Leading Off

This episode is a throwback to the early 1900s: Teddy Roosevelt and Wrigley Field are featured. Another week is in the books, and though the Orioles saw their first back-to-back losses since June, the Orioles still find themselves in first place by a comfortable margins in the AL East. After stumbling in Cleveland, the O’s head to face Chicago and Chicago. The guys review the Drink of the Week, before taking a walk down the Medical Wing, followed by the TWotT:

* @SteveLevy17 walks into one of Jake’s pet peeves.

* @OriolesMemes shows a shocking amount of reason, or a parody account.

* @KevinGausman makes us ashamed that we didn’t think of this nickname first.

* @SimplyAJ10 has a sense of humor about some heckling.

* @SeductiveTommyH asks a horrible question to which there are only terrible answers.

* @JoePappa compares 2014 to 2012 – favorably.

 

The Man in the Arena

The Orioles lost two consecutive games for the first time in over a month. In that time, Orioles fans have been spoiled to the point where they’ve forgotten how to react. Social media has gone nuts, and Adam Jones has noticed. Jones tweeted out a reference to Teddy Roosevelt’s “man in the arena,” and we could not agree more. Hold your team accountable, but don’t freak out.

Why are we as Orioles fans so quick to press the panic button?  Why do we think the magic will vanish and disaster is right around the corner?  The answer is that they remember the Dark Period, and just like they did in 2012, quickly assume that the other foot is going to drop. Fear not, Birdland, this is a playoff team, leading the pennant race. Enjoy the ride. And go easy on the man in the arena.

 

My Kind of Town

The Orioles escape Cleveland, for a six-game series against Chicago. Sort of. The O’s play three on the South Side against the White Sox, then head to Wrigley Field to take on the Cubs. Many Orioles fans are making the pilgrimage to Wrigley Park, both to cheer on the Birds, and to take in a little history. Scott is one of them. To get a feel for the task at hand, and to preview the O’s/Cubs series, the guys talk to Corey Fineran of the Ivy Envy podcast.

Corey walks Orioles fans through a trip to Wrigley, and helps explain the dark magic that has made Jake Arrieta a useful major league starter.

Be sure to check out Ivy Envy (one of the many great shows at BaseballTalkRadio), and follow the show on Twitter @IvyEnvy.

 

Fantasy Boss

Scott wins again. Nelson Cruz had exactly one sacrifice fly, which outstripped Nick Markakis. The score now sits at 11-6-2. Time is running out if Jake is going to make a game of this.

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, and Ugly for the week. Be sure to drop us a line and send us yours.