wigginton's versatility is amazing. I swear he's going to be taking Trembley's job before season's end.

Uehara was fun while he lasted, which was about two innings! ZING!

The first half of the Baltimore Orioles season has been a roller coaster ride with its high peaks and deep valleys, but I can honestly say that they have performed better than I expected, and we finally have some reason to think positively about the future of the organization. The outfield looks like it could be tremendous in the years to come. Wieters will be awesome if he can continue to improve. The pitching in the minors looks amazing, and almost too good to be true. I feel like Andy MacPhail is really trying to help this team regain its former glory. And I will be watching, and waiting for it to finally come to fruition, seeing as though the Orioles haven't won a World Series since before I was born.

LET'S GO O'S!!!

Andino.... he's a baller. He'll be around awhile.

All of the above, plus, the clear recognition that Andy MacPhail clearly hit on a number of moves for this club. He certainly has the organization heading in the right direction and the next decade of Orioles Baseball looks bright.

The Teixeira Song -- "... that's o.k. because we got Matt Wieters!"
(We should have kept Cabrera so that he could have plunked that dude three times a game.)

I'm also casting an early vote for the worst part of the first half of the season -- Huff's 'stache in a landslide.

It had to be the comeback against the Sux. Down 10-1 in the bottom of the 7th...and coming back to win! Are you kidding me?!?!! That was incredible! One of the most fun things I've ever watched.

Another was the game winning extra-inning homerun by Reimold.

And I can't forget the dual rainbows at the first game of the second coming, Mr. Matt Weiters!

Really, it has been so exciting to have some hope for the future, it's hard to pick moments themselves.

But, everyone else including you, Dan, seemed to make the question about players. So, the best player would have to be Brad Bergesen, with Adam Jones and Luke Scott at two and three, respectively.

Bergesen has looked like he will be the next Roy Halladay. And the most exciting part about that is that he was the Orioles 10th rated minor league pitcher or something coming into this season. Here's to a rotation full of people better than Roy Halladay!

1. Bergey
2. Scott
3. Jones
4. Evolution of a very solid bullpen (Bass, Hendrickson and Albers in middle relief, Baez in the 7th, JJ in the 8th, Brim Reaper in the 9th--all pitching well)
5. The other young players contributing instead of having a bunch of aging cast-offs taking up space on the roster--Reimold, Wieters, Andino, Pie, Hernandez

1. Bergessen
2, Pie starting experiment ending Nolan winning the job
3 Jones improvement
4. Scott hitting and ability to hit lefties
5. Sherrill closing games
6. Johnson setting up
7. Wieters coming up
8. Andino doing a nice job filling in at SS
9. Hendrickson move to bullpen
10. Hernandez starting

Pour me a Dos Equis.....tough weekend on the little league diamond for coach Rob K. As for the O's first half, everything has been mentioned above. The continued emphasis on our youth movement, sticking to the plan, has been the best thing. Bergesen, Reimold, Wieters, Berken, Hernandez........the 2nd half should bring Tillman and September should bring Patton and/or Matusz.

If we get hot in the 2nd half (hot defined as .500 or slightly above) then 2010 should bring forth some very interesting possibilities.

andy mac --- hands down!!!!! no disrespect to peter but stay out of the kitchen and let andy whip up the main dish. if these guys reach .500 peter should make andy a general partner in his firm!!!! thanks and go O's!!!

1. Andino for Penn
2. Bergesen
3. Reimold and Wieters
4. Eaton and Hendrickson out of rotation
5. Hendrickson in the 'pen

The best thing about the O's first half by far was the look into the future. ESPN just did a pair of articles on the O's. One highlighted the Reimold-Jones-Markakis OF. Calling it the best young OF (25 and under) in baseball. The other highlighted all of the great young starters the O's have in AA and AAA. More of these guys will show up in the second half. Throw in Matt Wieters who has gotten his feet wet, and should have a much stronger and more consistent second half, and the future is looking really good for the O's. That by far is the best part of the first half of 2009- getting a look at 2010, 2011, 2012, and so on.

Bred Bergesen all the way.

Trembley's Tirade. loved it.

1. Bergessen
2. The Bullpen
3. Shortstop
4. The contributions from the kids in the minors

I believe this is the best chance for the Os to finish .500 or better in recent years. If they can get a hot streak going, the chances are good. But with the two "ESPN affiliates" (NY and BOS) and the White Sox right out of gate, its going to be tough.

Lots of good comments already mentioned: Bergy, youth movement, Jones All-Star, our pitchers tearing it up in minors, etc. Seriously, it's been a fun first half- even w/some tough losses- so excited about the progress! And Angelos continues to let MacPhail do his thing! BTW- interesting note about MacPhail saying Angelos doesn't meddle around at all- great sign! To Mr. Angelos- THANK YOU and lots of respect to you for what you are now doing to let the O's turn the corner!

As far as first half highlights besides what has been mentioned, I also think about specific games and stretches that were very exciting! The first that stands out to me was the entire week leading up to Wieters' debut night (when my son was born!) It was that week that we really saw a clear picture of the transition of youth movement and excitement: Jones smashing a pie in a rookie's face every night after a win, Reimold's dramatic walk off HR capping the stellar comeback against the Jays to sweep them, Scott's grand slam against Tigers on Wieters' night, 5 game winning streak, etc. That week was so exciting! Also, the colossal comeback against 'Sox!

If this squad can just stay around .500 and not collapse in mid-August it will continue to be fun- especially as we see a possible Tillman debut and gear up for a winning season in 2010!

Oh, and how can we forget about how thrilling opening day was: 9-1 ratio of O's to Yanks fans! Seeing and hearing passionate, loud O's fans take back the Yard! Tex getting booed so loud- in between and during every pitch of his at-bats (have never heard someone get booed so loud at any sporting event- ever!), the Izturis HR that felt a little Jeffrey Maier-esque! Yes, one fun day, but VERY fun nonetheless!

The fact this team could win 42 of its remaining games and finish the season a winner. This could become a reality if they quit making bonehead mistakes in the field.

1.) Bergenson and Reimold- complete (and pleasant) surprises to me.

2.) Sherrill and Huff repeating last year's performances (I thought that they were one year flukes/career years last year)

3.) Luke Scott and Adam Jones markedly improving in so little time

4.) The never say die attitude- I can't remember so many come from behind victories in one season. Two examples- the unbelievable Red Sox game a couple of weeks ago, the amazing Mariner game last week, and the Reimold walk off homer in extra innings to name a few.

No complaints - and kudos to Andy MacPhail.

I am earnestly fascinated in watching this team build from role players and the minor league prospects as they are brought in.

This team is fun to watch and keeps getting better as they add and substract pieces.

There are several "bests": Bergessen... Luke Scott(!)...and that Red Sox comeback win.

I'm looking forward to the second half.

OK, maybe this would be a more controversial plus, but for all the Luke Scott Fans (and I *am* one!), I think the best part of the season has been how well he's played and how that bodes for continuing the plan that Andy MacPhail put in place when he arrived. Wha??

At 31 years old, I don't think Luke has a long-term home here. The OF will be set for a loooonnng time if Jones, Markakis, and Reimold can stay healthy. I don't see Luke as the long-term answer at 3rd or 1st, either. I think that makes him some a really decent trade candidate. Keep him in situations where he can come through in the clutch, and his market value can continue to grow. This guy could merit a nice prospect or two in a swap to help address holes in the farm system and at the Bigs - the Orioles HAVE to capitalize on that. If we see a 2nd-half trade and the O's bring in a nice haul (bigger would be better), I'd have to say without doubt that Luke's first-half was a significant boon to the O's long term future.

The best thing about the (unofficial) first half of the season is that there are so many positive things to talk about. Of course, that perspective is helped somewhat by going into the break on a two game winning streak. But still, there are all those high points that have already been mentioned by so many others. Minus the few folks who are still not seeing the sunshine behind the storm clouds that have darkened our metaphorical sky for the past dozen years, of course.

I'll go with the top things as 1) the unexpected excellence of Bergesen, 2) Luke's hitting, and 3) Jones making his first All-Star team.

Watching Justin Verlander & Edwin Jackson dominate the O's bats from the 15th row of section 40 on back to back games, man does the ball sizzle into mitt when they unleash their upper 90's fastballs. Great performances by a team destined for a division crown.

How about the record? This is the only division where this record would merit last place. Winning more series than losing. The team played better earlier than we could have hoped. Lets hope for improvement in the 2nd Half, especially since no inter-league.

Biggest disappointments would include not playing better defense and the horrible base running. Neither bode well for the long term.

The best MOMENT from the first half has to be the night of Matt Wieters' debut at Camden Yards. The atmosphere in town was absolutely electric that night, like nothing I have felt at an O's game in years.

The best THING from the first half has to be the success of the young pitching, especially the performance of Brad Bergesen. If I recall correctly, Bergesen, Berken, and Hernandez all won their major league debuts.

From a player perspective, you have to love that Andy MacPhail has stuck by "The Plan" and it is clearly working. We already have two all-stars from the Bedard trade and the crown jewel of that deal is still in the minors. The challenge over the next two years will be corner infield. Snyder is close but Rowell is still not there...

We need a new manager and a true1 pitcher like holiday. I love all the scoring but need pitching to at lease get to 500 and better

Andino filling-in for Izturis and adding punch to the offensive line-up
Bergesen dogged,unflappable attack on the strike zone
Roberts ability to self motivate when injured and sick
Riemold, Salazar and Hendrickson doing stellar work
Wieters learning;Zahn teaching
Mora overcoming criticism
Better coaching as times got tough
Starting pitching being more respected with each start
Guidry relaxing
I give them a C+ as a team. I 'm encouraged!

Agree with everyone who state Brad Bergesen is the best first half story for the birds, but I am going to have to say the biggest comeback in the history of the Orioles since moving to Baltimore (11-10 over Boston) was impressive.

Bergesen without a doubt! Reimold a close second.

Opening day was the probably my favorite part of the season. A lot of energy was shown from the Orioles fans. It was almost like the Yankee fans weren't even there (which was great). Then there was the fans reaction to Teixeria. It was a lot fun that day. It felt like it was '97 again.

The best moment was The Comeback. Several good stories, not the least of which is the fact that they are finally making progress, but I'd have to go with Brad Bergeson as the best story.

Given that they had only one proven ML starter going into Opening Day, I'm impressed that they are still only 8 games below .500. It probably wouldn't have surprised most of us if they were 28 below at this point. I hope they can move outta the cellar by season's end so the kids can see some tangible progress.

Angelos is 5 months older

The best thing about the first half of the O's season being over is that it means we're that much closer to Ravens training camp.

I'm torn between Adam Jones and Brad Bergesen. Slight nod to Adam Jones who will just keep getting better. Berge's gonna be great too. Nolan Reimold follows at number three. The O's are getting better. For the first time in years the future looks bright.

Dan, A great question and lots of great comments. Bergy is the best story simply because he proved emphatically why he was the worthy recipient of the 2008 Jim Palmer Award for the top pitcher in the Orioles' farm system.

More importantly, he's stabilized an Orioles rotation which otherwise would have been in near shambles and thus prevented the bullpen from being fried by midseason, which has been the rule in recent years.

Obviously, he won't be able to do it singlehandedly, but while Jeremy Guthrie struggles to regain lost mastery, Rich Hill struggles to regain his career and Jason Berken struggles to pitch to major league hitters, at least David Hernandez is starting to emerge.

And with Chris Tillman on the way, things should be fun after the break.

Suggestion: How about doing a first half scorecard and inviting readers to share theirs.

That guy comparing Felix Pie to Jeff Stone. Priceless.

That guy comparing Felix Pie to Jeff Stone. Priceless.

Worst part of first half. It is a lock. Gary Thorne. All comments go from voice box directly to mouth. Do not pass brain. Do not collect $200.

The best part.... thankfully it's over.

The worse part.... we still have the dog days of August and the normal September swoon to go through.

Being there in person helped, but the series sweep in Philadelphia was the most memorable part of the first half. The game in which Brian Roberts hit a 2-run HR to with 2 outs 2 strikes in the top of the 9th was unbelievable and probably only topped by the rally against the Red Sox. The Philly crowd was in stunned silence!

Amazed at those here who did NOT mention Luke Scott in their "best of ..."

Y'all don't appreciate talent much, do you??

Brad Bergesen, no contest.

bergy

1. Brad Bergesen
2. Nolan Reimold
3. Luke Scott