Leading Off

Jake wimps out of the Drink of the Week, since he’s still heavily medicated from his wisdom tooth surgery. Scott (rightly) mocks him profusely.

Bird’s Eye View is back, and better than never. In this week’s episode, they start with a review of The Brian Roberts Watch, which was reasonably good for this week. Roberts in hanging in there, with positive, not spectacular production in the lineup and solid defense.

The Podcast War

The guys briefly address the ridiculous Podcast War that is gripping the Bird-o-sphere. The other podcasts think they’re good, but they’ve got nothing on Bird’s Eye View. This thing will get settled on August 1. The gauntlet has been thrown down, and we WILL prevail.

…but we’ve agreed to a truce for Tuesday’s Night at the Yard hosted by Section 336. But then it’s on. Like Donkey Kong.

 

Trade Deadline

The guys review the names that have been linked to the Orioles for the non-waiver trade deadline. Neither thinks the Orioles will make a splash, but there’s always the possibility that a second-tier move will be made before the end of August. Jake wonders if O’s fans need to come to terms with being in the position to give up young talent for a rental to push us into the playoffs.

 

Radio, Radio

Ben McDonald recently filled in for a vacationing Fred Manfra on the Orioles Radio Network, which prompted the question: is McDonald being groomed to replace Jim Palmer, once the Hall of Famer is ready to hang up the mic? Conspiracy theories aside, McDonald is great in the roll: good insight, a comfort behind the mic, and that smooth country charm Scott likes so much. The guys reveal their ideal TV and radio pairing.

 

“You Wouldn’t Like to See Me When I Struggle”

Chris Davis is slumping mightily, and it is not pretty. He’s struck out in almost half his at-bats since the All Star Break. Scott thinks Chris Davis should never sit again, ever. Jake is a little more tempered. However it’s handled, Davis is in a funk, and something’s got to give. The guys review the pros and cons of giving Davis a break, and talk about who would play 1B in his place (the options are not pretty).

Once these arm-chair managers decide on Davis, the same argument holds true for Manny Machado. Firmly planted in the #2 hole, it’s been a while since Manny has doubled, and even longer since he’s consistently contributed. What do you do with The Young Machado?

 

Hello? Is This Thing On?

Andrew Stetka wrote a great piece for Eutaw Street Report which called out Orioles fans for their poor showing in the Red Sox series this past weekend. Jake goes on a rant about how right Andrew is. If you can’t get up for an exciting weekend series against hated rivals, when AL East prominence is on the line… why are you an Orioles fan again? Certainly, there’s very little hope of fans like that representing well during the Houston and Seattle series.

We highly encourage you to read Andrew’s piece, and to check out his work on Eutaw Street Report, as well as his guest blogger spots on masnsports.com.

 

Fantasy Boss

Score: Jake 3, Scott 0

This is getting embarrassing. Scott has got to start putting points on the board – especially because Jake picks such stupid categories. This week is no exception: which Orioles reliever will log more IP?

Scott took Tommy Hunter, Jake took Jim Johnson. Who will own it?

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Who had a great week? Who had a terrible week?