Leading Off

Don’t look now, but we’re like… podcasting regularly again. Sounds like an ideal time for a break, right? Just kidding (mostly) – these games can be exhausting. Since the All-Star Game, the Orioles have flirted with history, and shown the baseball world that they could live up to the laughably low expectations they garnered, entering the season.

That’s the Magic of 2019 Orioles Baseball!!!

Join us for The Drink of the Week. Don’t forget to drink socially with us on Untappd.

This Week on the Twitters

Here is what is happening in the world of Orioles Baseball, in 280 characters, or fewer:

That seals the deal. I am no longer an Orioles fan. I’ve been a fan since 1982 and a season ticket holder since 1996. I officially will not be renewing my plan next season nor will I watch on tv ever again. Elias is officially the worst gm in history.

— Will Shiflett (@will61375) July 13, 2019

Ben McDonald says he only eats ketchup on his hot dog, so unfortunately fans will be turning on him soon

— Matt Kremnitzer (@mattkremnitzer) July 13, 2019

Can we start a “pissed off brandon Hyde” thread ⁦@BirdsEyeViewBal⁩ pic.twitter.com/ko8yq0ND8M

— Tom Jones (@steelbaru) July 13, 2019

In the history of Major League Baseball, nearly 220,000 games, never before has there been a combined perfect game.

The Tampa Bay Rays are three outs from one. Baltimore remains without a baserunner, and Ryne Stanek (two IP) and Ryan Yarbrough (six IP) have set down 24 straight.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 14, 2019

John Means not pitching in the All-Star Game because the Red Sox manager went with the Yankees closer is such a sweet spot for Baltimore aggrievedness.

That said, print 20,000 John Means T-shirts for Boston’s visit, line up his start for next Friday, and make a thing of it.

— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) July 10, 2019

Cash Considerations

The Orioles traded Andrew Cashner, and we’re determined to tell you how you should feel about it. We’ll tell you, of course, directly after we determine how WE are supposed to feel about it.

Cashner was clearly one of the better trading chips the Orioles had, but did they get enough in return? The Red Sox have said so, but was that merely lip service? Also, why in the world would we think we could get any more?

Lastly, what can we expect between now and the trade deadline? Will there be any other Birds leaving the nest?

Fantasy Boss

Jake wins again, having correctly predicted that John Means wouldn’t see the light of day in the Mid-Summer Classic. That brings the score to a “commanding” (Scott’s words) 7-3-1 lead. Look out, Birdland, there may be Wild Cards invoked at some point.

This week’s category is RBI – Jake picked (The Committee for) Hanser Alberto and Scott selected Renato Nunez.

Who will own it?

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Who had a great week? Who had a tough week? Who made us ashamed to be Orioles fans? Find out in this week’s GB&U. The guys run through their Good, Bad, and Ugly for the week.

Tweet us your selections @birdseyeviewbal with #OsGood, #OsBad, and #OsUgly.

Blowing the Save

Most podcasts try to end on a high note – the perfect coda to a quality program. That’s just not our style. Each week, we’ll end on a weak note, blowing the save with an item that didn’t quite fit into the episode, or something they simply need to get off their chests. It’s our version of taking the ball and pulling a Kevin Gregg.