Os Are Going For The Gold

Tonight the Orioles' 2016 season comes down to a one-game playoff against their division-rival, the Blue Jays.  They fought tooth and nail to hold onto a wild card spot for this chance and can continue on into the ALDS if they can pull out a win tonight.

The Orioles won the first wild card play-in game in 2012 against the Rangers, and that is who they will play if they can move on.  I suggested yesterday afternoon that the Orioles should start Ubaldo Jimenez but they opted for Chris Tillman.  I can't believe I suggested Ubaldo.  Just a few months ago, I was one of the many Orioles fans who were calling for his release.  He has had a rocky tenure with the birds, but has really come on in his last 7 starts.

I'm no fan of the Blue Jays.  I don't like Jose Bautista at all, and I didn't like their wooing of Orioles GM Dan Duquette last off season.  There is a bit of bad blood between the two teams, albeit nowhere near that of the Rangers and Blue Jays.  It will be interesting if Darren O'Day pitches against Jose Bautista in the later innings tonight.

So, I will watch the game with a lot of apprehension.  I don't want my guys to lose.  I feel like they can pull it out, but I always worry.  I hope they win it.  I'd love to see the O's bats erupt and Tillman throw a gem.  That would really be awesome.  Anything can happen in the Post Season, right?

I got this 2016 Bowman Chris Davis gold parallel off of Instagram from a guy named @lonestargraphs.  I sent him some quick Paypal and got the card.  I already had one, but since they are numbered, I didn't mind picking up another.  This one is numbered 33/50.

So, I'm off to watch the game.  Thanks to everyone who messaged me good luck wishes today.  It really meant a lot to me!

What Would Buck Think - More Playoff Musings

The Cubs are looking pretty good in the postseason so far.  When people talk about players/managers/coaches associated with the Cubs, names like Banks, Santo, Sandberg, Williams and Durocher come up.  A name that may get overlooked is one John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil.  He was the first African American coach in the majors.  Aside from that, he was a true ambassador of the game.  He lived to be 94 years old, passing away just over 9 years ago on October 6, 2006.

He was a true ambassador of the game, long after his playing and coaching days were over.  This can clearly be seen on Ken Burns's Baseball.  I'd like to think that if O'Neil were still around, he would be pretty pleased with how the Cubs have performed so far.  I think he would also be pleased with the showcase of youth that is going on right now in the 2015 playoffs.  So much young talent has been on display, this has really been a postseason to remember.

I'd like to think that someone who lived and breathed baseball, like O'Neil, would really enjoy the stuff we are seeing today.  Well, maybe one bat flip or a takeout slide aside...

I haven't had a lot to write about lately since I haven't had a lot of mail coming in, and I also have been engrossed in the playoffs.  Please bear with me as I continue to work to come up with content every night.  I appreciate everyone reading, though.  I hope you are enjoying these playoffs as much as I am.

Playoff Thoughts

Well, two of the four division series are decided with another ending later tonight, followed by the Mets-Dodgers ending tomorrow.  With the Cardinals being eliminated, we will have a World Series winner that hasn't been crowned since at least 1993 (Blue Jays).  One remaining team has never won the World Series (Astros), one hasn't won since Kirk Gibson in 1988 (Dodgers), another hasn't won since Marty McFly traveled through time (Royals in 1985) and one hasn't won wince my great grandparents were school children (Cubs - 1908).  Although, Back to the Future Part II did predict that the Cubs would win in 2015.  So what if they missed the AL portion of the series.  The big takeaway was the Cubs winning.

All of those years taken aside, there is something that can be drawn from this season's playoffs.  Baseball indeed has the parity that has been sought after for so long.  No one team has dominated the sport since the Yankee dynasty of the late 90s.  You can make an argument that the Giants winning three out of the last 6 seasons may qualify, and you are right to do so.  Regardless, baseball is really even across the board.  So many teams have a chance to win it all, I mean, who really predicted the Astros to make it this far this year?  I didn't think the Rangers would make it to the playoffs when Darvish went down.  The Cardinals were besieged by injuries, but still managed to win 100 games.

I'm hoping the Cubs can go ahead and end their streak of futility this year.  Proving Back to the Future Part II correct would be really cool, but seeing a bunch of happy (real) Cubs fans would be a nice treat.  Not the bandwagoners, but the real fans who have suffered for so long.  I know a few of them, so I'm hoping they can be happy at the end of this season.

We are in for a good show, no matter what happens from here on out.  I'm excited.

No Crying In Baseball

“[Baseball] breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall all alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.”

― A. Bartlett Giamatti, Take Time For Paradise: Americans And Their Games


While I have been reminded today by coworkers, friends and family that baseball is just a game and that I should be happy that the Orioles made it to the ALCS for the first time since 1997, I must admit that I got greedy.  Listening to all of the experts say that this could be the Orioles year to finally make it to the World Series for the first time since 1983, I bought into the notion that this really could be the year.  I had purchased ALDS tickets and watched a magical comeback against the three headed monster Tigers rotation, sweeping that series.  I told my friends that while the ALCS might go 7 games, I was confident that the Orioles could handle the Royals.  I told a few friends that there was no way in hell the Royals would sweep, when the Orioles got down 0-2.  Well, I was wrong.  My team was just swept out of the ALCS by a young, hungry Royals team.  I did not enjoy seeing the Royals players acting like high schoolers on the field with their celebrations after every hit; Jarrod Dyson's trash talking and Jeremy Guthrie's poor wardrobe choice.  The only problem is, it's not bragging if you can back it up.  The Royals brought a tough-to-defend game into the ALCS and simply beat the Orioles.

The most frustrating part was the sheer luck involved in each Royals win.  The series could have easily gone the Orioles' way, and I would be the one celebrating.  However, I am not.  I feel like I watched a friend pass away as the Orioles' 2014 season came to a close with a resounding thud.  I choose not to remember the 2014 season by seeing my team on its deathbed, I will choose to remember the 2014 season as my son, my friend Ryan and I walked out of Camden Yards on October 3.  Our throats hoarse from cheering on the Birds in that dramatic come from behind win.  Camden Yards was more packed than I had ever seen it.  Baseball is back in Baltimore.  Fourteen straight years of losing appears to be in the rear view mirror.

I am reminded that as good as we all felt as we walked out of that stadium several days ago, there were Tigers fans who felt the way that I do now.  Remembering that feeling is the reason why folks who know me never see me brag or gloat about my team.  This is why I appreciate Buck Showalter, because he always keeps an even keel and keeps things in perspective.  But it hurts right now.  It will hurt tomorrow.  It will hurt during the World Series.  It will hurt at Fan Fest in February and it will hurt come Opening Day, 2015, but I will get over it.

As bad as I feel right now, there are Royals fans who have never seen their team play a single playoff game.  Now, Royals fans, you get to see your team in the World Series.  Congratulations.  Maybe, one day, I will get my time in the sun, too.  Until then, I won't be crying.  I did that already.

When The Music's Over, Turn Out The Lights

Well, as you all may know, I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve as far as the Orioles (and other things in life) are concerned.  I vented on this blog on August 27 after they were smacked around at that time.  I think it was the 3 game sweep by the Diamondbacks, but I don't remember now.  This season has been a great one, regardless of how they have tanked it in September.  Manny Machado emerged as a star (before he hurt his knee on Monday, but thankfully, he will be back).  Chris Davis has shattered the Orioles' single season home run record.  Chris Tillman solidified himself as a top starter and has the most wins for the Orioles (16) since Mike Mussina won 18 in 1999.

A lot of things have gone wrong for the Orioles since the All Star Break, most notably, the bats have gone into a deep freeze and the bullpen hasn't been what they were last year.  The Orioles have proven that last year was no fluke.  They may have had quite a few things go their way last year that haven't panned out this year, but they are relevant.  No longer are they the doormat of the AL East.  They appear to be here for the long haul, seeing as their core players are all very young and are locked up for the next few years.

So, yeah, I'm upset that they didn't make the playoffs, but they do look poised to contend for the foreseeable future and two years ago, that seemed eons away.

Things I Can Do Now That The Orioles Have Thrown In The Towel

Yeah, I'm not happy.  I have every right not to be.  I have sat here and watched the Orioles for 20+ years, only to be rewarded for 3 of those seasons.  Last year felt so good to see the team come together, fight and never give up.  They played with pure heart.  This season's team?  Not so much.  Jim Johnson has been wildly inconsistent.  Nick Markakis can't buy an extra base hit, let alone in the clutch.  Adam Jones is no leader.  Yeah, I said it.  He can be a leader when he stops swinging at low and away pitches 2 feet out of the strike zone with no outs and a runner on third.

Yeah, this season has had enjoyable parts.  Watching Orange Crush chase the HR record (of 61 homers) has been fun, but he likely will come up short, but 50+ will still be nice.  Manny Machado has cemented himself as a future star among the likes of Bryce Harper and Mike Trout.

The Orioles pitching has been crap this year, save for Chris Tillman.  Dylan Bundy had Tommy John surgery and is likely out til at least July, if not August next year.  Brian Matusz is so soft between the ears, he has no hope of being a legitimate top of the rotation start like he was billed when he was drafted with the 4th overall pick in 2010.  Kevin Gausman has been a disappointment.  At least to me.  He hasn't shown me anything special.

So, it is time for me to divest myself from this season and to stop living and dying with every game.  I'll check the box score from time to time, but I can't take much more of this joke of a 'team' playing well below what they are capable.

That being said, here are some things I can do instead of wasting my time watching MASN for the rest of the season:

• I can finally sew Chris's patches on his Cub Scout uniform, hopefully in time for the first meet.
• I can work on catching up on some mail to fellow bloggers.
• I can organize my cards.
• I can send a batch of cards to COMC.
• I can begin researching and sending out more TTMs.
• I can wear the ECU hat that my brother got me, but I haven't worn due to some suspicion that I have to wear an O's hat every day during the season.
• I can get to bed early every night.
• I can let my wife watch what she wants on the living room TV.
• I can let Chris check out the Giants scores on my MLB App.
• I can organize my card room.

Yeah, it'll feel good to step away, which I definitely will be doing.  For all of you whose teams haven't locked their heart in the cabinet under the sink, I say good luck to you in the playoffs.  I'll probably be pulling for the Cardinals and Pirates.

It Was Fun While It Lasted

Well, I'm proud of my boys, but they just couldn't get past the Yankees.  Story of the year, they would pull even but couldn't surpass the Yankees and put them away.  Now, here's to a nice, restful offseason and let's get back to it when Spring Training starts in February.  I think the Orioles can do well next year.  Markakis, Roberts and Reimold should be back from injuries and the young pitchers will have the experience they have gained from this season.

I want to thank everyone for the well wishes during this season and this series.  This has been the most amazing season that I've been a part of and I have loved every minute of it.

I'm going to be away from my blog for an undetermined amount of time as I get over the loss, but I will return.

It All Comes Down To This

I am so exhausted.  Thankfully, this series will be over tonight.  I want the Orioles to win, but this has got to be the most agonizing series I have seen them play in some time.  I, of course, wouldn't have it any other way.  If the Orioles win, they will have beaten a team that has wiped the floor with them too many times to count.  A true rival.  You all know how much I hate the Yankees, but they are the greatest dynasty in sports for a reason.  Any title worth winning typically has to go through New York.

Every game in this series has been a nail-biter.  Each game was either tied or within one run coming into the 9th inning.  The Orioles have had a lead in each game played, so far.  Every home run hit in the series by either team has been a solo home run.  Alex Rodriguez, the highest paid player in the game is being benched in a do or die, deciding game 5.  The Orioles' biggest threats, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters and the Yankees big guns, A-Rod, Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson have all laid eggs with their performances.

I can't wait for the game tonight, but, more importantly, I can't wait until it is finally over and my stress level can decrease a bit.

A win tonight, for me, would almost be the equivalent of winning the World Series.

Let's Go O's!

I'm Ready, Are You?

I feel like more of my friends and family are fans of the Yankees than any other club.  My dad grew up in Bethesda, Maryland up to 1970 before my grandfather accepted a transfer with his company to Winston-Salem, NC.  One would think that Dad might have grown up an Orioles fan, but according to him, he isn't a baseball fan (according to him, he would rather "watch paint dry.").

My mom is a Yankee fan; she has been since the 70s and Thurman Munson.  She also appreciated Don Mattingly in the 1980s.  I remember hearing her go "Ha Ha!!!" during the Jeffrey Maier play in the 1996 ALCS while I was watching the game in my room (I may or may not have been crying).

My older brother, Philip, is a self professed Yankee fan and he loves to call me and gloat about the Yankees' latest exploits.

My wife's grandfather, being from New Jersey, is a huge Yankee fan, and anytime I talk with him, he has to give me a hard time.  I love talking to him, though, one reason is that he sounds like DeNiro.  I love hearing him talk about "Derek Jetuhsz", haha.

One of my best friends is fellow blogger, Drew, and he has been surprisingly quiet leading up to tonight's game.

Pete, from the blog Dropped Third Strike, is also a huge Yankee fan.

My point is, more than any other team, I stress the most about the Orioles playing the Yankees.  If the O's are beaten by the Yankees, I always get phone calls.  In years past, it was more obnoxious, but this year, I feel like most of them respect what the Orioles have been able to accomplish.  The Yankees are and forever will be my least favorite team, but I do respect the hell out of them.

A trip through the postseason for the Orioles wouldn't mean as much if it didn't pass through New York.  There is some kind of validation when the Yankees are the team to beat, and I think the Orioles have a good shot at taking this series.  It definitely would mean a lot more for the O's to beat the Yankees and I sure hope the O's have a good showing.

And Then There Were Fewer

The Orioles have defeated the Rangers in the one-game wildcard playoff and will be hosting playoff games at Camden Yards for the first time in 15 years.  I would love to take some donations to go to the game against the Yankees on Sunday; Standing Room Only tickets are available, but I would have to have Chris with me, and I'm not too sure about taking to the madhouse that will be SRO.

Oh well, I can enjoy the game from my living room!  This season has been so magical and I hope it doesn't stop!  Thank God and Let's Go O's!

We are now down to 8 of 30 teams left after the Braves and Rangers have been sent home.  The Braves/Cardinals game is blighted by a terrible call.  I saw it as it happened and was screaming at the TV.  What a joke.

The Orioles will go one to face the Yankees and hopefully get some retribution for the 1996 ALCS.

Let's Go O's!

For the first time since 1997, the Orioles will be playing a playoff game.  Tonight, they will face the 2-time defending AL Champion Texas Rangers in a one-game, do or die, playoff game.  The loser will go home and the winner will go on to face the Yankees in the ALDS.

For the Orioles, they were picked by almost everyone to lose 100 games and finish last in the AL East.  They weren't supposed to be here.  Shows you that the games aren't won on paper.  If ESPN had it's way, the Red Sox would be in the playoffs playing against the Yankees every year with Brett Favre making an appearance.  This is why I don't watch ESPN.  Bobby Valentine said a few weeks ago that the Orioles were lucky.  I bet he wishes he could have had a little more luck this year.  Jim Bowden said on XM Radio a few months ago that even though the Orioles were in the playoff hunt, he still picked them to finish last and the Red Sox to make the playoffs.  He had to apologize on air a couple weeks ago.

My point is, the Orioles aren't supposed to be here and I am glad they have proven every 'expert' wrong.  I hope they can continue to have some of that magic tonight.  I'm not ready to wake up from this dream season just yet.  Let's Go O's!  Feel the magic happen, O-R-I-O-L-E-S!!!!!

Oriole Magic - Orioles Clinch a Spot in the Playoffs

For the first time since 1997, the Baltimore Orioles will be playing baseball after the regular season ends.

In 1997, the Orioles led the division wire to wire; I was a senior in high school.  I was able to follow the season every morning by discussing the previous night's game with an art teacher at my school.  She wasn't my art teacher, but she shared a classroom with us and her planning period was during my class.  She actually gave me a team photo of the 1997 Orioles when it was sent to her by the Baltimore Sun.  I still have that photo.

That year was long before blogs and social media permeated our lives and culture, so this year, I have been able to follow and discuss each and every game, mainly by following Roch Kubatko's blog on MASNSports.com.  This year was also the first year that I have been a subscriber to Dish Network.  I canned my cable company in favor of Dish because, well, my cable company refused to carry MASN.  I told my wife before spring training started that we were getting Dish for the sole purpose of being able to watch O's games.  I think I have either watched on TV or listened on XM, probably 90% of O's games this year.  I think the ones I have missed were a couple west coast games, or daytime games while I was at work.

I could not have predicted that this year's Orioles would make the playoffs.  They have used 52 different players this year.  Seemingly, a shuttle was running from Camden Yards to Harbor Park (Norfolk's stadium) to the doctor's office.  Yet, they remain tied with the Yankees for the AL East lead with 3 games to go.  It isn't out of the realm of possibility that the Orioles could surpass the Yankees.  It will be tough for the O's to win their upcoming series with the Rays, but the last time they played each other, the Orioles swept them.  So, it could happen.

This year has been so improbable.  Seeing Chris Davis slam 31 home runs AND record a win as a pitcher while striking out Adrian Gonzalez.  Or Manny Machado starting at third base after beginning the year at AA Bowie.  Or how about Dylan Bundy starting the season at Low A Delmarva and now residing in the bullpen.  Oh yeah, you can't forget the mysterious appearance of Miguel Gonzalez, an oft injured pitcher who was released by the Red Sox organization only to be discovered in the Mexican League by the Orioles scouts and signed to a minor league deal.

I don't know what the Orioles will be up to next week, but my hope is that they will be working their way deep into the playoffs.  In years past, it would be really easy to count them out, but this year, they have scratched and clawed their way through the season and now, they, as much as any of the other 9 teams, have a decent shot of heading to the World Series.

Oriole Magic, feel it happen.