Leading Off

The All Star Break is upon us, and the Orioles find themselves 4 games up in the AL East. With a grueling schedule after the break, O’s fans can take a breather and enjoy Adam Jones and Nelson Cruz represent the ball club in the All Star Game proceedings.

Speaking of the All Star Break, don’t forget that our midseason awards show, the BEVys, will be released on July 17, 2014! Be sure to check out the show, and look for contributions from some great podcasters and bloggers from all around Birdland.

 

Also, be sure to join us on August 4th for the first Birdland Bash. It is an event we’re holding in conjunction with our friends at Baltimore Sports Report and OBP Apparel. The event will consist of a softball game at 1:00, with the option to buy tickets to that night’s 7:05 Orioles game. $20 gets you a custom shirt designed by OBP, and a spot in the softball game. The game is intended for adults of all ages and skill sets – all will be able to mock Jake incessantly. Reserve a spot here:

 

After a quick run through the Medical Wing, it’s time for TWotT:

* @BBTN asks “Who will win the Home Run Derby?“

* @ShuebBaafe2 doesn’t understand veteran preference.

* @enosarris notes that the world of baseball is upside down.

* @SimplyAJ10 weighs in on #TheBrianRobertsWatch (he’s right, too).

* @SalTeamSix notes that Orioles fans need to settle down.

 

Getting Better All the Time

The old adage is that a team is never as bad as it appears when things are going poorly, and never as good as when things are going well. Right now, things are goign well for the Orioles. Things are NOT this good. They’re in the middle of a hot streak, but fans should expect them to come back down to earth a bit during the rocky stretch after the All Star Break.

Still, things are pretty good, and it’s getting better all the time.

As Roch Kubatko of MASNsorts.com pointed out, the first half of the 2014 season has been anything but smooth sailing for the first place Baltimore Orioles. Who would have thought that a first place team could overcome so many obstacles? The roster has seen more than its fare share of changes due to injury and ineffectiveness.

 

Fantasy Boss

Things are back to normal. Scott killed it this week in OBP. His pick (Steve Pearce) has a .400 mark, whereas Jake’s pick (Adam Jones) managed only a .167. That brings the season totals to 9-4-2.

This week, we take a break from Fantasy Boss, as most of the week is lost to All Star Break Festivities.

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Who had a great week?