Chuck A

This is where being at the games is so much better than watching on TV. Being able to see the games within the game. As a STH from '88-03 i was able to observe Cal re-position the infielders before pitches. He was like having a coach in the field. His 3 error season was amazing. Did he have to range far? Nope, he was in the right place most of the time. He also relayed pitches behind his glove to the other infielders, open mouth/closed mouth to tell them whether fastball or not. Did it help? I guarantee it didn't hurt. I was and will always remain a huge Cal fan due to how he carried himself and was humble around fans. Reasons like this are why I believe stats are great but the eye test deserves to be noted as well.

As a hockey fan first and foremost, I have always had a dislike of Gary Thorne for his obvious hatred of certain teams at all costs - mispronouncing names on purpose (how can you can call it wrong for years in that business?) and his seeming dis-interest at times. Whenever he would call a hockey game i would turn the sound off to enjoy the game instead of listening to him. As a lifelong Orioles fan - I often chose to listen to the radio calls over the tv voices. I really enjoyed Jon Miller doing the weekly games but not as an Oriole pbp man. He annoyed the hell out of me for always trying to be cute with the same stories over and over instead of calling what was going on. I'm sure i am in the minority but i loved the Mel Proctor/John Lowenstein combo on HTS. I like what i've heard from Ben McDonald and B Rob. I couldn't bring myself to pay for the MLB network last year and am on the fence if i'm going to do so this year. Probably just catch the free games when i can. I tend to be much busier outside from spring through fall anyway. I'm still a damn box score junkie and read everything i can. Being a couple states away from easy local coverage makes it tougher but i wouldn't trade it for anything.

I know it is completely unfair to judge Stewart's defense off of one play but I can't help it ... I can't unsee the ball bounce off his head. And I didn't laugh at it, i cringed. But even when he steps to the plate, that's what I remember.

Still waiting for this list to be leaked ...

I'm curious to see if this was specifically towards Gunnar, based on all of the ravings previously bestowed upon him. I'm wondering if he starts at Bowie or goes to Aberdeen for a month or two then Bowie. It would be nice to see an actual young player going up the chain to reach the majors before he's 24.

Not to mention that he could play all 3 OF positions well. I think "poor OFer" is incorrect. His arm was very much average though.

Im obviously in the minority here but i liked Wieters. Did he live up to the hype? No. How many truly do? Was he a damned good catcher? Yes, i value switch-hitting good defensive catchers with some pop. Could he run? I could run about the same but you can't have everything, that position wears a body down.

Didn't Yogi say baseball is 90% mental and the other half repitition or some such bs? It looks to me like he is just distracted. I mean that i've never seen any player not watching a pitch come in like he does for the past few years. It seems to me to be awfully dangerous for him to stand up there and watching a gnat, fly, or unicorn instead of a pitch. Stick a fork in him, he's done.

I'm wondering if all the PA haters even remember Mr Jacobs and his closed wallet. PA did spend some dough on this team even if he was Steinbrenner Jr like.

Could you imagine Epstein as Commissioner? An actual baseball guy as the commish. What a concept. I might actually like it

What a nice problem to have, no? I think there has to be a lot of rotating 3 guys through 2 positions going on most of the season (whatever that may be). Naturally there should be more of Henderson, Westburg, Servideo getting daily playing time more so than the Grenier, Hall, Cullen's of the prospects. There will be injuries and slumps to go through also (again for whatever the season will actually be). And the adding experience at new positions (Hall to CF, etc). I think it is kind of interesting that there are now so many MI prospects that they are rotating them to the OF where there are also a lot of prospects (makes me wonder where Kerstad will start - high A perhaps since he is a college bat, supposed to be close to ML ready, with a call-up to AA mid-season). Sounds like another thread to start ...

It's just my opinion but I don't think they are shopping Cobb this offseason as he is exactly what we need. A veteran presence who can eat innings. I do believe he will be available come trade deadline, but to start the season, the O's need him. I fully expect Elias to sign another Milone or Leblanc type pitcher or two to compete for a spot in ST. I can't say that Means being the most veteran member of the rotation would be a good thing. He only has 2 seasons under his belt.

Possible platoon with Alberto if he is retained???

You didn't even have to change the color to green to feel the sarcasm!!! Love it!

His scouting report is exactly why i figured him much lower than this.

And considering we dont know if Frederick is being contracted or not. Losing an affiliate will hurt.

From seeing GRod in SAL action from last year, I can say from the eye test that he commands the mound. His curve definitely set up his fastball very well. He didn't "fall" off the mound from his delivery and was able to field his position well. I was impressed. Sadly he was on pitch counts both games as he came out in the 6th and 7th inning of each game I seen. I have not had the opportunity to see Hall first hand yet but the dude has the stuff if he can harness it from all accounts. The future looks bright from where i'm sitting.

Belanger was excellent at short. I don't remember him having a clean uni by the end of any game. Erratic at the plate but he could execute the hit and run, he had smart speed on the bases, and really rooted for him. You could only admire the way he played the game. Unfortunately that enthusiasm, no professionalism, is gone for the most part.

We haven't seen the intl signing blow up as a huge prospect yet but it is coming soon. There are several pitchers and hitters that are described as high end potential. I can't see 1 or 2 of these not blossoming into that. Especially since most of these are 16-18 yrs old at signing. Maybe I am just being very hopeful but I do like what i've read and the few videos i've seen of some of these kids.

I am hopeful that one or more of the MI recently drafted becomes a blue chipper too! The draft in any sport is a crap shoot.

I do believe the PTBNL is predetermined but due to not being on the 60 man it cannot be announced in this strange year.

Lowther had an oblique strain which probably put him on shut down. Don't know if Wells had any issues. The 60 man had mostly players who could help this year and a few prospects that they didn't want to lose an entire year of productivity. I'm not reading much into it at all.

Wayne Gross. He of the 11 hr and 18 rbi. Mr Solo.

Matt Wieters.

Hard to have a good swing when you aren't seeing the ball. From his condition or whatever.