Leading Off

The Orioles are winning, but just by the skin of their teeth – or their pitching. Another good week ends with the O’s still in first in the AL East. After the usual (un)pleasantries, the guys profusely thank EVERYONE involved with the first annual Birdland Bash. A good time was had by all, even if the real ballgame didn’t end with the proper result. After a quick trip through the Medical Wing, it’s time to dive into the TWotT:

*  @CrushD19 appreciates the finer things in life.

* @OBPApparel has its priorities straight.

* @WBALPete draws uncomfortable comparisons.

* @BSLJeffLong acknowledges that it’s Manny’s world, and we’re just living in it.

* @AStetka encourages us to stop and review what is important.

 

Our Ever Present Past

We don’t know about you, but we’re feeling nostalgic these days. The 2012 season is one we’ll never forget, and one we want to live over and over. So, too, it appears, do the Orioles. After having signed Joe Saunders to a minor league deal, the Orioles gave the recently released Jim Johnson a workout in Sarasota, and with the news that Brian Roberts is looking for a job you know the organization will at least kick the tires.

With that in mind the guys talk to an old friend who knows how to wax nostalgic: sister-wife Charlie Hoppes of Orioles Spastics. Charlie non-sequitors his way through a discussion of the good old days, the good new days, and the hazards of getting attached to players on a winning team. Scott should get a medal for editing down this mess. Let’s just say Jake and Charlie were not the most disciplined on this segment.

Follow Charlie on Twitter @CharlieHoppes11 and check out the Orioles Spastics archives. The podcast might be in hibernation, but the Twitter account (@OriolesSapstics) is real, and it’s spectacular.

 

Searching for the Offense

The offense has to pull out of this tailspin eventually, right? The guys discuss the fall from grace of two the most consistent hitters from the first half: Steve Pearce and Nelson Cruz. Scott tells us all about the numbers that show how terrible they’ve been. Jake tells you how it looks from the “eyeball test.” Spoiler alert: neither is a pretty picture. Since the All Star Break, the Orioles have failed to live up to their billing as a strong offensive team that covers for a weak starting rotation. Instead, up is down, left is right, and cats and dogs live together. It’s mass hysteria.

 

Fantasy Boss

The universe rights itself, and Scott takes another victory. Manny Machado had three doubles this week, as opposed to J.J. Hardy’s single… double.  The score is now 10-5-2, and Scott’s lead is back to five.

This week, the category is line drive percentage (LD%). Jake takes Delmon Young and Scott chooses Manny Machado.

Who will own it?

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Who had a great week? Who had a tough week? Who made us ashamed to be Orioles fans? Find out in this week’s GB&U. The guys run through their Good, Bad,