ORIOLES

Shemp wrote:

James wrote:

Though I think this "Buck is always right" mentality that some fans have taken on is a bit foolish.

He's been right a lot more than he's been wrong.  And he sure knows how to manage a bullpen.

yes.

It has been nearly five years since he set foot in Camden Yards. But if the Orioles advance to host American League Division Series games this weekend, Jay Gibbons will be there, clad in orange and black, whooping it up in the cheap seats with a mob of playoff-starved fans.

"Are you kidding me? That is something I just can't miss," said Gibbons, an Orioles outfielder from 2001 through 2007, during the team's darker days. "Things were so tough for so long, and I always wanted to make the playoffs.

"I'll get my Orioles cap out of the garage, fly in from California, wear my Brian Roberts jersey and sit in the right-field bleachers."

* * *

The Orioles have few bigger fans than Gibbons, 35, the onetime slugger who retired from baseball this year.

"It's so much fun to finally see them winning, even all the way from California," he said. "I shot [trainer] Richie Bancells a text message awhile back and asked him, 'Is this all for real?' He shot back, 'We're praying.'

"I've been on the phone constantly, checking their scores. My wife says, 'Give it up, you don't play for them any more.' But I can't help it."

The Orioles' success helps to shelve thoughts of the lost years, said Gibbons, who'd rather return here anonymously.

"Those were tough times, like in 2002, when we lost 32 of our last 36 games. So I don't need to reminisce when I come back to Baltimore," he said. "Just a 'Hi, Howya doin?' from a fan or two would be fine. I don't want to get eggs thrown at me, or anything."

All Gibbons wants is to sit in the stands and soak up the fervor. Better late than never.

"The atmosphere at the ballpark will be crazy," he said. "I remember going to Ravens games and thinking, 'Man, it would be nice if we had that at our park.'

"Now, we will. And I have to be part of that."

Shemp wrote:

James wrote:

Though I think this "Buck is always right" mentality that some fans have taken on is a bit foolish.

He's been right a lot more than he's been wrong.  And he sure knows how to manage a bullpen.

He's made a believer out of me, and I was clearly one of the most vocal about how it wouldn't end well because of the pitching.

Saunders threw well on the road in 09 for the Angels in the playoffs, but as always, he has to avoid the big inning.  If he gets threw 3-4 innings without much damage, quick hook in the 5th on…

Oh, and last night while I was dreaming about what could have been, I got pissed that 2/3 of the teams that had players caught with steroids made the playoffs.  Bartolo clearly had a one game effect on his teams record (I'd argue a 4-5 game effect, myself) and while I don't think it meant Anaheim would have made the playoffs, it definitely cost the O's a home Wild Card game. 

I have my Jay Gibbons bobblehead on my desk at work!

not feeling good about the game tonight…but…let's go o's!!

Kind of funny that he'd choose to wear the jersey of his fellow glory years roidmate, Brian Roberts.

K8teebug wrote:
I have my Jay Gibbons bobblehead on my desk at work!

Hope the O's aren't as tight as the Braves.  Man.

They play 'Country Boy' during the stretch???

The ump made the right call throw the manager out of the game and play baseball I want to see the o's game.

two batters two men on. Time to yank Saunders.

James wrote:
two batters two men on. Time to yank Saunders.

Seeing the game is much different than hearing the game.

So stressed out right now! 4 outs to go

Bring on the Yankees.

I think Tammy's the better Darvish. 

James wrote:
two batters two men on. Time to yank Saunders.

Your baseball acumen is off the charts.

Wooooo Hooooo Orioles Magic!!!!!!

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-schmuck-orioles-column-1006-20121006,0,5481883.column

It's sad that this guy looks forward to a Brian Roberts return.

WE DON'T WANT BRIAN ROBERTS ON THE TEAM ANYMORE. LET HIM THUMP HIS BIBLE ELSEWHERE.

If you have an O's ticket you can get into the Ottobar for free tonight to see Melvins.
"Going to the oriole's game? Bring your stub in after & you get into the melvins show for free!"

killsaly wrote:
If you have an O's ticket you can get into the Ottobar for free tonight to see Melvins.
"Going to the oriole's game? Bring your stub in after & you get into the melvins show for free!"

that is super cool promotion..

Not really, given that the game will probably end after then show, at this point.

hutch wrote:

killsaly wrote:
If you have an O's ticket you can get into the Ottobar for free tonight to see Melvins.
"Going to the oriole's game? Bring your stub in after & you get into the melvins show for free!"

that is super cool promotion..