WNST Drew blogs about the Hangout

[JTrea81]

Who's that turd burglar who pops up and starts talking to me when I read the blog?

:SuN049:

Way too funny!

[Mashed Potatoes]

Re: press credentials. Drew hasn't had a problem with getting a press credential when he's applied, he's had a problem getting any real access even when he had it? Am I reading this wrong?

And even though I'm arguing the middle line, I found it to be a reasonable read, too. I just find it a little funny that he pokes us a bit for not being objective when he's paid to not be objective. Let's not mistake Drew for a flat journalist, he's a radio personality. He's a guy paid to speak his mind.

Yea I've withheld my opinion so far but that was a big strike against Drew in my mind. He butters up the hangout then proceeds to belittle us. You all are hard core fans which is great, but it's too bad you can't see the big picture like me because you all wear orange tinted ray bans. First he refuses to come here and rebut criticisms, which I would've been fine with, but don't level an insult against a place where they can't defend themselves AFTER they just offered a forum.

[SilentJames]

The team should NOT shut out the only independant all-sports station in town because the owner can't let go of a petty grudge against the owner of the radio station.

The team (and PA) should be bigger that that.

What is PA worried about ? Bad press ? LOL.

This team should be looking for all the freinds/good press they can find.

Let WNST have all the access they want. If Drew or Nestor want to do a hatchet job- so be it. It would backfire if it wasn't warranted. The fans (us) are smart enough to form our own opinions on what each side reports to us. For once the O's could claim the high ground and win a PR battle.

WNST includes Rob Long and Bob Haynie. They have always been fair to the Orioles and Ravens. I would even put Drew in the 'fair" camp. He has praised the hiring of AM and his moves.

There are many people in the station that HAVE credentials. We may not like it, but O's choice. Why would they want to allow a couple guys who would do nothing but a hatchet job.

This is a two way street here as far as I am concerned. PLENTY of people are critical of the org, know the "things Drew knows," and have creds.

[The Wedge]

Sounds like a bunch of whining to me. WNST is trash.

That's harsh. They aren't trash. They have tons of potential, but they act like the king of hill when they need to remember that they're (out of circumstance) the small guys. Trust me, they do a few things that the large stations would never do. I have a little experience with some of their logistics and let me tell you, if they want to be a big time station, they have to start doing things like a big time station. I can't say anything about it publically, though. 1) It's rude and 2) it's job related.

[BaltimoreTerp]

As far as I know, the only person denied a pass was Nestor because 1) he hadn't used his in several years and 2) he is a working member of the media like Peter Angelos is a working member of the Orioles' front office.

[RShack]

Can someone tell me why the O's shouldn't attempt to work something out with the station?

Up to them. Basically, they just put Nestor and crew on "ignore".

[Moose Milligan]

I see it both ways.

It's kind of like the guy who's been making fun of you all throughout 3rd period trying to come up to you and sit next to you at lunch like nothing happened.

You can...either be nice and accomodating...or you can ignore them and walk away.

From what I've seen, I don't like much WNST has to offer...they do seem whiney, they do seem overly agressive and sensationalistic about the O's in particular - I don't know much about their Ravens coverage.

However, from the O's standpoint, this hearkens back to the late 90's when Jon Miller was fired for criticizing the team. Since Angelos has taken over, they've had a very hard time at dealing with criticisims and pot shots no matter how warranted or unwarranted they are.

It's not really my place to say how WNST runs their ship, really. They're gonna write and say what they want to say...some may like it, some may not, whatever. Their style won't change anytime soon.

Ultimately I feel that the O's should man up and give them access...they shouldn't act like they're above criticism, especially when they hide up in the warehouse and don't really say much in the first place. They need as much publicity as they can get, they've had a great offseason, there's reason to be optimistic in birdland once again and who knows? Maybe if they lighten up a bit, people won't be so quick to bash them.

But I can't blame them for not doing so, especially after how abrasive they've been. As much as I don't like the whole "it's our ball and we're going home" attitude, I can't totally blame them here.

And I didn't realize that dude on the popup who was talking to me was Nestor. I've seen pics before but didn't recognize him. I almost wanted to punch myself in the face after listening to 10 seconds of that drivel. Nice frost tips, how old are you?

<img src = "http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/kidcruisin/Nestor.jpg">

[Tony-OH]

Oh, I guess I don't understand how press credentials work. Could Tony or someone explain the process if possible? Do you apply for a particular number of passes, for your company, but the O's have the discretion to say who can and can not use them?

We apply for credentials by name for our reporters in our credential requests. We've never had a request turned down by the Orioles, but it is their discretion as to whether to allow the individual in or not. I personally vouch for everyone on my list each year.

BTW, I though Drew sounded pretty fair in that blog entry.

[clapdiddy]

I see it both ways.

It's kind of like the guy who's been making fun of you all throughout 3rd period trying to come up to you and sit next to you at lunch like nothing happened.

You can...either be nice and accomodating...or you can ignore them and walk away.

From what I've seen, I don't like much WNST has to offer...they do seem whiney, they do seem overly agressive and sensationalistic about the O's in particular - I don't know much about their Ravens coverage.

However, from the O's standpoint, this hearkens back to the late 90's when Jon Miller was fired for criticizing the team. Since Angelos has taken over, they've had a very hard time at dealing with criticisims and pot shots no matter how warranted or unwarranted they are.

It's not really my place to say how WNST runs their ship, really. They're gonna write and say what they want to say...some may like it, some may not, whatever. Their style won't change anytime soon.

Ultimately I feel that the O's should man up and give them access...they shouldn't act like they're above criticism, especially when they hide up in the warehouse and don't really say much in the first place. They need as much publicity as they can get, they've had a great offseason, there's reason to be optimistic in birdland once again and who knows? Maybe if they lighten up a bit, people won't be so quick to bash them.

But I can't blame them for not doing so, especially after how abrasive they've been. As much as I don't like the whole "it's our ball and we're going home" attitude, I can't totally blame them here.

And I didn't realize that dude on the popup who was talking to me was Nestor. I've seen pics before but didn't recognize him. I almost wanted to punch myself in the face after listening to 10 seconds of that drivel. Nice frost tips, how old are you?

<img src = "http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/kidcruisin/Nestor.jpg">

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Moose Milligan again.

Dude....this is just too darn funny!

[Mike B]

I could agree with that Wedge. I don't think there's much objectivity on either side.

As much as I like Drew, I find it a little tough to believe they are trying to be objective when Nestor is writing a book about himself as they were planning Free the Birds.

The same thing goes here. I don't find many posters who I think are objective and can hear another one's argument and make a decision based on its merits. That is, when it comes to negative press about the Orioles. But what would you expect, it's a fan website dedicated to the team.

Wow a book on Nestor by Nestor. Make way for that jewel on the New York Times best seller list. The clown is unbelievable. To paraphrase TO. Nestor loves himself some Nestor.

[orayole]

And I didn't realize that dude on the popup who was talking to me was Nestor. I've seen pics before but didn't recognize him. I almost wanted to punch myself in the face after listening to 10 seconds of that drivel. Nice frost tips, how old are you?

<img src = "http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/kidcruisin/Nestor.jpg">

Stop using Internet Explorer!

Firefox + NoScript = No popups /any ads ever again!

[Mike B]

We apply for credentials by name for our reporters in our credential requests. We've never had a request turned down by the Orioles, but it is their discretion as to whether to allow the individual in or not. I personally vouch for everyone on my list each year.

BTW, I though Drew sounded pretty fair in that blog entry.

I agree that the blog was a fair statement on his side of the battle. It does take two to fight, but the station has been ruthless in its coverage of the team. War was declared with its "Free the Birds". They make it personal with their criticism. Your staff has been critical about the team at times but it is not made personal and is professional. WNST has crossed that line many times. I wish the Orioles would open up access, and allow WNST (especially Haynie) to interview Players and FO staff. I really believe that Oriole Magic at its beginning, was fueled by a radio station, WFBR(I think) . They played highlights all day long and got the town fired up. (The Decinces HR call is still my favorite call of all time.) The fans want to be excited. Your site is always alive and the great information you provide gets people involved with the team. It is a shame that WNST and the Orioles have to be so petty. Anyway, thanks for providing us the oppurtuntity to talk baseball and the O's.

[VThokies]

The Orioles didn't throw the first punch here (unless you consider a super-soaker a punch ), so it is the radio station's job to make the first move.

Wasn't a majority of drews blog saying that he has tried to approach the o's FO to no avail?

[Moose Milligan]

Stop using Internet Explorer!

Firefox + NoScript = No popups /any ads ever again!

I'm on a Mac and I'm using Firefox.

What's NoScript?

[MP]

WNST has always made me want to flip the channel. I've tried listening, but too often it's just so unprofessional and self-oriented. Twice have a I listened to Nestor, and both times he talked about himself the entire time. Really turned me off.

With Tony, Scott, Paul etc... they're devoted to covering the teams and players at all levels of the Orioles organization. Everyone knows that and respects it. But with WNST, they seem to be more focused on themselves. They treat the team, management and players like toilet paper, then complain about not being respected. I don't get it.