The Ravens without a doubt have been one the best drafting teams since 1996. They've certainty drafted better at some positions than others. I went back and found all the players that the Ravens have drafted since 1996 and put in my grade for each position. It should be noted that players are under the position that they were drafted at, not the position they're currently at. I also left out some of the guys in my ratings that were drafted since 2008, because we simply just don't know yet. This also doesn't included undrafted free agents.

Quarterback

Hit: 22%

Miss: 77%

Running Back

Hit: 45%

Miss: 54%

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I'm looking to break down the Ravens offensive line in a statistical approach. The offensive line can be a tricky thing to judge as it isn't just one stat such as rushing and passing. However, breaking down the offensive line isn't completely impossible. In fact, you may be surprised.

The Ravens power success for 2011 is 63%. This is the percentage of runs on third and fourth down, two yards or less to go that got a first down or a touchdown, or runs on first and goal and second and goal from the two-yard line or closer. This puts the ravens slightly above league average. Their power success rate went up once Grubbs came back from his injury, which isn’t a surprise.

The running game was stuffed only 18% of the time. This includes the amount of times the runner was stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage. The Ravens were above average to good at gaining positive yards in the running game. The Eagles were stuffed 25% of the time. Yikes.

As a group the offensive line was above average last season. Now let’s break it down to see whose is the weakest link in the group.

Note: Below I am using adjusted line yards (ALY) for the average yards ran behind each position. This gives us a better sample of the offensive lineman’s performance over the running back. Don’t confuse this with the actual yards per carry.

Running to the left was the biggest problem for the running game in 2011. They ran behind McKinnie 15% of the time at a 3.91 ALY. This is horrible and ranks the Ravens among the worst in running behind the left tackle. This could simply mean that Rice isn’t as comfortable running to the left so I went back and looked at the 2010 stats. Running behind Oher in 2010 the Ravens were around league average at 4.11 ALY instead of significantly below league average this past reason running behind McKinnie. It also should be noted that team’s best defensive end is usually lined up against the left tackle which makes the league average in running to the left the lowest in any direction.

The running game up the middle was above league average. This includes running behind the left guard, center, and the right guard. I knew the Ravens did a decent job running up the middle but I was little surprised they did such a good job considering the injury to Grubbs, the age of Birk and the end of the year injury to Yanda. In 2011 the Ravens ran up the middle 56% of the time at 4.22 ALY. Let’s compare that to the best and worst teams in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints were the best running up the middle at 4.94 ALY and the Kansas City Chiefs were by far the worst at 3.39 ALY. This gives me hope that our running game will be fine without Grubbs.

A slight shocker was that the Ravens ran the best running behind Oher. The Ravens ran behind the right tackle 19% of the time at a 4.70 ALY. This is great for us and puts the Ravens in the top 10 in the NFL for 2011. Oher may have his problems at times with penalties and getting beat on passing plays, however, in the running game the guy can be a bulldozer. This makes you wonder if Oher would be the best candidate for left guard.

So far I’ve mostly focused on the running game but I’ll go a tad into the Ravens passing protection in 2011. The Ravens were decent in only giving up 33 sacks. I was actually thinking this stat was going to be higher but to my delight we were among one of the lowest teams in sacks. The league worst was the Rams who gave up 55 sacks.

Now let’s look at the adjusted sack rate which includes sacks plus intentional grounding penalties per pass attempt adjusted for distance, down, and opponent. Our adjusted sack rate was 5.9% and this puts us in the above average to good percentile in protecting our quarterback.

Overall, our offensive line was above average last season. Unless something changes we will only be losing one guy on our line and it’s a big guy to lose. The Ravens won’t be able to find anybody that will play up to Grubbs level for next season, however I do believe our offensive lines performance will still be decent.

I've been reading BBD for a while, although, I'm more active of a poster over at CamdenChat. I've never been able to afford to attend a game at  M&T Bank stadium  and I was wondering if any season ticket holders would be willing to depart with two tickets for one of the pre-season games if they aren't able to attend one of them? I know this is a long-shot, however, its worth a shot!

Just saw Brian Matusz will need an MRI for his back. He has been scratched for his start tomorrow. This is not good news.  So far since beginning of spring training he's had to have a wart removed, took a line drive off his forearm, and now a bad back. It will be interesting to see who they decide to call up if he has to be placed on the DL.Chris Jakabauskas could be a possibility if he does hit the DL, but lord I hope not.

Edit by Stacey: 

MASNsports.com confirms this bad news. From the article:

Brian Matusz left the ballpark to undergo an MRI on his back after experiencing pain while trying to throw. He's a candidate to join Justin Duchscherer on the disabled list and create a possible ripple effect in the rotation.

No. 3 starter Chris Tillman could be bumped up a day and start tomorrow night, or the Orioles could bring up a pitcher from their minor league camp.

Manager Buck Showalter indicated that the pain is to the left side of Matusz's middle back area.

So this year I'm trying to cut my budget back and planning on downgrading to the basic cable package for Comcast. If I'm reading it right, MASN is not available for that package. I can't live without O's games and I was wondering if I could watch the O's game with mlb.tv? I was wondering if because I live in the Baltimore area if the O's games would be blackout for me on mlb.tv?

Okay, it looks like the O's are about done until spring training........

What are some Baltimore accents/words you say that people in other areas call you out on? For me..........

Baltimore = Bawlmer

Maryland = Merlin

Wash = Worshing

Orioles = How bout them O's, hon

Its funny when  people call you out on words that you never realized you said different from other people in other areas. Being born in Baltimore, and my family ancestry dating back long as I can remember as Baltimore natives, I’ve developed a few habits.

What are yours...........

FoxSports - The Dodgers are looking at Jays reliever Jason Frasor, major-league sources say, and Orioles closer George Sherrill is another reliever on their wish list.

General manager Ned Colletti has identified setup relief as a principal area of need, and Frasor and Sherrill are two of the better options available.

I don't see much in the Dodgers organization we could recieve with just Sherrill, other than a mid-level guy. But, I'd be all for trading Georgy boy for the right price, with his age, an the fact we don't know how long he's going to perform like has past few months.

I managed to score an interview with Dean Jones Jr. from the Baltimore Sun today. For you people who don't know anything about him, he follows the Orioles minor league system and the draft. He will be on our live podcast tonight at 7:00pm EST. You can call into the show if you have a questions for him!

Link
http://birdswatcher.com/

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I am planning on taking my grandfather to the Orioles game on monday for Memorial day. He is in his 70's and is very sensative to the sun. Since its a day game I was wondering what are some sections that are shaded? I been to most of the home games this season and never really payed attention to this. I know the terrace box seats are almost all shaded, is anything else?

Thanks

I don't understand why we sell Yankee products in our stadiums. In our tripple A Norfolk stadium, half the stuff sold inside the store is yankee clothes/hats. Inside of Camden Yards they sell Yankee products. I went to a Marlins and Braves game last year and both of them stadiums didn't sell products outside of there team. Also, the Yankees are thriving off the hiphop community, as they all wear Yankee products, and don't know shit about the team, and not even from NY. I hope one day that trend will acutally end. Alright, thats off my chest.

Alright, so I voted 25 for the all-star game, how do I get my free ticket haha? Are they suppose to be emailed to me or what? If you haven’t noticed by now I'm trying to add on words. I'm surprised they are giving away tickets so easily, I should use like 20 different computers and get free tickets the hole second half of the season. Where are my effin tickets! Thanks

Camden Chat was mentioned in the Baltimore Sun today. God damn SBnation must be making a lot of money off this blog.

Here is the link (click here)

If SC actually owned this blog, he could of made roughly $135,000 from it. Is that just crazy or what. Who would of thunked so much money would be in this stuff.

Also, my O's blog, BirdsWatcher.com was mentioned in that article, thank you, thank you very much. haha

I am so tired of announcers and other people say a player is automatically tough because they are from New York. You hardly ever hear it when somebody comes from rougher cities such as Baltimore, Detroit, St Louis, New Orleans. My fiancé from nyc, and I've been there soo many times, its not that bad (safest big city). Will they just shut the hell up about being from NY your automatically a tough kid. Sorry, felt like ranting about this.

Matt Wieters will be sent down to Norfolk on Monday, which is no surprise.

"It's fun up here," he said. "It's fun wherever you are, but it's even more fun up here. I'm excited to be playing in Norfolk. It's a different level of competition for me. I just want to go there and work hard and get back as soon as possible."

Wieters will have to stay in Norfolk for at least 12 days to keep another year on his contract. Most likely if Wieters does good in triple A Norfolk, he will be called up to the Majors by June. Wieters, you have been sent way, but will rise once again

Link

CelticsBlog was best before it got that big redone design and switched to Joomla. When it was that simple wordpress blog it always seemed a lot better to me. The Chat and forum also seemed more active, and actually found the blog more attractive. Now, there really isn’t even that much writing on the blog, just quotes from other articles and sites. To me, the quality really went down when switched to the fancy joomla site.

The Orioles vs Nats game in Norfolk April 3, which team is going to be the home team? I know its being played at the O's tripple A stadium, but i haven't read anywhere if we are the home team. I want to buy my tickets Saturday and make sure I'm sitting on the O's side. Ticketmaster didn't have any information except Orioles Vs Nationals. Anybody know for sure who is going to be the home team?

I've been given the opportunity to be able to ask Chris Ray a few questions. Post some good question ideas to ask him. I'd prefer if you only leave serous questions haha. Lets think of a couple questions that Roch or somebody else hasn’t asked him though. He seems like a pretty cool guy so I expect some good answers. I may also be getting interviews with others in the future. I'll probably only send him around 3-5 questions.

The orioles are playing agains itally tomorrow at noon, and I was wondering if anybody is broadcasting it? Somebody has to have it streamed online, tv, or radio?

To fill up the words, I'm interested to see how Wieters does tomorrow. He's being put at the cleanup spot in the lineup. I know the orioles will most likley use around 4-6 pitchers. Hope I can watch or listen to it. Two more words needed.

In case anybody was interested in going to the Nats Vs O's game in norfolk, the tickets will go on sale at 10 am march 14th. You should be able to buy the tickets at the stadium and online (i'm hoping).

I sure hope its a warm day outside, with no rain. Its wierd that box seats are only 2 dollars more then regular seats. I dont think I want to be sitting box seats though at Norfolk with MLB hitters at the plate.

I know this is kind of a wierd question, but I was just wondering if anybody knows where I could find this hoody at online at another site?

http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Baltimore_Orioles_Sweatshirts_And_Fleece/Majestic_Baltimore_Orioles_Black_Tackle_Twill_Hoody_Sweatshirt

As you can see its sold out in 2 X, so I was just wondering if there was any other place online that sells this hoodie.

muchos gracias, I need to fill up space, that is the only spanish I know. I am now complete

The MLB draft is in June isn't it? What is our chances to get Grant Green? He seems like a very promising short stop, with a bat and a glove. I believe we have the 5th pick, and last I saw he is perdicated to go 3rd to Padres. Is there any chance he can drop down to us? I'd like to pick somebody other then a pitcher this draft . Robbie Shields is a decent looking shortstop and looks like may go mid 1st round, and chance we would select him?

Can us Orioles fans please get out to the ball park that one day against the yankees. I want more boos comming from the stands then cheers when Teixeira steps up to the plate .  If anybody has a urge to throw a pretzel, hotdogs, sodas,  you don't have to hold back (memorial stadium). Please, pretty please im begging this one time lets take over camden during a yankee game. It can happen, cant it?

Alright, so I managed to get a interview with Fabian Washington. And I'd like 5-10 questions to be able to ask him. Only serious questions please.

So far I got these questions.....

1. What, if anything, have you added to your game since joining the ravens?

2. Is there anyone in particular who has taken you under their wing to aid in your assimilation into the defense?

I have to add a few more words here

Sure he has anger issues, and may run up the stadium and punch Palmer in the face, but I’d take that risk. He can be a backup in the field, or convert him to first base, or DH. The dude can hit. I remember watching him when he played in double A Harrisburg and hit a grand slam in the pouring down rain in the bottom of the 9th with two outs to win the game by a run. So spit on sexsons feet an get Bradley for gosh sake.

I can honestly say that I've never truly followed woman’s basketball. But I made my way today out to Norfolk to root on our lady Terps, and i was quite surprised how good they are. The energy these woman brought to almost every trip down the court was very entertaining, and how well they shot.

I had the opportunity to sit behind the Terps bench, and watch first hand how good Coleman and especially Toliver are. I see why they are being projected to go so high in the draft. It was a very close game in front a bunch of (cry baby) ODU fans, but we squeaked out a 74-65 win. If you never been to a lady Terp game, should go check them out.

Here is a awesome picture I took of Coleman an Toliver walking off after the win..

Does anybody know when tickets will be going on sale for the Nats Vs Orioles game on April 3, in Norfolk?

This 75 word shit is so god damn annoying, please get rid of it so i dont gotta do this to post. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

So, I plain going an getting a custom shirt made with Baltimore across down the front, but on the back a big picture of camden yards with high rises around it (more focused on the high rises), with a eary purple sky.

Only problem is, i can't find a good picture with view looken down on camden yards with also view of the high rises. Can somebody help me find a good picture (and if good with photoshop ad eary purple sky Click here < like that over the city). Thanks to anybody who helps!

If you design it for me to show the guy who does it, would be GREAT

Baltimore Sun - Contract-extension talks between the Orioles and their star right fielder Nick Markakis have broken off and likely will not be revisited for at least six weeks.

Both club president Andy MacPhail and Markakis' agent, Jamie Murphy, confirmed that the sides exchanged proposals last week for the first time this offseason and, after several discussions, an agreement could not be reached.

"I wouldn't say [it's been] tiring, but it's been a long, drawn-out process," Markakis said by phone Tuesday. "It just goes back and forth. For the most part, like I've said 1,000 times, you want to come to something that is comfortable for both sides something good for the Orioles and something good for myself and my family."

I don't like this. We should of locked him up already!!!!

Baltimore Sun - The Orioles have had discussions with outfielder Nick Markakis about a contract extension.

Markakis' agent Jamie Murphy said he has had "active talks" with team president Andy MacPhail as recently as Monday.

He is eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason and cannot be a free agent until 2011

I'm a little suprised they haven't reach an agreement yet. One of the most underpaid players last season needs to get his paper up Andy.

Orioles president Andy MacPhail reiterated today that extending the contracts of second baseman Brian Roberts and outfielder Nick Markakis is among the organization's offseason priorities and the team has talked "generalities" with the agents of the two players.

"I would say we're still in the initial contact phase, but there have been conversations as it relates to both players," MacPhail said. "We have plenty of time to talk to the two of them, but it's not a horse race. It's not one over the other or one ahead of the other. We're interested in talking to them both."

"When you talk about an extension in good faith, you ought to follow through on the extension talk first," MacPhail said. "I don't think you talk extension to trade him."

First off, I hope Markakis will get his extension soon as possible. But to me it sounds like McPhail isn't as high on trading Roberts this season as last.