Ripken, Jr. encouraged by Orioles' offseason moves - Baltimore Sun
"Asked about the Orioles offseason accumulation of arms —the club has acquired seven new pitchers on the 40-man roster since the end of last year —Ripken said he thought new club executive vice president Dan Duquette has built "the nucleus of a pretty good club."

Voices boom inside Oriole Park - baltimoresun.com
"The Orioles are searching for the voice of a new generation, and Oriole Park vibrated Saturday with the sounds of the 25 semifinalists who are hoping to become the full-time public address announcer for the team's 20th anniversary season at Camden Yards."

Orioles fantasy camp, 'a feeling you can't describe' | The Daily Times
"When Bryan Adkins made the trip down to Sarasota, Fla., late last month, it was for more than just leisure. For the Salisbury resident, it was a chance to play the game he loved so much as he took part in the Baltimore Orioles' "Dream Week." The event took place from Jan. 29-Feb. 4 at the team's spring training and minor-league complex."

Is the cellar door locked? | The Yankee Analysts
"If I told you I was going to give you three players to build your offensive and positional lineup around, and that these three players would be a shorstop, center fielder, and catcher, all in their mid-20s, all with above average defensive ability, who combined to hit 77 home runs last season, you’d think that lineup would turn out pretty damn good. Unfortunately for Baltimore, just about nothing else has gone right." A few observations on our troubles by an outside observer.

Happy Birthday to Bowser herself today!

And apparently, there's one more football game. Don't know why they're bothering, the season ended two weeks ago. Sheesh, NFL, try and keep up. Honestly, there's not much in the way of Orioles news. To say there's slim pickin's would be an insult to this guy. But here's what's happening:

Orioles Unload 'Everything But the Crab Cakes' into Ed Smith Stadium - Sarasota, FL Patch
"Spring Training is getting closer, as the Baltimore Orioles unload a van full of supplies into its Baseball Operations Center and Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday. "We've brought everything but the crab cakes," said Laura Williams, Orioles director of Florida Operations." Oh, and there's video.

Ernst: Orioles' promise of youth facility looks hollow | HeraldTribune.com
"Just tell them what they want to hear. It's a surefire strategy in most cases, and we can see how it was used to perfection in the Sarasota County Commission's dealings with the Baltimore Orioles baseball team." Seems the O's haven't made everyone happy down in Florida.

Orioles' Taiwanese starter called best investment: LA Times - CNA ENGLISH NEWS
"A three-year baseball contract the American Baltimore Orioles signed with Taiwanese pitcher Chen Wei-yin was one of the "smartest" investments in Major League Baseball (MLB) recently, the Los Angeles Times said in its Saturday edition."

Orioles early birds pounce on spring training seats | HeraldTribune.com
"Baltimore Orioles spring training tickets were snapped up by an eager, albeit slightly older crowd Saturday morning at Ed Smith Stadium."

Orioles: Notes on Edwin Jackson and Koji Uehara - baltimoresun.com
"Fox Sports has reported that free-agent right-hander Edwin Jackson has multiple three-year offers available. Not sure if the Orioles are one of the teams that have made an offer, but it would make sense if they were. The Orioles like Jackson and would love to have another right-handed innings eater toward the top of their rotation." Actually, I'm not so sure it would make sense.

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson injured in fall, misses DiMaggio event
"Robinson, 74, fell backward from a stage during a charity dinner featuring retired players at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Hollywood. Several retired players said they were told Robinson had two fractures in his rear shoulder area, including a broken clavicle. They also said Robinson was alert and responsive as paramedics treated him."

Looking at the AL East prospects - Baltimore Sun
"There’s great news and not-so-good news for Orioles fans. First, the good: The Orioles are the only team in baseball to have two players in the top 10 -- shortstop Manny Machado and pitcher Dylan Bundy....The bad news is that the Orioles had no other minor leaguer listed in the top 100."

School of Roch: Hudson claimed by Rangers
"I just returned from the Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet at the Delmar VFW, where I was introduced to slippery dumplings. Where have they been all my life?" The food was fantastic. I don't know how Roch has lived in Maryland all these years and not had slick dumplings. But I digress. Kyle Hudson was claimed by the Texas Rangers. I still think the fact Roch's never had slick dumplings is more newsworthy, though. Oh, and we're supposed to be paying attention to the Cardinals, per Roch's buddy in St. Louis.

Lots of information, if not actual news, out of yesterday's FanFest activities and availabilities.

Strong turnout for Orioles FanFest - Carroll County Times: Local
Adam Jones on the city's passion for the Ravens this weekend: "This just shows that this city is loyal and if we were to win, I think this whole damn place would be full."

School of Roch: Johnson expects to be in bullpen in 2012
"Johnson knew what was coming. Is he going to be a starter or reliever this season? "You guys probably know more than I do," he said. "I'll be in the bullpen. I'm pretty sure about that." As the closer? "We'll figure that out in the spring," he replied."

Steve Melewski: Jones on trade and contract talks
"I like Baltimore. I've planted some roots here and I like working in the city. If I am fortunate enough to be here a long time, I can build trees from those roots. I'm from California, but that doesn't mean anything about my career. I just live in California," he said.

Baltimore Orioles right-fielder Nick Markakis looks to be ready for Opening Day | MLB.com: News
"This could be a good thing," Markakis said of allowing his body time to heal. "I've never actually taken off a full offseason to rest. I talked to Aubrey [Huff] before I had my surgery, and he came off his best year after the surgery, and he was kind of on the same routine I'm on. He rested the whole offseason, and he got back in the swing of things after he had his surgery in January. I'm not saying I'm expecting to go out there and have my best year, but we'll see how things play out, and we'll go from there."

Dan Duquette and the Baltimore Orioles address 2012 team at Orioles FanFest | MLB.com: News
"We should be able to sign a few more players to supplement our roster, players we can at least take a look at in camp," Duquette said. "We'll continue to work on improving our roster. That never stops, really, but I think there's a good opportunity to add a few more players here in the next couple of weeks."

School of Roch: Orioles' international efforts return to Korea
"Anyway, the Orioles apparently signed a 17-year-old high school pitcher from Korea who's rated as its top amateur. And unlike Chong Tae-Hyon, he won't change his mind."

Orioles hope to make inroads in city that’s gone crazy over NFL’s Ravens - The Washington Post
"The Orioles on Saturday held an event designed to create a buzz about the club before spring training begins next month. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been much worse. Not only was city awash in purple on the eve of the Ravens’ appearance in the AFC championship game, but it also snowed overnight."

Arrieta eager to show Orioles that elbow problems are in the past - baltimoresun.com
"Orioles right-hander Jake Arrieta said he's progressing well from August surgery to remove a ping-pong ball-sized bone chip from his right elbow."

Have fun, all those of you heading to FanFest. Be sure to check out @EatMoreEsskay and his Twitter feed throughout the day for his "insider-for-a-day" take on the goings on.

Orioles to unveil website dedicated to 20th season at Camden Yards - Baltimore Business Journal
"The Baltimore Orioles will unveil at its annual FanFest on Saturday a new website centered on the team’s 20th anniversary season at Camden Yards."

As FanFest arrives, Orioles fans' optimism more muted than last year - baltimoresun.com
"Orioles manager Buck Showalter will take part in his second FanFest on Saturday, and he will be one of the first to say there's not as much buzz around the team's expectations as there was a year ago heading into the unofficial kickoff to the season"

Fantasy Baseball Breaking News - Rotoworld.com
"According to Fernando Ballesteros of Mexican baseball magazine Puro Béisbol, free agent reliever Luis Ayala is weighing offers from the Angels and the Orioles and could sign with one of the two clubs "at any moment."

Steve Melewski: Rick Peterson brings biomechanical analysis to the Orioles
"With Peterson now on board, Orioles pitchers, at both the major and minor league levels, are going to become familiar with something called biomechanical analysis. It's a little more involved than "work fast and throw strikes."

School of Roch: Quick hits from Showalter (and confirming note)
"Showalter also said that Nolan Reimold will get the opportunity in spring training to become the everyday left fielder. "It's time for him to step up," Showalter said, adding that Reimold is out of minor league options."

Report: Oakland A's 'very interested' in Manny Ramirez - San Jose Mercury News
"According to an ESPN Deportes report, the A's are "very interested" in signing the 39-year-old to be their primary designated hitter. Ramirez reportedly has taken swings in an indoor cage for scouts from the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays; he plans to stage further workouts in Miami for other clubs before the end of the month."

Q&A with Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette - baltimoresun.com
"Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette says he's not done adding to the team's roster for 2012 and talks about pitching, international scouting and more."

Video: Meet new Orioles reporter Eduardo A. Encina - baltimoresun.com
Meet the new guy.

Marlins, Orioles Among MLB Teams With Subpar Farm Systems - MLB - NESN.com
Not exactly a surprise.

Steve Melewski: One national columnist calls Adam Jones a disappointment
Rob Neyer said that about Adam Jones, and Steve Melewski isn't happy about it. At all.

Orioles: Orioles watch Manny Ramirez take batting practice, report says - baltimoresun.com
"The Orioles are reportedly showing interest in Manny Ramirez, at least enough to want to see him swing a bat again." Cue Darth Vader...

Or not. Or Maybe Just Play-off Positioning. Or maybe just resting starters in the second half (looking at YOU, Green Bay). Or maybe your team's already out of it and courting Jeff Fisher already at the team's hotel this very weekend. (I really, really hope Raheem Morris rented this year.)

Anyway, use this space to document the end of your Pick 'Em hopes, your lament at your favorite team disappointing, or general NFL frivolity not including other fantasy football leagues, because quite frankly, you are the only person out of 7 billion on Earth who cares about how Chris Johnson's 79 (and not 80) yards screwed you out of a berth in your league's finals.

Prince Fielder was in the Baltimore-Washington area, but not to meet with the Orioles… | HardballTalk
You know how Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo keeps trying to downplay his team's interest in Prince Fielder? How he keeps saying Adam LaRoche is going to be the team's first baseman next season? Yeah, this story isn't going to help his cause.(ED.NOTE: Not sure to whom to give credit for clipping this)

Orioles don’t appear to be in Prince Fielder sweepstakes - MLB - Sporting News
"According to The Baltimore Sun, Fielder and agent Scott Boras met with several major league owners during December, but Orioles’ managing partner Peter Angelos wasn’t one of them."

Steve Melewski: Dan Duquette: Between a rock and a (frustrated) fan base
"I don't completely relate, though, to the fans who seem to be clinging to seemingly extreme long shot hope that the Orioles will sign free agent Prince Fielder. I just don't see it happening and think the odds are not good at all." Just in case you thought Steve Melewski was losing his grip on reality.

A year in the life - Birds Watcher
"For the most part the Orioles were the Paul Sarbanes of the league in that they were somewhat forgotten." Any reference to the retired Maryland U.S. Senator from Salisbury is gonna get clipped by me.

Strains, Heartbreak, and RedmptiOn
The Wayward Oriole's always-wOrthy retrOspective of the Year That Was in BaltimOre. -zk

May you and yours have a wonderful 2012, and here's hoping the Mayans were really, really wrong.

Under a blood red sky

A crowd has gathered in black and white (ED. NOTE: and orange!)

Arms entwined, the chosen few

The newspapers says, says

Say it's true it's true...

And we can break through

Though torn in two

We can be one

You wanted the best? You got the best! Your weekly repository for NFL and Pick 'Em-related talk and banter.

Orioles Plan to Play Moneyball? | Baltimore Sports Report
I don't think one hire means we've hired Brad Pitt as our GM, but hey, maybe it does.

Kevin Cowherd: Orioles have been frugal this holiday season - Baltimore Sun
"As usual, it looks like the Orioles are celebrating this holiday season on the cheap." Because throwing around $100 million or so on free agents would have definitely made us a contender. Man, I hate the Baltimore media sometimes. OK, most of the time. OK, everyone except Amber, Brittany and Jeff Z. And the dude that covers UMd at The Sun. He ain't bad either. And Roch has his uses. Otherwise? Coal for Christmas for all of you!

School of Roch: Because you asked about Aoki...
"I was told by an industry source tonight that the Orioles "weren't believed" to have placed a bid on Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki. That's the closest I've come to a firm confirmation." See? Roch sometimes does have useful information.

Seattle Mariners Bring Back Pitcher George Sherrill: A Fan's Reaction - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
"Mariners fans will definitely remember Sherrill as one of the players that the team traded away to get Erik Bedard from the Baltimore Orioles a few years ago. Now he will come back to the team on a one-year deal that is worth $1.1 million plus incentives."

Poor planning on my part has me without computer access, so use this thread as a DIY news thread.

Top questions for Duquette and Orioles heading into the winter meetings - Sacramento Bee
It's The Sun's story on the challenges facing our new President of...whatever. Title's way too long.

Steve Melewski: Dan Duquette: No decision on Jones yet
Looks like Adam Jones isn't untouchable for this year's Winter Meetings. Then again, he may get a contract extension.

New Oriole Merchandise - Birdswatcher
Lots of new stuff in the O's store at The Warehouse

School of Roch: Ferreira and Blakeley among possible front office hires
DD is finishing up the replenishment of the front office.

Robert Pattinson's Pub Night Out in Los Feliz | Celebrity-gossip.net
Our most famous sparkly fan still sports the O's cap. He sparkles in those movies, right? That's what I hear, anyway.

Just in case anyone wanted a space to hang out and type, here you are.

Amber Theoharis: Wondering how Duquette will approach sticky Roberts situation
"Roberts told me this is the most difficult thing he's ever had to deal with. This, coming from a man who practically had his arm ripped off covering first base in 2005 and had open heart surgery as a 5-year-old boy." Well, that certainly puts his concussions in a new light, doesn't it? Worse than open heart surgery as a kindergartner?

School of Roch: Giving Kelly Johnson a second base thought
'Tis the season for baseball pundits to throw stuff against the wall and see what sticks.

Wei-yen Chen expected to become free agent in December - MLB Hot off the Wire
The Orioles are just one of sa dozen teams that would like to talk to the lefthanded Korean pitcher. I'm sure this will end well.

School of Roch: More on the rotation
Apparently, there was something about the rotation earlier, because here's more now.

There's not much out there in the news concerning all things Orioles, but here's what I found.

Amber Theoharis: Orioles need to be big player in free agency
"With a solid core of talented young position players in place, the impact of adding one top-of-the-rotation starter could be huge. I don't believe the O's are as far away from competing as Duquette implied in his initial press conference two weeks ago." Oh, Amber, why have you forsaken logic and reason?

School of Roch: Luke Scott: "When they're ready, I'll be ready"
Luke Scott on his contract status: "I haven't been too concerned about it. It's not taking up any of my thoughts or time. I know it will happen when it happens. There's a new GM. I understand they have a lot to talk about. When they're ready, I'll be ready."