O’s, MASN offer 1 buck tickets for September Home Games

ORIOLES, MASN TEAM UP TO OFFER FANS $1 TICKETS IN

MAXIMUM ACCESS SECTION FOR SEPTEMBER HOME GAMES

 

As the final month of baseball season approaches, the Orioles and MASN have teamed up to make Orioles tickets even more affordable and accessible. For the month of September, fans can purchase tickets in a special MASN Maximum Access section in the upper deck of the ballpark for only $1 each.

 

This opportunity is valid for each of the 16 home games in September and ticket quantities are limited. In anticipation of a high demand for this unique offer, there is a purchase limit of eight tickets per transaction.  Each game ticket includes a voucher for a free Oriole Park tour that can be redeemed for any regularly scheduled tour in 2008.

 

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the game. Fans interested in purchasing $1 MASN Maximum Access tickets can go online at www.orioles.com, call 1-888-848-BIRD, or visit the Oriole Park box office.

One gets hurt, Another nears return

It’s the circle of life, I suppose.

Melvin Mora pulled_up_lame_running_out_a_grounder_last_night. Offical word is that he’s merely day to day with a strained left hamstring, but these things can prove to be slightly nagging. Cheers to Mora though for giving 100% on that grounder though. Too often we’ve seen others (especially in years past… assume away) dog it out.

With Mora dinged up, Adam_jones_is close to returning. He’s getting to working out and looks to play a simulated game or do some more bp. But apparently he’s close to returning. Good.

With that good news, there’s some more bad news, if that’s how you want to take it.

Chris Ray had a minor setback (info in Adam Jones link) and will not be playing at all this season.

Sez Trembley

“You can cross Chris Ray’s name off the list. He will not be a September callup,” said Trembley. “Andy, Chris Ray and myself, we all mutually agree. There’s no purpose of him being active in September. He’s done a great job. He’s going to complete his program with [Class A] Aberdeen. He’s going to have a normal winter of rest, come to Spring Training and then go from there. There’s no purpose of him rejoining us in September. There’s nothing to be gained from that.”

George Sherrill had a minor setback in rehab, but should return soon as well.

Circle of Life, one goes down, another will take their place.

Oriole Football Kickoff Rally

ORIOLES KICK OFF FOOTBALL SEASON WITH

RAVENS RALLY AT ORIOLE PARK ON SEPTEMBER 6

 

First 15,000 fans 15 & over at 7:05 p.m. game receive a limited edition Ravens Rally t-shirt

 

The Orioles will kick off the start of the NFL season by hosting a Ravens Rally at Oriole Park on Saturday, September 6, prior to their 7:05 p.m. game against the Oakland Athletics. The Ravens begin their 2008 campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals the next day at neighboring M&T Bank Stadium.

 

The first 15,000 fans ages 15 and over will receive a limited edition Ravens Rally t-shirt presented by MASN. The shirt features the Oriole Bird carrying a football and wearing a Ravens jersey. Festivities planned for the evening include appearances by mascot Poe and several Ravens cheerleaders. Members of the Marching Ravens will also perform on the lower concourse prior to the game.

 

Baltimore Ravens President DICK CASS will represent the team by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game. “On the eve of our season kick-off, this night will give fans the opportunity to celebrate our two great local sports franchises,” said Cass.

 

Ravens PSL holders can show their cards at the Oriole Park box office to receive $7 off any regularly priced ticket (up to 8 tickets per card).  Non-PSL holders who show pride in their favorite teams will receive $5 off any regularly priced ticket by wearing both Ravens and Orioles articles of clothing.

 

“This rally provides an opportunity for Baltimore sports fans to gather together to root for their favorite baseball team and wish their favorite football team good luck as they gear up for the 2008 season,” said Orioles Director of Communications GREG BADER.  

 

The 7:05 p.m. game is the second game of a split doubleheader scheduled for September 6. The Orioles will also play the A’s at 1:05 p.m. that day. Fans should call 1-888-848-BIRD or visit www.orioles.com for tickets to the September 6 game. 

Burres back

Brian Burres made his return to the rotation with the same result as his last stint in Baltimore.

5 innings, 10 hits 6 runs (5 earned) 1 K and 1 BB

The more things change, the more they stay same. The O’s lose 8-3.

The Annual Second Ending Swoon?

The problem for the O’s is never that they have a problem starting the season. Usually the Orioles play somewhat mediocore first half ball. The problem is finishing. Look up the 2005 season for further evidence or for that matter any second half collapse. This season, it’s been a nice start but the signs off slipping are showing. The Birds were swept by the Yankees at home this weekend.

A few reasons why I’m worried the season’s end might be somewhat ugly:

• Any starting pitcher not named Jeremy Guthrie. Guthrie is only the team’s ace, but as their only truly decent pitcher. Guthrie’s more than decent, but 2-5 is bloody ugly. Daniel Cabrera? After years of foolish hope, I’m throwing in the towel on that one. Radhames Liz could be a decent pitcher at some point, but he was rushed up, sent down, and rushed back up again because there’s no one else ready. He’s a sacrifical lamb. A 7.32 ERA does not reassure me. Chris Waters had a swell debut, but my opinion is that the Disney movie ends there. I’d love for him to surprise me, but the dude has been a career minor leaguer for a reason. Garrett Olson probably won’t see Baltimore again this season, and that’s probably a good thing. I’ve still got hope for the kid, but its been a rough campaign for him. Again, they’re all better options than seeing Dennis Sarfate start again.
• The bullpen has been solid for most the season, but with Matt Albers done for at least the forseeable future, George Sherrill on the DL, and Chad Bradford traded to Tampa, what was once a solid option has become shaky. Jamie Walker has made a habit of giving up at least a run an outing. Randor Bierd hasn’t been the same guy since coming off the DL. Rocky Cherry doesn’t assure when he comes into a game. There’s still Jim Johnson in the pen. Alberto Castillo has quietly done his job. Kam Mickolio will be one to watch. We got to take the good with the bad, but at the moment there’s a little bad in the bullpen than good.

The offense is hitting the white off the ball, that’s better seasons past. The last 30 or so games will define whether this is simply an overachiever (this team can be a few games under .500 and definately be call overacheivers) or whether reality caught up with them. I think saying ‘reality catching up’ is harsh when you see the team has only one solid option in the rotation, but that’s the truth of it.

I’m hoping they keep it up, but with the rotation…it scares me.

Roster Moves

Last night I half-hearted mentioned Kam Mickolio’s callup, but some more activity went on today that needs mentioning. For the sake of time, all the links are from O’s.com.

• Garrett Olson is_being_sent_down_to_Norfolk. Radhames Liz is expected to be called up to take Olson’s spot.

          About the move Olson said all the right things.

“It’s just something that takes experience — a lot of repetition and muscle memory,” Olson said. “I feel like the more I go out there and do it, the better I’m going to get. I think this is going to be good for me to get down there and get a couple starts, and hopefully, gain some momentum for the end of the year.

“It’s a long season, and everybody has their ups and downs. It’s just one of those things you’ve got to work through and hopefully get better at and hopefully, I think, it just makes you a better person after what you go through.”

         With a fat 6.38 ERA, the move isn’t a shocker. Surprised to see Liz back, perhaps he’ll be a    slightly improved version of what we saw a month ago.

•         Kam Mickolio got_the_call_to_Baltimore to fill the injuried George Sherrill’s spot. Apparently Kam had some good stuff last night. I can’t judge because I missed it.
•      Red Sox Manager Terry Francona reached out to George Sherrill after hearing about his trip to the disabled list. I guess that could be label as classy.

I missed this apparently

So I ended up missing out on yoga (yeah that’s too bad) but still managed an awesome night, but I got in tonight and checked out the O’s boxscore and saw Kam Milicko got the call up. Check the internet accordingly for the offical word.

The line tonight was not awesome but somewhat encouraging.

1.0 inning, 3 hits (ugly) 1 run, 2 K (that’s good)

Melvin Mora hit homer number 21 tonight. If you would have told me before the season Melvin would have had 21 homers, I would have laughed in your face.

I got to work in the morning. So this definately isn’t my finest work…but its been a good night.

Humpday Links: 50th Million Fan edition

It’s Wednesday, so let’s take a gander what’s going on everywhere but here.

• Camden Yards welcomed_its_50th_Million_Fan_last_night. My biggest fear was that since the event coincided with a Red Sox game, that it’d be a Red Sox fan, but it was a true blue (or orange) Oriole fan. I read that certain measures would be taken to make sure take it was an O’s fan, but as paranoid as I can be, I pictured some Red Sox fan wearing Oriole gear getting. Then at presentation, he rips off his O’s shirt to reveal a Red Sox shirt and yells “RED SAWX RULE!” Thankfully my irrational fears were unfounded. Congrads to Kevin. That’s awesome.
• Roar from 34 is on a brief hiatus (hopefully it won’t be too long). Before going though there’s a look at a could have been rivalry_between the O’s and the Indians.
• In case you didn’t know it, Mark Teixiera is a free agent after the season. There’s some folks that would like to see in Baltimore. I wouldn’t mind it, but I don’t want the O’s to sign him to some crazy 10 year 300 million dollar deal. I was alerted to this_petition. Act accordingly.
• Not a link, but I need to take care of this anyway. I was asked this weekend what I thought the future holds for Legendary Lou Montanez. I’m going to have to take a guess on this one. He looks good at the plate, but his outfield defense needs some work. He has first round talent, but I think he’s going to a 4th outfielder. I would love to be proved wrong.
• On a personal note, I saw an amusing name Monday night. I’m backing dating again (hooray for me) and that’s the reason my posts have been somewhat briefer than usual. Anyhoo, we were at the Drive game Monday (only the second one I’ve been all season….really disappointing that I hadn’t been to more) and one of the Drive’s players is none other than one David_Mailman. We got a kick out of than and gave out the aptly “Please Deliver Mailman!” cheer. We were on the 4th row behind the on deck circle, so here loud cries were heard. Since we have a give take relationship, I got the ballgame in with no argument and two things this weekend, so tonight I have to give. Giving in this case would be going to Yoga. Which amuses me and frankly scares me a little, but it “would be nice” if I could go. I believe that’s code for “you SHOULD go.” I’m sure I’ll be posting tomorrow with some unusual strained muscle. I’m going to oblige under the condition that she doesn’t point and laugh. Laugh if you must (and you probably should if you knew me).

Have a good rest of the day. I’m going to take a nap before I go and find muscles that I didn’t know I had hurt.

Dead Horse Topics

Over the course of the season, the same issues with the team or certain players go on and on through out the year. I think the issue needs addressing, to realize that I had done several posts on it already. So here’s a few topics I’m swearing off til season’s end. If something big happens with said issue, then I’ll swear it off.

• Daniel Cabrera is an inconsistent pitcher. I know this. You know this. He’s great one night and the next he’s terrible. Newsflash…he throws a lot balls. He is what he is and I’m not doing the “Maybe he turned the corner” post and next week do the “He stinks” post. No sir, not gonna do it.
• The O’s need a shortstop. It’s been a revolving door all season and none of them have been any good. Juan Castro hasn’t been awful and he plays good defense. He’s 36 though, so he’s no longterm solution. Brandon Fahey, Luis Hernandez, Eider Torres, Alex Cintron, Freddie Bynum….blah. This is will get dealt with in the offseason and at this point in the season, there’s no reason to get worked up into a lather over it.
• Besides Jeremy Guthrie, the rotation is pretty bad. Guthrie and Cabrera are the last two men standing from the opening day rotation. Steve Trachsel has ridden off into the good night, Adam Loewen is learning a new trade, Garrett Olson took too many lumps and will toil his craft in the bullpen or Norfolk. So it’s Guthrie, Cabrera, Chris Waters, ____ _______, and _____ _______. The starting pitching is going to give up some runs….a lot some nights because it’s not a major league rotation. A lot of the organizational pitching talent is at AA or A level. MacPhail doesn’t want to rush them as prior adminstrations have so we’re seeing some warm bodies and possibly a few come up who could have some talent (Bergesen or the snakebitten Penn). It’s another lost season is Baltimore, why sake some pitchers future for rushing some kids up for the sake of bringing them up.
• Do bring up Matt Wieters/Don’t bring Matt Wieters up. For record, I’m in the Don’t Bring up Matt Wieters camp. Bring him to Spring Training next season and he’ll make the team no doubt. This is his first year in professional baseball. It’s a longer season and he’s got stuff to learn. Let him crush it and have a fat year in the minors. He’s fast track anyway… I don’t see the point in rushing him to see him this season.

SportsBlogNet.com Launch

Got a little business to take care to start things off today. Awhile back Oriole Central lost its independent blog status as I joined the SportsBlogNet. Today is the network launch and thus comes the big announcement.

SportsBlogNet.com Launches into Beta

 

We just wanted to let our readers know that we are apart of a new Sports Blog Network at SportsBlogNet.com. SportsBlogNet.com is a site that feeds in over 50 great sports blogs and links back out to all of them. They drive traffic to our site and also sell ads for all the blogs in the network.

 

At SportsBlogNet.com you can:

 

• Read all the quality blogs in the network
• Write for a blog in the network
• Discover new blogs
• Build a new free sports blog
• Join the network as an additional revenue and traffic source for your sports blog

 

Currently SportsBlogNet.com has approximately 56 blogs in the network with a reach of approximately 200,000 unique visitors per month which is growing daily.Check it out. They are interested in hearing your feedback.