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Meet newest Raven Jason Phillips: Inside Linebacker from TCU

Nestor Aparicio

With the 137th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected TCU inside linebacker Jason Phillips. Here’s his bio: 2007: Named the State’s Best Linebacker by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … was also on the Dave Campbell’s first-team All-Texas College Team … a second-team All-Mountain West Conference selection … named all-conference for the third consecutive season … TCU’s leading tackler with 87 stops … has increased his tackle total each season … has 231 career stops to top all active Frogs … his 10.5 tackles for a loss tied for second on TCU … tied for fourth on the Frogs with six pass break-ups … started every game for the third consecutive season … closed the campaign by tying for team-high honors with 10 stops in the 20-13 Texas Bowl win over Houston … had two tackles for losses totaling 14 yards, including a 12-yard sack, against the Cougars … MWC Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-best 13 tackles, including 10 solo stops, with two pass break-ups in a win at San Diego State … had at least five stops in 11 of 13 contests … posted a tackle for a loss in seven games …

Cornerback Lardarius Webb is Ravens 3rd round pick

Nestor Aparicio

With the 88th overall pick (3rd round), the Ravens selected Nicholls State defensive back Lardarius Webb. A quick wiki on him: Lardarius Webb (born October 12, 1985 in Opelika, Alabama) is an American college football defensive back at Nicholls State University. He is the only player in NCAA Division I history to receive the conference awards of Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, and Special Teams Player of the Week in a single season.[1] In 2007, Webb was named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, an award given to the most outstanding defensive player of the year in the Football Championship Subdivision of college football. He was drafted in the 3rd round( 88th pick) by the Baltiore Ravens[2] High school career Webb attended Beauregard High School in Alabama. Webb played both quarterback and defensive back in high school. As a junior, Webb rushed 1,011 yards with 12 touchdowns and passed for 731 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, he had 47 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions. In his senior season, Webb rushed for 738 yards with 15 rushing touchdowns and passed for 412 yards with four touchdowns. On defense, Webb recorded 52 tackles,

A Great Sunday sports day on tap

Nestor Aparicio

What a great day to be alive! The NFL draft is starting at 10 a.m. The Orioles will send young Brad Bergesen back to the hill at 1:35 to try to actually win a game this weekend. The last two days have been putrid. And, of course, I’ll be pimping the puck and “Rocking my Red” at 2 p.m. when the Caps go back to Madison Square Garden for Game 6 with Rangers coach John Tortorella. The Ravens will introduce new tackle Michael Ohen at 2 p.m. as well. Gonna be a fun day of sports and blogging… Keep it here at WNST.net…

Paul Kruger is the 2nd round pick. Details here…

Nestor Aparicio

I had Paul Kruger on the show yesterday. He had an unbelievable story about being attacked and stabbed about 15 months ago with his Mormon family walking down the street in Salt Lake City. He did a two-year mission in Kansas City. He was a very, very well spoken kid and the Ravens are very, very happy with their first-day haul. You can get to our audio vault here. It’s about 25 down in the vault. Sorry we don’t have linkability just yet! Here are a few awesome stories about Kruger: One from Yahoo here… One from Salt Lake’s Deseret News here… One from ESPN.com… And perhaps the best one here… And a Q&A here… Here’s the first-look videos of Paul Kruger, who Eric DeCosta said is a “great, great kid”: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH-EDC9SNzc[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DtaZmw8lh4[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfzNN7WTFvI&feature=PlayList&p=97AC224E21EB43AC&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=18[/youtube]

All you want to know about Michael Oher here…

Nestor Aparicio

It isn’t hard to find stories on the web about Ole Miss tackle Michael Oher, who the Baltimore Ravens made their pick for the future of the offensive line tonight. He’s the subject of a book. He’s having a movie made about his life. And his story is a human interest story that transcends football. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss his ability and his story in the coming days. His press conference is set for 2 p.m. Sunday in Owings Mills. I’ll be live blogging all day again tomorrow. Clearly the Ravens saw incredible value in Oher slipping down the board. Quite frankly, I don’t think anyone in the brain trust of the organization and the draft room thought they’d get a player this good when they woke up this morning. They’re “over-the-top” excited about having gotten a Top 12 kinda player at the No. 23 spot. Especially with what they deem to be a glaring need at the right tackle position. They essentially gave up pick No. 162 to get him. Not a huge price to pay if he’s a 5-year or more starter. Already, he looks pretty freaking good in purple… I did some aggregating and

1st Day Complete: Ravens select OT Michael Oher, DE Paul Kruger

Luke Jones

9:29 — With the 57th overall pick, the Ravens select defensive end Paul Kruger from Utah.  He’s another high-motor guy along the lines of a Michael McCrary.  He’ll be a nice player coming off the edge to create some pressure on the quarterback. This was a position to address with the age of Trevor Pryce.  As I said with the Michael Oher pick, the key to success is winning the battle upfront, and Kruger is a great addition in boosting the pass rush on the defensive line. At 265 lb, it will be interesting to see if the Ravens ask him to gain some weight to play defensive end or convert him to outside linebacker.  Either way, he figures to put a hand on the ground to rush the quarterback in passing situations. You have to love Jon Gruden saying he plays “like Freddy Krueger.”  Great line. Barring any trades, the Ravens will now wait until tomorrow to make their next pick, the 88th overall pick. *** The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books and took about 3 1/2 hours to complete.  The 10-minute clock is a huge improvement over the 15-minute span that existed for

Merry Christmas, Ravens fans!

Luke Jones

The NFL Draft feels a little bit like Christmas for football fans.  By the end of the weekend, the Ravens will have unwrapped five or six new players that can make an impact in 2009.  Many teams will not be able to say this, but the outstanding work of Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta, and the scouting department makes this possible. Whether it’s a Brandon Pettigrew in the first round or a surprise in the fourth or fifth round, the Ravens are certain to grab a few players that were higher on their board than where they actually select them.  It seems to happen every year. Not counting weekends in the fall, this is easily the best sports weekend of the year with the draft, NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, and baseball.  The Terps also play their spring football game today.  Here are some other random thoughts on this action-filled sports weekend: – The Orioles’ 5-4 loss was a tough one to swallow last night.  George Sherrill should ideally be a left-handed specialist rather than the closer, but what other option do they really have?  Chris Ray hasn’t exactly been lighting the world on fire, and Jim Johnson doesn’t miss enough bats

Inexcusable 5-4 loss by the Orioles tonight…

Nestor Aparicio

10:01 p.m. — These are the ones that kill ya. The Orioles went into the 9th inning with a one-run lead and George Sherrill on the mound and wound up losing. Big homer from Michael Young. Two outs in the ninth inning. Just a horrible, horrible loss. Rick Dempsey is making excuses. Jim Hunter looks constipated. The purple hats are on display. I’ll never wear one… My cable is going in and out. And it’s just as well… They got a great start from Uehara, big hits from Brian Roberts and Nick Makakis. It still wasn’t enough. These are the losses that make you a 90-game loser. Just unacceptable. Just embarrassing… A dramatic 9th inning win for the Rangers. A homer by Michael Young with two outs in the ninth inning. Texas trailed the entire game. Koji ptched well. They got a lead. They held it. Until the end. As Gary Thorne just said: “Wow!” Buck Martinez is now making excuses. “They did a lot of good things tonight, ” he just said. Just unacceptable. 10:15 p.m. — Dave Trembley is holding court. He’s not being quite as prickly as he usually is. I don’t know Trembley. He’s the first

Who will the Ravens pick this weekend? Some clues here…

Nestor Aparicio

You gotta love the NFL. The league hasn’t snapped the football in almost three months and the buzz is as strong for the draft as it is for Week 7 of the regular season. It never ends this love of American football. So much enthusiasm and energy and talk about the 26th pick on Saturday for the Ravens. Amidst that, there are all sorts of stories and storylines: What will happen with Anquan Boldin and are the Ravens really involved? My gut AND my sources tell me that it’s not very likely. The notion that Ozzie Newsome would trade a No. 1 and a No. 3 and then have to back up a brink’s truck for Boldin is highly unlikely. Plus, the cap issues of taking on another superstar making a super premium salary seem daunting. If the Ravens had that kind of money, they should’ve kept Bart Scott, right? Who are the players the Ravens really like and would select at No. 26? It’s always a crapshoot on draft day when you pick so low. The Ravens were greatly affected by the Atlanta trade for Tony Gonzales yesterday because it’s clear that the Falcons won’t be taking tight end

Adam Eaton pitches a gem, Birds beat Pale Hose 6-0

Nestor Aparicio

Well, just when you think you’ve seen it all, right? Tonight Adam Eaton, the former O’s No. 5 starter, went 7 1/3 innings and held even his harshest skeptics spellbound with a dazzling 6-hit, 9-strikeout effort while surrendering just two runs upon his exit in the EIGHTH inning. Lo and behold, the Orioles have won yet another series, beating the White Sox 6-2 tonight at Camden Yards. Everyone got into the act with some offense. Aubrey Huff, Ty Wigginton and even Felix Pie contributed two hits and Adam Jones, Nick Markakis Luke Scott and Cesar Izturis also got hits. I think Buck Martinez did himself proud with this profound statement: “I like pitchers but I’m happy to have seen only three of them tonight!” Amen, Buck! The game was a brisk 2:31 affair. Good pitching. Good hitting. Hasty baseball. There were only about 6,000 there but they were treated to an old-school Orioles effort tonight. Adam Eaton showed some heart tonight. The offense battled early, stranding runners all over the place. But they proved tough. Next up: Koji Uehara and the Rangers and the Saturday “doubleheader” with purple caps. Bring on the summer weather! 9:15 p.m. — Adam Eaton just

If you want to know how the Ravens draft…

Nestor Aparicio

I’ve been fortunate over the years to be able to ask both Phil Savage and Eric Decosta a trillion questions about scouting, film study, the combine and the draft “process” that Ozzie Newsome so proud discusses, but this video — and it’s only 3 minutes long — was pretty good. I just wanted to share it with you.

Spend a moment in their shoes

Luke Jones

As I watched Brad Bergesen jog in from the Orioles bullpen before the start of his major league debut on Tuesday night, I began to imagine what he was thinking and feeling at that very moment. Was he remembering that time in the backyard when he thought about playing in the big leagues? Did he ask himself if this was all a dream? Most of us that avidly follow sports have imagined being in a similar position at some point in our lives.  We dreamed of making our major league debut, or throwing the game-winning touchdown pass with two minutes to go, or even sinking both free throws to force overtime. Though 99.5 percent of us never see these dreams come to fruition–unless including little league, high school, or Saturday mornings at the YMCA–it’s still a blast wondering what it would be like to be that certain athlete at that certain time.  It would be astonishing just to walk–or run–a few moments in their shoes. In this blog, you have the opportunity to choose any Baltimore-centered athlete from the past or present and enjoy a moment in his (or her) shoes. Whom would you choose, and what moment would it be?  It has

Final thoughts on Bergesen’s debut

Luke Jones

I just got back from the ballpark and wanted to share my thoughts on Brad Bergesen’s impressive major league debut and win, as the Orioles broke their five-game losing streak and defeated the Chicago White Sox, 10-3. – After waiting five long years progressing through the farm system to reach the big leagues, Bergesen had to endure a 1 1/2 hour rain delay to finally take the hill at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.  This would be unnerving for most rookies, but he certainly didn’t seem to be affected. Bergesen started strongly, inducing two ground ball outs before facing major league home run leader Carlos Quentin.  After a 12-pitch battle, the rookie right-hander struck him out swinging. You had to be impressed with Bergesen going after hitters right from the start.  The battle with Quentin lacked the same drama but reminded me of Jim Johnson’s 10-pitch duel with Manny Ramirez last May that really put the reliever on the radar. – Bergesen’s sinking fastball consistently sits right around 89-90 mph.  It appeared to be a heavy sinker, getting nine groundouts on the evening. He didn’t need to use the slider very much, because he located the sinker so well throughout

Birds get complete effort, beat White Sox 10-3 to get Bergesen a debut win

Nestor Aparicio

The Orioles looked like a different team tonight. A great start from a promising young draftee after five years of striving to get this opportunity. The meat of the lineup produced big-time, the bottom of the order chipped in and the bullpen was perfect. End result: Orioles 10, White Sox 3. Brad Bergesen gets the win. Aubrey Huff hit two homers. Nick Markakis and Luke Scott were terrific. And despite the long-ish rain delay, it still was a memorable night. Drew started blogging during the rain storm. I picked it up in the sixth. Hope you enjoy our coverage, especially if you missed the game. 11:17 p.m. — Huff continues to pile on. He’s hit two homers and driven in four and the rout is now three outs away from being over. It’s 10-3 and they’re icing down the champagne for Bergesen, who did a nice job. 11:03 p.m. –So just who is the star of this one? Bergesen who is going to win his ML debut? Or Markakis who is 4-for-4? Or Luke Scott who is 3-for-3? Or Aubrey Huff who hit a tape-measure dinger an hour ago? Lots of stars tonight. Heck, even Zaun and Izturis have contributed

Former Baltimore Clippers great Kent Douglas dead at 73

Nestor Aparicio

As many of you know, we threw a Caps viewing party last night at Silver Spring Mining Company in Perry Hall. The camaraderie surrounding hockey is amazing and I ran into former Baltimore Clippers player Steve Wirth, who most puck people know from Mt. Pleasant and his mid 1970s days on the ice. He told me that Kent Douglas died last weekend and he didn’t see anything about it around town or in “the paper.” I told him that The Baltimore Sun probably doesn’t have a person in the building who has even heard of Kent Douglas. Well, sadly, a simple internet search verified Douglas’ death last week in Canada. Some background on Douglas, who served as a player/coach of the Clippers from NHLPA players site: Kent Douglas played two seasons of junior hockey with the Kitchener Canucks of the OHA before embarking on a seven-year apprenticeship in the AHL and the WHL. Just over three of those seasons were spent under the tutelage of former defensive great Eddie Shore whose Springfield Indians were to hockey players what boot camp was to recruits. Douglas emerged from Shore’s program as a tough and heady defenseman who caught Punch Imlach’s eye in

Bergesen can set the tone for a new era

Luke Jones

Earl Weaver said it best about winning and losing in baseball. “Nobody likes to hear it, because it’s dull, but the reason you win or lose is always darn near the same – pitching.” The Hall of Fame manager’s words unquestionably fit the 2009 edition of the Baltimore Orioles.  Despite the positive feelings of a 6-2 start, the signs were there that it was only a matter of time before the hitting could not overcome the miserable pitching. Five games and 49 surrendered runs later, the Orioles hobble back to Camden Yards at 6-7, with the ineffective pitching, shaky fielding, and injuries beginning to mount.  The good vibes of the first 10 days of the season have all but vanished, as we realize the Orioles are exactly what we thought they would be. A disastrous four-game sweep in Boston should not be surprising, but it stings nonetheless.  After all, it’s April, and every fan dreams of that surprising season–1977 and 1989 come to mind–no matter how improbable it might be. It’s too early to lose all hope, isn’t it? But this season is not about wins and losses–general manager Andy MacPhail has made this abundantly clear, like it or not. 

Red Sox complete 4-game sweep, batter Orioles 12-1

Nestor Aparicio

1:50 p.m. — The Red Sox are getting well this inning off of the O’s bullpen. Mike Lowell just added another single. Update on Radhames Liz: 1/3 IP, 3H, 6ER, 1BB, 2HBP. His ERA is now: 67.50. 1:45 p.m. — The Bad News Bears weren’t this bad. Youkilis just sent a “seeing eye” pop that bounced an inch from the RF line to score another run. This one looked like it had a message of some kind. Just a crazy swing of the bat. Add another ER to Liz’s line… 1:39 p.m. — Liz just bounced one in front of David Ortiz that hit his leg. Here comes Matt Albers. He inherits the bases loaded and one out in the 7th inning. Liz: 1/3 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 W, 2HBP … His ERA is now 47.25. Oh, and there’s three more ducks on the pond and Kevin Youkilis is awaiting like Alberts is raw meat. Jim Hunter just said: “Not a good outing for Radhames Liz.” Yeah, ya think? That’s a helluva observation, Jimmy! 1:36 p.m. — Another single, 9-1. Radhames Liz is NOT a Major League pitcher. Now Matt Albers is warming in the bullpen. At this

The Orioles try to avoid ‘the broom’ for breakfast

Nestor Aparicio

To say the weekend in Boston has been counterproductive would be an understatement. Yesterday at Fenway, Koji Uehara was very, very good, allowing just two runs in 7 innings in what was the best start of the year for any Orioles starter. But unfortunately, Jon Lester was even better, stifling the O’s bats and holding them to just four hits in seven innings while striking out nine Birds. Even Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff stuck out twice in trying to solve the young lefty. Prior to yesterday’s quality start by Uehara, which also gave the bullpen a much-needed respite, the starting pitching has been dreadful of late but yesterday it was the bats that fell silent in taking the O’s down to defeat. The top of the order has been phenomenal but the bottom has been unacceptable, even on a bad NL team where the pitcher would be batting in the No. 9 hole. Gregg Zaun is hitting .129. Felix Pie is hitting .161. Cesar Izturis is hitting .162. And the one thing you never can count on but always looms large — good health — has become an issue with red-hot Adam Jones now out of the lineup with

Seven head-scratching stats from the first two weeks

Luke Jones

More so than any other sport, baseball thrives on statistics and how players and teams stack up to those of yesteryear. These stats are even more fun in the early stages of the season before the law of averages inevitably settles things down.  After two weeks, here are seven strange stats to ponder about the 2009 baseball season: 1.  To say that Yankees right-hander Chien-Ming Wang is off to a bad start would be an understatement.  Wang’s ERA (34.50) looks more like Dwyane Wade’s scoring average than that of the second starter in the New York Yankees’ rotation. Wang is 0-3 and might be skipped the next time through the rotation, as he would be scheduled to start against the Red Sox in Fenway on Friday.  Not a good place for righting the ship. 2.  Speaking of the Yankees, they opened the new Yankee Stadium on Thursday, and the media is already discussing how balls are simply flying into the right field seats. In the first four games at the new stadium (a series split with the Cleveland Indians), 20 home runs were hit, eight of them in the Yankees’ 22-4 loss on Saturday. In contrast, players are already groaning

Caps and O’s both lose again…

Nestor Aparicio

10:45 p.m. — The comeback came up short. In the end, it was the BoSox bullpen that held the lead that Josh Beckett delivered and quelled a 9th inning rally via Jonathan Papelbon. Orioles pitching surrendered 12 hits and four walks, losing 6-4 at Fenway Park tonight despite four innings of scoreless relief. It wasn’t a 22-4 whitewashing — like the Yankees suffered today at home to the Tribe — but it’s another loss, their third in a row, that has them at 6-5 on the season. Adam Eaton now has a 11.25 ERA on the season, going just four innings tonight and allowing nine hits and two walks. And again, the bottom of the order has been ineffective offensively with these anemic averages: Gregg Zaun .133, Felix Pie .179 and Cesar Izturis .162. Koji Uehara will go back to the hill tomorrow against Jon Lester at 1:35. 8:50 p.m. –One thing you CAN say: the dangerous hitting can chase down the bad pitching on a lot of nights. Josh Beckett is walking in runs and getting thrashed by orange bats here in the 5th inning. Four runs in, one runner on and nobody out. And, yes, we have activity

“Rock The Red” with WNST and Caps at Silver Spring Mining Company Monday night

Nestor Aparicio

We attempted to put together some “Puck Bus” activities for the Capitals playoff games this past week but we just couldn’t acquire the tickets to pull it off. So, instead, we’re offering all Baltimore-area Caps fans a chance to come out and “Rock The Red” in unity on Monday at Silver Spring Mining Company in Perry Hall for Game 3. Hopefully, a Caps victory today will tie the series and Alex Ovechkin and company will be going for a series lead on Monday. We will also be having a group outing on Wednesday night at the Hunt Valley location of Silver Spring Mining Company for Game 4. We will have Michelob Ultra specials for both events and hope you wear your red and come out and enjoy watching the Stanley Cup playoffs with other “Puckheads” as we “Rock The Red.” As you may know, Silver Spring Mining Company is owned by former NHLer and Baltimore Skipjack, Gary Rissling, who still loves the sport and has made a life in Baltimore after his days playing in the AHL during the mid-1980’s. Let’s make Silver Spring Mining Company a REAL hockey bar on Monday night in Perry Hall and Wednesday night in

Several dominoes must fall for Boldin to fly to Baltimore

Luke Jones

In the months leading to the NFL Draft, talk has persisted over the Ravens’ need to select a receiver in the first round.  But now with the draft only a week away, could Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin be heading to Baltimore? The Arizona Cardinals have officially placed Boldin on the trading block, and the Ravens are interested in the 28-year-old wideout according to numerous media outlets. Boldin would certainly be the playmaker the Ravens’ offense needs, but there are several barriers to overcome before the three-time Pro Bowl selection can begin reining in passes from quarterback Joe Flacco. The Cardinals are reportedly seeking a first- and third-round pick, a likely sticking point for the Ravens who have only six picks in the draft.  General manager Ozzie Newsome has not traded out of the first round since 2003 when the Ravens sent their 2004 first-round pick to the New England Patriots in order to select quarterback Kyle Boller. The fact that the Ravens are even discussing the possibility of trading picks for Boldin suggests a lack of enthusiasm for the group of receivers that could be available with the 26th overall pick.  Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey, Rutgers’ Kenny Britt, and

O’s blow early 7-0 lead, lose 10-8 to Red Sox in Boston

Nestor Aparicio

These are the losses that bust you up, the ones you never understand. Except that over the years, evenings like tonight have become so commonplace that they’re shrugged off en route to 90 losses. The Orioles blew a 7-0 lead tonight, allowing the Red Sox 10 runs on 12 hits and even sprinkling in a devastating error by Aubrey Huff to lose 10-8 at Fenway Park tonight. The “BALTIMORE” jerseys were somehow absent tonight (good luck on the explanation for that one). The Red Sox were wearing bright red “warm up”jerseys and blue caps with the cartoon pair of Red Sox with white trim. They were sharp, but looked like a world championship softball team. But I’m sure they’ll sell some hats. The Red Sox have suffered the first two weeks with an anemic offensive attack and yet while David Ortiz continues to struggle — he struck out three times tonight — Jason Bay and Dustin Pedroia led the way for the Sox tonight battering Jeremy Guthrie out of the game in the 5th inning and hammering the bullpen led by Danys Baez. Matt Albers got into hot water in the 8th but escaped like Houdini. The Orioles are now

Jackie Robinson Day should be shared with others

Luke Jones

As Major League Baseball honors the heroic Jackie Robinson on the 62nd anniversary of his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, the decreasing number of African-Americans playing in the big leagues continues to cause concern for the National Pastime. Though MLB’s 2009 Racial and Gender Report Card reports an increase (2%) in African-American players in 2008 (the first time since 1995), only 10.2% of all players were African-American, a far cry from 1975 when blacks filled 27% of roster spots. The reasons for this sharp decline are many, ranging from overwhelming economic factors to the increased popularity of football and basketball in the last 30 years. Baseball has done a tremendous job in honoring Robinson, retiring his No. 42 throughout the big leagues in 1997 and allowing players or entire teams to wear his number on April 15 to honor his undeniable legacy. Robinson faced persecution and trials that are unimaginable in this day and age when we idolize professional athletes, deservedly or not.  He was the first black player to play in the modern major leagues, and for that, he should be honored. However, were there not other black players that cleared similar hurdles for their respective teams in the

Rangers deal Orioles and Caps bad losses

Nestor Aparicio

A touchdown and a field goal and the Orioles would’ve been right back in last night’s endeavor at The Ballpark in Arlington. For the third time in as many series, the Orioles imploded in the final game, getting their pitching officially battered by the stout Rangers in a 19-6 drubbing. They’ll have the day off today before battling the Red Sox four times over the weekend at Fenway Park. Meanwhile, earlier in the night the Caps gave up an ugly third-period goal and failed to capitalize on their power play, losing to the “other” Rangers 4-3 at Verizon Center. Game 2 is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Below are my notes from an evening “Rocking the Remote” with the O’s and Caps: 10:37 p.m. — If you’re going to lose, why not do it in legendary style? Ian Kinsler has just tripled to complete the cycle. It must be something about the Rangers, these blowout games. It’s 15-4 in the 6th inning. At least it’s not 30-3. Not yet, anyway… 10:27 p.m. — Jim Palmer just said Chad Moeller has “put the wrong fingers down” too many times this year. And he’s now heading toward 0-3 as the

Orioles are 6-2: Jones 2-run blast, big 10th inning lifts Birds to 7-5 win over Texas

Nestor Aparicio

Another exciting game. Another tight win. Another night where the bullpen was used and abused but this time — other than George Sherrill — the entire unit delivered in a 7-5 win in 10 innings in Arlington to push their record to 6-2. Alfredo Simon got hurt early. Homers were flying early. And the Orioles hung on. Blow by blow below… 11:29 p.m. — Dennis Sarfate admitted to having an inner-ear infection and basically said he was “really relaxed” during his effort and was “on cloud nine” after he got medicated from the staff during the game. Sarfate said he told Aubrey Huff, “Is that all you’ve got?” after Huff freight-trained him on a foul ball. Palmer said, “Whatever he’s on I want to be on!” It’s amazing they let Palmer keep his job. It really is. He’s priceless. I love it! 11:24 p.m. — Jim Palmer says it all. Don Stanhouse. Whole pack. “Mr Excitement”? Whatever you want to call him, fine. Let’s just give him the save and make the team 6-2 in the standings with their third series victory to start the season. Now Rick Dempsey is talking about Stanhouse. I have no idea how many listeners/readers

Talking draft with Eric DeCosta and Brian Billick

Luke Jones

Last night’s “Pre-Draft Breakdown” with Eric DeCosta and Brian Billick at Padonia Station was a fun, informative show for those who really enjoy the inner workings of the NFL Draft. From many fans’ perspective, the draft takes place after a three-month buildup of college all-star games, the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, pro days, private workouts, player interviews, and, of course, hundreds of mock drafts.  However, the number of hours logged and miles traveled by DeCosta and the regional scouting staff are endless.  The evaluation process is already in high-gear in the fall when most of us are focusing on the Browns in Week 3 or the Week 8 battle with Denver. In the pre-draft assessment posted on Saturday, I predicted the Ravens would ultimately trade down into the early part of the second round and pick up an extra pick or two.  Last night’s show strengthened my confidence in that possibility unfolding. Here are just a few of the many interesting tidbits from Eric DeCosta (paraphrased): – There are more receiver busts from picks 24 to 32 than any other position. – Junior Kenny Britt from Rutgers has good speed but is inconsistent catching the ball.  Junior receivers have an

The NFL schedule is coming tonight! Do you want it first?

Nestor Aparicio

It’s probably my favorite day of the year. The NFL schedule will officially be announced at 7 p.m. I’ve had a 13-year track record of getting it before anyone in the market and the past two years — with our text service ready to send it out directly to you on your phone — we’ve been able to service the WNST community and Raven Maniacs with it before it’s available anywhere. (Here’s the joke of the day. I had a Ravens official text me this morning and ask me to send it to them when I get it before they do.) Who knows? Maybe this is the year that I DON’T get it first. But I have my moles out all across the country. And either way, it’s kinda fun for an old-school journalist and reporter like me. I know the deadline. It’s 7 p.m. Now, can I get it to you before NFL Network does? Hmmmm… We’ll see. But I do like my chances. And by 7:30 tonight we’ll all know what days we can begin to plan for San Diego, Oakland, Minnesota and Green Bay. We will DEFINITELY be doing road trips and parties on the road during

Orioles Magic goes to 5-2! Orioles almost blow six-run lead, hold on to beat Rangers 10-9

Nestor Aparicio

In a twisting, turning game that was long on offense, short on pitching and entertaining to the end, the Orioles outlasted the Rangers’ late attack to win 10-9 over the Texas Rangers in Arlington to go to 5-2 on the season. The Birds jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning and had fallen behind 4-2 by the fourth inning. Led by four hits from Aubrey Huff and three from Brian Roberts, the Orioles scored eight runs in the 4th and 5th innings and held a 10-4 advantage and Koji Uehara was rolling into the 6th inning when he fell apart giving way to Danys Baez and the bullpen of arsonists. The Rangers scored five unanswered runs late in the game and had pulled within 10-9 by the 9th inning. The Rangers got two baserunners on in the 9th inning and even pulled off a double steal before George Sherrill gave everyone a Don Stanhouse-like scare (thrill?) before fanning Marlon Byrd to end a 3:16 epic. The game featured 27 hits — 16 by the Orioles, including four by Huff who is doing a nice interview with his co-worker Amber Theoharis. Great defense by Nick Markakis. Great defense by Brian Roberts.

Join Brian Billick and Eric DeCosta tonight at Padonia Station for draft talk

Nestor Aparicio

A time-honored tradition, we proudly present our official WNST “Pre-Draft Breakdown” tonight at 7 p.m. at Padonia Station with special guests Brian Billick and Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta in Timonium. You will be able to hear and view all of the proceedings later this week on WNST AM-1570 and WNST.net in the audio and video vaults. We’ll be doing at least an hour of rambling conversation about drafts — new and old — and assessing and breaking down the purple possibilities for next weekend’s NFL Draft, which begins at 4 p.m. next Saturday, April 25th. We’ll also be doing our Draft Day celebration at Padonia Station. Hold your Monday, April 27th for a post-draft live show with Eric DeCosta as well. Our host location is TBA. Hope to see you tonight.

A Long Overdue Change

Luke Jones

When the Baltimore Orioles take the field against the Texas Rangers in Arlington on Monday night, the simple act of donning a new road jersey brings special significance to a city that has felt its baseball team become increasingly distant over the last 15 years. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Orioles’ road jerseys will display “Baltimore” in script across the chest. It won’t be a throwback for Turn Back the Clock Day, or a novelty jersey for the official team store, but the regular 2009 road uniform top. It’s about time. Following the 1972 season, then-owner Jerry Hoffberger removed the city name from the road uniforms in a presumed attempt to regionalize the franchise after the Washington Senators had moved to Texas a season earlier. Hoffberger’s vision, which continued under successive owners Edward Bennett Williams, Eli Jacobs, and Peter Angelos, was to make the Orioles the baseball team for an entire region that would stretch from central Pennsylvania and Delaware to the Carolinas. Many fans began chirping immediately after the city name was removed, but the issue remained in the background, largely because the franchise was in the midst of one of the most successful 20-year

Eaton beaten badly, Bass was a fish — Birds lose 11-3 to Rays

Nestor Aparicio

All was not completely lost. The Orioles managed some offense — too little, too late — in the 9th inning as they eliminated the doughnut from behind a bad effort today in an 11-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays to cap their opening homestand at 4-2. Orioles pitching allowed a whopping 17 hits today and the Rays looked almost vengeful for the two beatings handed out by the Birds behind good pitching on Friday and Saturday. Keep in mind, the Rays beat the Orioles 15 of 18 times last year. A win today would’ve matched last year’s total. I wrote a live blog as I’ve turned an eye toward The Masters this afternoon, the one day of the year that I attempt to appreciate golf and culture. Below are my observations from a day of baseball with the O’s. 4:01 p.m. — I’ve been monitoring Phil Mickelson’s miraculous run this afternoon with one eye on the game. But I’ve now managed to switch over fast enough to see back-to-back homers by Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Brian Bass is making Dave Trembley and Andy McPhail look bad for sending Matt Albers away last night. It’s 11-0. The O’s have

Your 6-0 final…

Luke Jones

Here are my final thoughts on the Birds’ 6-0 victory over Tampa Bay tonight: – Jeremy Guthrie pitched well, turning in six shutout innings.  His velocity was right around 91-92 miles per hour according to the stadium radar gun, which should ease some concern about his health entering the season. After a terrible spring, Guthrie is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA.  He would probably be no more than a good third starter on a contending team, but the Orioles are certainly glad to have him at the top of the rotation with so many question marks behind him. – Melvin Mora’s first-inning grand slam was the third of his career and his 82nd career home run at Camden Yards, fourth all-time.  Only Rafael Palmeiro (124), Brady Anderson (91), and Cal Ripken (85) are in front of him. – Jamie Walker looked like the pitcher from two seasons ago in his 1 1/3 innings, striking out one and getting Evan Longoria to ground into a double play in the eighth.  The left-handed specialist would be a huge lift to the bullpen if he can regain his 2007 form. – Chris Ray struck out the side in the ninth inning and looked

Rays and Niemann Steamin’ Early

Luke Jones

The Orioles just put up a five-spot in the bottom of the first with Melvin Mora hitting a grand slam into the Orioles bullpen off Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann. Though the offense is bound to cool off off, the Orioles will be one of the better hitting teams in the American League.  It’s scary to think how good this offense can be if Matt Wieters is as good as advertised. Jeremy Guthrie has a nice 5-0 lead and has retired the first six batters of the night as we head to the bottom of the second.

Two weeks away from the draft

Luke Jones

With the NFL Draft a mere two weeks away, Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta, and the Ravens front office continue to evaluate talent and configure their board in anticipation for April 25-26. For the first time in franchise history, the Ravens appear to have the franchise quarterback that has eluded them after numerous failed draft picks (Kyle Boller and Chris Redman) and unsuccessful retreads (Jim Harbaugh, Scott Mitchell, and Jeff Blake to name a few). It’s safe to assume the Ravens will not be selecting a quarterback in the first few rounds, especially after re-signing veteran third-stringer Todd Bouman to mentor backup Troy Smith and starter Joe Flacco. Entering the early stages of free agency, the Ravens had needs at cornerback, wide receiver, defensive end, linebacker, tight end, and center. The free agent signings of Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr, and the re-signing of veteran Samari Rolle decrease the need for a corner in this year’s draft, a possible blessing due to the general consensus that this year’s corner class is not very strong. Many draft experts such as ESPN’s Mel Kiper still have the Ravens taking cornerback Vontae Davis from Illinois in the first round, but questions exist about his

Feel the Magic: The O’s are beating the AL East’s best

Nestor Aparicio

So far, there’s not much to complain about. If the Orioles can just get a dozen more starts like Mark Hendrickson’s gem last night, this might turn into an interesting spring. There once was a time when beating Tampa Bay in April was meaningless. No mas… As I watch the rain fall today — and I can’t believe that they’ll actually play this evening but the forecast is for a late afternoon clearing and an “ontime” start —  the pitching advantage certainly benefits the Birds tonight with Jeremy Guthrie taking the ball against Jeff Niemann. The Orioles are now 3-1 and have managed to hold on late in all three games, contests that in previous years might’ve gone the wrong way. And the bullpen has really kinda stunk all week, which usually means “death knell.” Here’s all you need to know about the offense: Brian Roberts is hitting .438 and Adam Jones and Nick Markakis are stroking it at a .429 clip. The table is being set. I don’t love Jones in the No. 2 hole — he strikes out too much — but if he can continue to make contact and maybe even use his speed to bunt and

Orioles hold on again, beat Yankees 7-5 to start season with pair of wins

Nestor Aparicio

It shouldn’t have been so close in the end, but tonight was another “Oriole Magic” kinda night as the Birds jumped out to a big lead over the Yankees behind a nice starting effort from Koji Uehara and eventually held on to win 7-5 before a split crowd of orange and pinstripes. Nick Markakis got three hits and the bullpen got sloppy at the end, but the Birds are 2-0 and coming back to Camden Yards at 1:35 tomorrow with a chance to sweep the Yankees to start the season. Here’s my running blog from the game. As always, feel free to comment! 9:59 p.m. — Geez, not much has changed with Dennis Sarfate. Brought on to basically do a ninth-inning mop up, he’s now pushed my American Idol starting time back another 10 minutes and has forced George Sherrill into a game they’d probably rather have not used him. As my Pop would say, “the walks will kill ya!” The Yankees lineup is dangerous — as Derek Jeter just showed. Jim Palmer is railing about the 27th out. The crowd gave Teixeira the rasberries and he just poked an RBI double into the gap and this has gotten frightening.

Boos for Teixeira and the ghost of Jeffrey Maier spark O’s to 10-5 win over Yankees

Nestor Aparicio

Well, whatever they did to keep away the New York fans and somehow get orange-colored sweaters into the seats worked. It was a major victory for the Orioles front office, keeping Opening Day from being ruined by a sea of pinstripers. Then, of course, the outcome, a 10-5 win over the Yankees, didn’t suck either. And the WAY they won, right? A stolen home run with all of the imagery of Jeffrey Maier. They chased the Yankees big-money starter C.C. Sabathia in the fifth inning. The bullpen folded just to the brink of collapse but the offense led the way late in the game. It was a blueprint for how they’re going to win this year (if they’re going to win). Get a solid start. Give way to the bullpen. Hit the ball. Don’t kick the ball around. And take their chances. No reason to do play-by-play here – I’m assuming you watched the game. Doesn’t everyone watch Opening Day? But the most compelling part of today’s game was the ability to stay into the game and it was a good dramatic start to the season and it gave Orioles fans everywhere some pride, a nice beatdown of the Yankees

A gloomy forecast — today and for the ’09 Birds

Nestor Aparicio

The sky is gray across the horizon in downtown Baltimore this morning as the Orioles kick off their 2009 campaign amidst a city full of Yankees fans and the inaugural appearance for Baltimore’s homegrown Mark Teixeira as a pinstriper. It was a dark day even before the clouds and scattered showers moved in from the south. The Orioles, who haven’t played a meaningful game since October 1997, appear to be about to put another 162 insignificant games into the record books as the “dark era” of Birds baseball continues, the longest stretch of inepetitude in the history of the storied franchise. The Las Vegas oddsmakers have the Orioles “win/loss” total at 71 1/2, which means if the Orioles play just “18 games under .500” you win the bet. I’m not a betting man, but based on what I’ve seen for six weeks in spring training regarding their pitching, I’d be jumping at the “under” on this proposition. That said, I like this team, these position players and the quality of the character it appears Andy McPhail has assembled. I want to cheer for Brian Roberts. I like Luke Scott and Adam Jones. I’m interested in Felix Pie, although I think

Drinking the orange Kool Aid at Fan Fest

Nestor Aparicio

There are two types of Orioles fans left in the Baltimore area and they are distinct groups: Those who drink the Kool Aid… And those, like me, who have examined the big picture of what’s happened to this franchise over the past 13 years and are pretty angry about its impact on our fun, our lives and the community. With Opening Day looming, everyone who has EVER loved baseball perks up and pay attention. Even if it’s only to notice: “Hey, its’ Opening Day!” Most people in Baltimore realize this team won’t contend but if you love baseball you’ll at least open one eye on Monday afternoon to catch the score. I’d venture to say that 75% of the city will wake up Tuesday morning at the office and know whether the Orioles won. (That number used to be more like 98% in 1998!) Those who unconditionally still drink the orange Kool Air or “want” to drink the Kool Aid probably went down to Fan Fast today at Camden Yards. I opted to not give Mr. Angelos any more money that he won’t spend to get the team a quality spring training facility. Instead, I’m sitting here watching the Fan

A Long Overdue Change

Luke Jones

When the Baltimore Orioles take the field against the Texas Rangers in Arlington on Monday night, the simple act of

Your 6-0 final…

Luke Jones

Here are my final thoughts on the Birds’ 6-0 victory over Tampa Bay tonight: – Jeremy Guthrie pitched well, turning

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