Right Off Russell

Around 4 PM yesterday, Matt Holliday announced his signing with the Cardinals. It was a 7 year, 120 million dollar deal. Good for him. Good for the Cards. Some disappointment for the O’s.

It’s hard to say that the O’s really had a chance or were ever in the game. McPhail denies doing anything other showing some initial interest. Other reports had the O’s making a huge offer. Scott Boras would not comment on the MLB Radio Network about the Orioles interest. As a fan, I feel played and it helps make this off season seem very lackluster.

It was hilarious last night to see our buddy Daniel Moroz (@CamdenCrazies) get in an online argument over Twitter with @WNST about How to Fix the Orioles.

If you want to see what the McPhail plan will look like in 2011, check out this summary by Heath over at Dempsey’s Army. It really isn’t that bleak.

In other news, former Oriole Ross Grimsley has been named the pitching coach for the AA Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Also, the Red Sox have settled in on a deal for Adrian Beltre. It was being the reported that the O’s were interested in him despite signing Garrett Atkins.

by BaltimoreRavens.com
Jan 5, 2010, 9:48AM

Head Coach John Harbaugh

Opening Statement: “OK, good to see everybody. And again, congratulations to our coaches and our players for the opportunity to compete in the playoffs. And obviously, we have a big challenge against the New England Patriots coming up, and we’re looking forward to it. We had a chance to go through the game and make the corrections like we always do, but the players will not be in here officially, or formally, until Wednesday. They’ve already been in for treatment. Guys are watching tape on their own – that process kind of continues. They’ll come in here fully armed with information on the Patriots starting Wednesday morning, but we don’t have anything formal for them today or tomorrow.”

What were your impressions of S Ed Reed and LT Jared Gaither in their returns to the lineup?
“I think that they both looked pretty good, Read more »

by BaltimoreRavens.com
Dec 21, 2009, 5:46PM

Head Coach John Harbaugh

“Good to see everybody, and obviously, we’re happy to be coming off two home victories.

Compliments to the crowd, the stadium people, the people around the community that got the streets cleared, the parking lots cleared, the fans for getting there. You know, I think there was a lot of speculation that the fans maybe wouldn’t show up, wouldn’t brave the elements. It seems like they took it as a challenge, and they were there in full force. It was loud, and it made a difference in the game. So, we’re pleased that we won. We’re excited to be playing meaningful games in December, and we’re just trying to get better every week.”

How do you feel about the philosophy of “peaking” in performance? Read more »

The O’s have found their 3rd Baseman for next year and it is Garrett Atkins. They sign Atkins to a 1 year deal for an undisclosed amount. I’m not sure how much they have overpaid for him, but the 1 year limit means that it won’t hurt or limit them in the long run.

This is an interesting signing. Atkins has a strong bat as indicated by his success in the 2006-2008 seasons where he averaged .305, 25 HRs and 110 RBI’s. He struggled mightily in 2008 which is one of the reasons why he was left untendered by the Rockies. Hopefully, Terry Crowley can have an immediate effect on him.

Obviously, this gives Josh Bell another season in the minors, which is a good thing. It should be interesting to see what happens if he can somehow regain his earlier form. As of now, he isn’t much of an offensive upgrade from Mora or Wigginton, but any improvement form last year will make this a good deal for the O’s.

by BaltimoreRavens.com
Dec 13, 2009, 7:52PM

Head Coach John Harbaugh

(opening statement) “First of all, it was obviously a team victory. I think all three phases really stepped up – offense, defense, special teams. It was maybe the first time all year that we put it together in that kind of fashion, and that is encouraging. Then we can talk about Ray Rice. Obviously, you’re going to get a chance to talk about him. We’re going to talk about the offense. The offensive coaches put together a great game plan, but it was executed. That’s the bottom line. It was executed. Throws were made. Catches were made. The offensive line blocked exceptionally well. We broke tackles. You can put together whatever kind of game plan you want, but when the players execute it the way they executed it today – and really, with defense who can say the same thing and with special teams you make the same statement – that’s what makes the game plan look good. I’m just proud of our players for the way that they played, and I think that’s where the credit belongs.” Read more »

Baltimore
Jared Gaither- Where did this come from?
Ed Reed
David Hale
L.J. Smith
Mark Clayton
Kelly Talavou
Brandon McKinney
John Beck (3rd QB)

DetroitJahi Word-Daniels
Jerome Felton
Melvin Fowler
Corey Hilliard
Casey FitzSimmons
Andre Fluellen
Dewayne White
Matthew Stafford (3rd QB)

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with RHP MATT ALBERS and RHP CLA MEREDITH for the 2010 season. In addition, the club declined to offer a contract to RHP BRIAN BASS, allowing him be become a free agent.

So nothing against Meredith and Albers, but why are the Birds letting Bass go. It is my opinion that he provided the most value to the Orioles last year. Oh well….

In McPhail we (not including Mark) trust.

by BaltimoreRavens.com
Dec 11, 2009, 3:46PM

Head Coach John Harbaugh
On how much it helps to know that a team’s backup quarterback is starting in the middle of the week like for the Lions game rather than closer to game time like with the Steelers game: “Obviously, you have a chance to prepare for the quarterback you’re going to get, whereas in the Steelers game as you compared it to, we didn’t have a chance to prepare for the quarterback we were going to see. It’s helpful, but by the same token, we haven’t really seen Daunte [Culpepper] in that offense other than a couple of games, and we haven’t seen him with their best receiver. It’s going to be a little bit of a guessing game for us as far as what they’re going to run.”

On “knee” being added to QB Joe Flacco’s injury report, and if that’s a mild injury: “Yeah, I don’t even know about the knee, to be honest with you. I think it’s just part of the bumps and bruises that he has right now. It’s definitely not a major thing.” Read more »

Chris Ray for Kevin Millwood. It sounds good to me. Are you ok with this?
So Jeff Zrebiec is reporting that the O’s and Rangers have worked out a deal that would bring Kevin Millwood to B’more in exchange for reliever Chris Ray. On top of that, the Rangers would be including some money to help offset the 12 million dollars that Millwood is expecteded to make.

It’s not an earth shattering acquisition but it is a solid one. Millwood would come at little expense to the O’s- both in trade value and overall contract dollars. I would have hated the deal if it had involved a real prospect but Ray struggled last season and wasn’t a lock for this season’s roster.

Do you like this deal?

by BaltimoreRavens.com
Dec 8, 2009, 3:08AM

Head Coach John Harbaugh
(on the loss) “It obviously was a tough loss in a tough environment against a good football team. Our guys fought back. We were down 17-0 at halftime, we got it back to 17-14, but we didn’t do what we needed to in the red zone to get it done.”

(on the Ravens playoff outlook) “We are fighting for our lives right now, but we are still breathing. We are still alive. I think our character and heart will show through as we finish up the season.” Read more »