On the O's

The Baltimore Orioles are slugging. Flat out slugging. For the month of July, the O's rank, in the AL, 5th in Batting Average, 2nd in Home Runs, 3rd in Doubles, 3rd in Slugging Percentage and 1st in Runs Scored.

For the season, they are 8th, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th in the same categories.

The O's were 41-40 at the end of June and went 10-16 in the month of July to stand at 51-56.

I did not see this coming. In April, I suspected the O's would have trouble scoring enough runs to win games. I did not suspect it would be because the pitching is worse than last season. I did not think it could be worse.

I give the O's credit for not having tanked. It has been their custom to tank at some point in the 2nd half. Some seasons as early as June. Others as late as September. This team continues to play well and wins most of the games in which they get a quality start. Just this week, the O's sent one of their failing starters back to the minors and put another one in the bullpen.

I doubt that this will improve the starting pitching as the O's have nothing better to start games, but at least Manager Dave Trembley is not settling for failing performances.

On O's Victory Total

Orioles 2008 Victory Poll

Poll Ended	Question	More than 69 Games	Less than 69 Games	69 Games
July 26, 2008	O's on pace to win 79. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
July 19, 2008	O's on pace to win 78. How many wins?	80%	20%	0%
July 12, 2008	O's on pace to win 82. How many wins?	40%	60%	0%
July 5, 2008	O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins?	66%	33%	0%
June 28, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
June 21, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 14, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 7, 2008	O's on pace to win 77. How many wins?	60%	40%	0%
May 31, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
May 24, 2008	O's on pace to win 87. How many wins?	67%	33%	0%
May 17, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	71%	29%	0%
May 10, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
May 3, 2008	O's on pace to win 91. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 26, 2008	O's on pace to win 99. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 19, 2008	O's on pace to win 96. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
April 12, 2008	O's are 2-1. How many wins?	20%	80%	0%
April 5, 2008	O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08?	25%	75%	0%

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK (Gettysburg Times - 072608): "Gas & Rent"

As I was pumping gas Thursday morning at the Arendtsville Getty-Mart, two older gentlemen — both are seniors, and long-time Biglerville Canner fans — were chatting about the rising costs of energy.
Gas was $3.89 a gallon for unleaded regular.
“Look at that brick house down there,” one of the chaps said, pointing at a house situated along Main Street.
The tale continued: “Back in the 1950s, I rented an apartment in that building for $35 a month.”
You’re kidding.
“I just paid $40 for gas, and it didn't even get me a full tank,” he laughed.
Funny, but true.
~ Scot Andrew Pitzer

Pitzer rides a Harley.

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/video/

Click on the link that says "VIDEO: Bike Week interview with WGET's Fred Snyder & Times reporter Scot Pitzer. "

Enjoy. Scot.

Pitzer lands a big interview.

casino proposed for Adams County, south-central Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Breakfast+at+Freddy%27s&search_type=

click on "Breakfast at Freddy's Part 1" - watch the 2 minute introduction. funny stuff :)

later, Scot.

On Overachieving

The Orioles have the worst starting pitching in the AL.

O's starters have given up more earned runs, more home runs, hit more batters and walked more batters than any other starting staff in the league; all while pitching fewer innings per start than all but 3 teams (New York, Seattle, Texas).

On O's Victory Total

Orioles 2008 Victory Poll

Poll Ended	Question	More than 69 Games	Less than 69 Games	69 Games
July 19, 2008	O's on pace to win 78. How many wins?	80%	20%	0%
July 12, 2008	O's on pace to win 82. How many wins?	40%	60%	0%
July 5, 2008	O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins?	66%	33%	0%
June 28, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
June 21, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 14, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 7, 2008	O's on pace to win 77. How many wins?	60%	40%	0%
May 31, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
May 24, 2008	O's on pace to win 87. How many wins?	67%	33%	0%
May 17, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	71%	29%	0%
May 10, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
May 3, 2008	O's on pace to win 91. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 26, 2008	O's on pace to win 99. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 19, 2008	O's on pace to win 96. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
April 12, 2008	O's are 2-1. How many wins?	20%	80%	0%
April 5, 2008	O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08?	25%	75%	0%

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK (gettysburg times-071908): "a friendly thief"

My cousin Meagan visited Spain several months ago, and unfortunately — while she was walking with a friend back to her overnight room — her friend got mugged.
The thief, though, had a heart.
You see, the crook took the gal’s purse and darted away.
When the young lass cried - - - “But I need my keys!” - - - the miscreant turned around, and threw the keychain back.
It never hurts to ask.
~ Scot Andrew Pitzer

KEY QUESTIONS FACING O's - - - who stays? who goes?

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-ostrades0716,0,5837419.story

Exploring the O's trade options
A look at several of the Orioles' potential trade chips

Chad Bradford, RHP

Why he could be traded: Relief help always in demand; hasn't allowed a run in 17 career playoff appearances; is owed about $1.5 million more this season and $3.5 million next year.Why he won't be: Sizable contract for a reliever who turns 34 in two months; slowed by injuries this year; is allowing well over a baserunner per inning; still valuable enough where O's would want a decent piece in return. Potential suitors: Brewers, Cardinals, Rangers

Daniel Cabrera, RHP

Why he could be traded: Several contenders desperate for starting pitching; teams might be enticed by his potential and durability; O's eventually could tire of his inconsistency.Why he won't be: O's still feel he's improving under pitching coach Rick Kranitz; he and Jeremy Guthrie only pitchers getting deep into games; under contractual control for two more seasons; league-wide skepticism if he'll ever figure it out. Potential suitors: Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees

Ramon Hernandez, C

Why he could be traded: Matt Wieters waiting in the wings and O's comfortable with Guillermo Quiroz in short-term; O's probably willing to eat part of contract to facilitate deal.Why he won't be: Most contenders are set at catcher; having another down year; still due approximately $3 million this season and $8 million next year. Potential suitors: Marlins

Aubrey Huff, INF

Why he could be traded: On pace for best season since 2004; should be one of better bats available on trade market; one of O's highest-paid players; free agent after next season; didn't endear himself to front office and ownership with offseason comments.Why he won't be: Still has more than $10 million left on his contract; viewed mostly as a DH; O's probably will want a decent haul for him; has become team's top power threat. Potential suitors: Angels, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Twins

Kevin Millar, INF

Why he could be traded: Free agent at end of season; has playoff experience; leadership skills valued by contenders;Why he won't be: O's clubhouse leader; likely would only net a low-level prospect in return; has made it clear he'd prefer playing every day; far more effective as regular throughout career. Potential suitors: Mets, Rangers

Jay Payton, OF

Why he could be traded: He's made it clear he'd prefer playing every day, or being on a contender; free agent at end of season; has playoff experience.Why he won't be: Still due more than $2 million; O's might have to eat money to deal him; shopped him hard in the past and O's haven't found market. Potential suitors: Cubs, Mets

Brian Roberts, INF

Why he could be traded: Team's most valuable trade chip; could net package of young prospects in return; free agent after next season and no signs that he'd sign extension here.Why he won't be: One of O's best and most popular players; Andy MacPhail's asking price will be extreme; O's don't have in-house replacement; favorite of owner Peter Angelos. Potential suitors: Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers, Indians, Mets, Twins, White Sox

George Sherrill, LHP

Why he could be traded: Several contenders have holes in bullpen; can either close or be situational lefty; immune to pressure, making him good fit for playoff team.Why he won't be: Affordable; not eligible for free agency until after 2011; MacPhail has stressed importance of strong bullpen; has become fan and clubhouse favorite; uncertainty with Jim Johnson's future role and Chris Ray's health. Potential suitors: Angels, Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers, Rays,

On Quid Pro Quo

You can lose a lot of money chasing women, but you never lose women chasing money.

- quote from the movie "I Think I Love My Wife"

On O's Victory Total

Orioles 2008 Victory Poll

Poll Ended	Question	More than 69 Games	Less than 69 Games	69 Games
July 12, 2008	O's on pace to win 82. How many wins?	40%	60%	0%
July 5, 2008	O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins?	66%	33%	0%
June 28, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
June 21, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 14, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 7, 2008	O's on pace to win 77. How many wins?	60%	40%	0%
May 31, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
May 24, 2008	O's on pace to win 87. How many wins?	67%	33%	0%
May 17, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	71%	29%	0%
May 10, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
May 3, 2008	O's on pace to win 91. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 26, 2008	O's on pace to win 99. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 19, 2008	O's on pace to win 96. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
April 12, 2008	O's are 2-1. How many wins?	20%	80%	0%
April 5, 2008	O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08?	25%	75%	0%

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Police Arrest Goat - Dog Wants to go Along for Ride

CAPSHAW, Ala. - The goat was arrested, the Mercedes-Benz was assaulted and the dog came along for the ride.
It happened Sunday when a woman driving the Mercedes saw a goat and dog playing on U.S. 72 in northern Alabama, Sheriff Mike Blakely said.
She stopped, afraid they would get hit, Blakely said. But the goat jumped on the car and wouldn't come down. Fearing scratches and dents in her import's paint job, she called the Limestone County Sheriff's Department. A deputy got the goat down and put it in his patrol car, but then the dog jumped into his back seat too.
The deputy took the dog to a veterinarian and the goat to the home of another deputy.
'If anybody is missing a goat and dog, they need to let us know,' Blakely said.

Baltimore Ravens plan to start releasing LIVE ravens durnig home games - - - animal activist groups upset.

http://wjz.com/local/mascots.ravens.peta.2.761273.html

* PETA Doesn't Like Idea Of Real Ravens At Games

* BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― After learning that the Baltimore Ravens plan to start using live ravens as mascots at home games, PETA has sent a letter to Gabrielle Dow, the Ravens' vice president of marketing. The letter urges her to abandon the idea and instead implement a policy prohibiting the use of live animals at Ravens games.
PETA points out that the bright lights, screaming fans and loud noises—such as air horns, music and amplified sound systems—that make sporting events exciting for fans can be terrifying for animals. PETA says plans reportedly include forcing the birds to fly through a smoky tunnel ahead of the team as the players run out onto the field. PETA believes that this stunt would be frightening, disorienting and potentially dangerous for the birds, who could escape and become lost in a strange environment. "If the Ravens want to increase fan support, they don't need cheap gimmicks. They just need to start winning games," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. "Edgar Allan Poe would be spinning in his grave if he knew that his poem had prompted Baltimore to harm ravens in the name of marketing."
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Standing ban imposed upon KC Chiefs fans.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Fans-are-asked-to-treat-Chiefs-games-like-bowlin?urn=nfl,91291

Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 12:24 pm EDT
* Fans are asked to treat Chiefs games like bowling matches
* By MJD

See all those fans in that picture? They are dirty, filthy people who are running afoul of Arrowhead Stadium law and should be ejected and beaten with a railroad spike.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a "Fan Code of Conduct," which is essentially a list of rules that fans have to follow when they're attending a game at Arrowhead. In theory, it's not a bad idea, as you'd like your stadium to provide a friendly atmosphere for families and people who aren't drunken hooligans.

In practice, though, it might not be such a great idea, especially if the person responsible for coming up with the rules is an 85-year-old woman who teaches the 2nd grade and regards standing up as one of the evil things that young whippersnappers often do.

Seriously, standing erect is the No. 2 item on the list of things that are prohibited:
• Standing and/or obstructing the view of other fans
Not only that, Pro Football Talk points out how seated fans can anonymously tattle on their upright counterparts:
The Chiefs also have set up a text-messaging system that allows fans who might be offended by behaviors like standing to report the situation to the powers-that-be.

Awesome.

I hear they're even taking the extra step and including bed pans with every seat, so no one has to get up to use the bathroom. They're going to make the beer and peanut vendors crawl through the stadium on all fours. Also, as soon as you get to your seat and sit down, an usher's going to come by and inject you with a temporary paralytic.

Maybe I'm overreacting. The anti-standing policy might only be temporary. Maybe they'll lift the ban when the Chiefs can field an offense that might actually score a touchdown every now and then and might give fans a reason to stand. Maybe this is only the policy until Brodie Croyle improved or is replaced.

Still, it seems like an asinine, joyless, and dangerous policy. If standing is banned, we can't be far away from banning yelling, too, can we? I'm all for a friendly fan experience, but I'd also rather not turn Arrowhead into the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

On O's Victory Total

Orioles 2008 Victory Poll

Poll Ended	Question	More than 69 Games	Less than 69 Games	69 Games
July 5, 2008	O's remain on pace to win 83. How many wins?	66%	33%	0%
June 28, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
June 21, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 14, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	75%	25%	0%
June 7, 2008	O's on pace to win 77. How many wins?	60%	40%	0%
May 31, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
May 24, 2008	O's on pace to win 87. How many wins?	67%	33%	0%
May 17, 2008	O's on pace to win 81. How many wins?	71%	29%	0%
May 10, 2008	O's on pace to win 83. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
May 3, 2008	O's on pace to win 91. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 26, 2008	O's on pace to win 99. How many wins?	25%	75%	0%
April 19, 2008	O's on pace to win 96. How many wins?	50%	50%	0%
April 12, 2008	O's are 2-1. How many wins?	20%	80%	0%
April 5, 2008	O's won 69 in '07. How many in '08?	25%	75%	0%