Orioles reportedly agree to two-year deal with two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley
One of baseball’s best closers from 2022-24, the 31-year-old struggled after being acquired by the New York Mets at last year’s trade deadline.
Orioles
Adding (more) MEAC championships on the court as Coppin State volleyball joins the dance
It’s always fun to discuss the emerging sport of volleyball with Coppin State head coach Tim Walsh, especially after another run to a MEAC championship as the Eagles await NCAA brackets and a tournament to start December in West Baltimore.
Making spirits bright as the season begins
Feeling lucky for the holidays? Executive Director John Martin of The Maryland Lottery wraps up the Thankswinning season en route to million dollar holiday raffle excitement and special seasonal fun.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Ravens defense after loss to Burrow and Bengals
When the offense commits five turnovers it’s hard to blame the defense for a loss. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Joe Burrow coming back from a serious injury to defeat a beleaguered Ravens defense that lost some luster on Thanksgiving night against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Getting defensive about Ravens defense after loss to Burrow and Bengals
When the offense commits five turnovers it’s hard to blame the defense for a loss. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Joe Burrow coming back from a serious injury to defeat a beleaguered Ravens defense that lost some luster on Thanksgiving night against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Luke Jones and Nestor limp into Thanksgiving with Lamar and Burrow concerns as Ravens host Bengals
Short rest, tired bodies and a prime time Joe Burrow vs. Lamar Jackson AFC North showdown in Baltimore for the holiday. Luke Jones and Nestor limp into Thanksgiving with many concerns for the Ravens as the quarterbacks step up in weight class for the emerging defense and No. 8 tries to play through the pain.
A chilly Thanksgiving feast: Bengals at Ravens with the whole world watching
Short rest, tired bodies and a prime time Joe Burrow vs. Lamar Jackson AFC North showdown in Baltimore for the holiday. Luke Jones and Nestor limp into Thanksgiving with many concerns for the Ravens as the quarterbacks step up in weight class for the emerging defense and No. 8 tries to play through the pain.
Bengals color analyst Dave Lapham updates Nestor on why Burrow will go against Ravens on Thanksgiving
It’s a holiday event in primetime as the first-place Baltimore Ravens look to make it six in a row against their division foe, who will return one of the best quarterbacks in the business. Longtime Bengals color analyst and 10-year NFL offensive lineman Dave Lapham updates Nestor on why Joe Burrow will get back on the field on Thanksgiving and who will be involved in the passing game with two top wide receivers out for Cincinnati.
Leonard Raskin and Nestor discuss thankfulness, good health and sports prosperity for Thanksgiving
There’s plenty of time for baseball and football and hockey talk but this is the week we stop and give thanks for all of it. Leonard Raskin joins Nestor to discuss thankfulness, good health and sports prosperity for Thanksgiving.
Talking turkey and Joe Burrow as Bengals bring Thanksgiving threat to Ravens
It’s a holiday event in prime time as the first-place Baltimore Ravens look to make it six in a row against their division foe, who will return one of the best quarterbacks in the business. Longtime Bengals color analyst and 10-year NFL offensive lineman Dave Lapham updates Nestor on why Joe Burrow will get back on the field on Thanksgiving and who will be involved in the passing game with two top wide receivers out for Cincinnati.
Coppin State student government leader Karis Joyner tells Nestor about her Baltimore roots and path to education and a degree
Coppin State student government leader Karis Joyner tells Nestor about her Northeast Baltimore roots and West Baltimore path to education
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Orioles offseason and direction after Grayson Rodriguez deal
We’re pretty sure that the surprises of the Baltimore Orioles offseason are just beginning. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss where Mike Elias will go next in search of improving a last-place roster still in need of more pitching and punch than whatever help Taylor Ward will bring from Anaheim in the absence of Grayson Rodriguez.
#ColumnNes: Can the Ravens still win the Super Bowl? I wasn’t the one who counted ‘em out at 1-5
It’s all sitting there for the former 1-5 squad. Now, after five in a row against the JV, can the Ravens improve and earn their way through the thickest part of a playoff march with Lamar Jackson nursing a bad wheel? You bring the turkey and I’ll bring the pumpkin pie and we’ll find out.
Where do Orioles go next in offseason carousel?
We’re pretty sure that the surprises of the Baltimore Orioles offseason are just beginning. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss where Mike Elias will go next in search of improving a last-place roster still in need of more pitching and punch than whatever help Taylor Ward will bring from Anaheim in the absence of Grayson Rodriguez.
Feeling thankful and full of gratitude for the season and reasons
There’s plenty of time for baseball and football and hockey talk but this is the week we stop and give thanks for all of it. Leonard Raskin joins Nestor to discuss thankfulness, good health and sports prosperity for Thanksgiving.
John Martin of Maryland Lottery updates Nestor on several scratch off promotions and big trip winners
Plenty of big winners to report this week as the Executive Director of The Maryland Lottery John Martin returns to update Nestor on some of the fun of giving away the grand prizes for several scratch-off promotions and big trip winners just in time for the holidays.
It’s pretty obvious that Lamar Jackson is not right
There’s no explosiveness but there are five wins in a row to stack up for the Baltimore Ravens and a piece of first place on Thanksgiving is certainly more than acceptable. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the health of Lamar Jackson after a less-than-impressive win over the New York Jets and the lack of rest with the Cincinnati Bengals waiting after the turkey.
Aloha means off to Hawaii…
Plenty of big winners to report this week as the Executive Director of The Maryland Lottery John Martin returns to update Nestor on some of the fun of giving away the grand prizes for several scratch-off promotions and big trip winners just in time for the holidays.
If you’ve ever said “I Hate Politics” this podcast is for you…
UMBC Political Science professor Sunil Dasgupta and Nestor cross paths every summer at the Maryland Counties Conference in Ocean City. Finally, they share a Maryland Crab Cake Tour chat at State Fare in Catonsville discussing why his podcast is called “I Hate Politics.”
Searching for the soul of the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards
The Baltimore Orioles finished in last place, lost a half a million fans at the gate at Camden Yards and are searching for a soul this offseason while watching the rest of MLB hang bunting and play October baseball. Luke Jones attended the bizarre Tony Mansolino and Mike Elias press conference at The Warehouse on Monday. Nestor watched on his computer. Here, they discuss the word salad and measure the strategy of David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti.
Shaping up to get you in shape and healthier at Planet Fitness grand opening in Timonium
April Fowler of Planet Fitness joins Nestor at Costas Inn on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to get Nestor ready for the big Timonium Grand Opening and reasons to join. And this is your grand chance to get in on the PF Black Card – good all over the world – for just $19.99 for the locals with the grand opening plan to get in the best shape of their lives.
Elevating community and local businesses to support important local fundraising with Curio Wellness
Our friends at Curio Wellness put us on the road for our 27th Anniversary #TastyNes tour featuring the best places to eat locally but as Chief Brand Officer Wendy Bronfein tells Nestor, the folks who bring you Far & Dotter storefronts in Timonium and Pikesville have also been bringing education and support to local groups and events as well. During this fall fundraising season, it’s nights like Maritime Magic for Living Classrooms Foundation and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala that power our city for education and entertainment that make downtown vibrant.
Serving the audience the truth about real influence and artificial intelligence
It’s been a while since longtime political insider Damian O’Doherty has returned to the Maryland Crab Cake Tour but he brings the changes in his public affairs business and the sweeping changing in Trump’s America with foreign money, big business, the destruction of government pillars and AI moving at the speed of humanity. Always a spirited debate about media, influence and power with this Catonsville native and Baltimore lover.
Communicating and capturing sports history and local business needs
We knew inviting our old journalist-turned-communications pro Greg Abel would involve a walk down “Free The Birds” memory lane but Nestor did not bring him to Koco’s Pub on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to talk about the past but instead to question the future of the Orioles brand and Baltimore sports media and marketing with a lifer chronicler and fan of Charm City glory.
Putting the faces in front of the billion dollar business of professional sports in Baltimore
Do you know who Catie Griggs is and what she does? How about Sashi Brown? Well, they are the millionaires who run your “local” sports franchise as the “caretaker” for billionaires David Rubenstein, Michael Arougheti and Steve Bisciotti. Nestor heard from them this week, even if they didn’t care to meet him for $100 a throw…
The story behind the story – how local journalism works and everything you need to know about the reporting of the Justin Tucker massage scandal
With three blockbuster tales of reporting the allegations of 16 different women accusing Baltimore Ravens’ kicker Justin Tucker of inappropriate behavior during massage therapy appointments more than a decade ago, reporter Julie Scharper of The Baltimore Banner answers all of Nestor’s questions about how the story came to light and the journalism, reporting and fact-checking done by their staff to confirm and write these “serious and concerning” stories.
Are you ready for artificial intelligence to rock your world?
After taking a few rides in Phoenix in a driverless car, Nestor came home with AI on the brain and has been working feverishly behind the scenes to get more intelligent about the future of technology. Bill Cole and Todd Schuler join Nestor at Pizza John’s on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour for a real conversation about artificial intelligence and real youth sports parenting.
Telling the story of the power, money and growth of the modern NFL
No one knows more about the business of the National Football League than longtime sports business insider Ken Belson of The New York Times, whose new book “Every Day is Sunday” goes behind the power and money of the league to discuss the decisions, threats, machinations and leadership of Roger Goodell, Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft in great detail. Learn about the monster…
Wanna help us spend hundreds of millions of David Rubenstein’s money on Orioles players?
The delicious pizza at Pizza John’s brings all of our friends together to talk baseball in Essex. Our MLB insider Luke Jones and legendary sports cartoonist Ricig join Nestor on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to take a deep dive on the everything Baltimore Orioles offseason. From the leadership of Mike Elias and the hiring of Craig Albernaz to the expectations of spending hundreds of millions of David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti’s money before Valentine’s Day, it’s always baseball season here.
Education and awareness that keeps our children safe
Discussing child abuse and the mistreatment of children is never easy but our partners at GBMC want our community to know that help is a reach away. Sarah Perl of GBMC takes Nestor on the difficult journey of child maltreatment and education awareness to discuss the unspeakable. We’ll also introduce you to beautiful Olivia, who is a making a difference with “Paws For a Cause.”
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Orioles trade of Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward
It’s pretty clear that Orioles fans thought more of the future of one-time ace pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez than Mike Elias did after dealing the 26-year with four years of MLB control to Anaheim for slugging outfielder Taylor Ward. Why did the Birds quit on GrayRod? Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the philosophy and offseason strategy of new ownership with free agency looming.
Dear Catie Griggs: When Orioles fans ask why I don’t have an Orioles media credential, I’m sending them to you for answers
I’m pulling for you to fix the Orioles on-and-off the field, even if you continue the bizarrely petty Angelos family tradition of willfully, purposely and strategically mistreating me and restricting a legitimate professional working local media member from asking you serious questions in the David Rubenstein “Next Chapter” era.
“We all want the same things here.”
Talking aging, accountability and leadership with still-ready-to-throw Joe Flacco
We gave him a chance to announce his retirement but Joe Flacco says he is not done throwing the football. The well-traveled Super Bowl MVP comes home to Baltimore to talk about Father Time, kids in his house and the locker room, the family life in Indianapolis, great offense, bad analytics and hitting the quarterback. And the answer he gives as to why he went to the podium in Pittsburgh after throwing the Polamalu interception in the 2009 AFC Championship Game is as “elite” as he was in January 2013. Twelve years later, let Joe tell ya what he knows about real life and playing ‘ball…
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss health of Lamar and Jets and Bengals waiting for turkey
It’s another Wednesday and another missed early week practice for the Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback. Is it rest or a lingering injury? With two games in four days coming during Thanksgiving week, Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the health of Lamar Jackson and what it means for the running game against the New York Jets on Sunday.
The concerns of the ankle, knee and hamstring of Lamar Jackson
It’s another Wednesday and another missed early week practice for the Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback. Is it rest or a lingering injury? With two games in four days coming during Thanksgiving week, Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the health of Lamar Jackson and what it means for the running game against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Orioles trade oft-injured pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward
Once one of baseball’s top prospects, Rodriguez hadn’t pitched for Baltimore since July 31, 2024 because of injuries.
Luke Jones and Nestor assess Ravens spot in AFC playoff race with Jets and Bengals coming quickly
With another win over the Cleveland Browns and the record finally back to .500, the Ravens will soon be seeing the rest of the AFC North up close. Luke Jones and Nestor assess Baltimore’s positioning in the AFC North playoff race with the Jets and Bengals coming quickly this week and the Steelers picking up the pieces of Aaron Rodgers’ hand injury.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Ravens defensive improvement and way team is winning
The Ravens defense has made major strides since being the worst unit in the league through the first month of the season. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the additions of Alohi Gilman and Dre’Mont Jones and better health and an emerging young core that has allowed the Ravens to put four wins in a row together to get back to .500, as the Jets and Bengals visit Baltimore next week.
Home Thanksgiving cooking with two purple treats
With another win over the Cleveland Browns and the record finally back to .500, the Ravens will soon be seeing the rest of the AFC North up close. Luke Jones and Nestor assess Baltimore’s positioning in the AFC North playoff race with the Jets and Bengals coming quickly this week and the Steelers picking up the pieces of Aaron Rodgers’ hand injury.
Seth Elkin and Nestor discuss huge jackpots and the season for winning
The rolls have gotten big with large jackpots lately and Seth Elkin of The Maryland Lottery joins Nestor to discuss some history and Mega Millions jackpots as well as the season for winning and some new holiday games.
