While many people did not believe that the Orioles were playoff contenders this season, most thought they would at least be an improved team. It was believed that their young core should be one season close to competing for a playoff spot, but by the early looks of things, this does not appear to be the case. The Orioles have sputtered out of the gate, with an American League worst 2-12 record, and their early struggles have brought manager Dave Trembley’s immediate future into question. Trembley is my early pick for first manager to get fired and as of now it would be a shock if he made it to Memorial Day.

To be blunt, the Orioles should be playing better baseball. They have a lineup full of good hitters, highlighted by Matt Wieters, Nick Markakis, and Adam Jones, and a core of decent starting pitchers with Brian Matusz and Kevin Millwood. Much of their early season struggles can be blamed on their inability to hit with runners in scoring position and struggles in the bullpen, most notably Mike Gonzalez whose ERA is a shade below 20. There is enough talent on the roster to salvage the season and play competitive games into the summer, but if they do not turn it around soon, one has to wonder if Dave Trembley will be in charge.

by Josh Weiner at the Sports Fan Blog Network

The Orioles have spoken, and they’ve chosen Nick Markakis as their Most Valuable Player in an informal but comprehensive polling of the clubhouse. More than 20 players and the team’s manager responded to a recent survey regarding the team’s MVP, and Markakis edged Brian Roberts by a single vote.

And if that wasn’t close enough, a closer inspection of the ballot makes the point even clearer. Six players opted to split their choice between Markakis and Roberts, and one even divvied his choice between those two and Adam Jones. Jones and Brad Bergesen were the only other players to receive a single vote.

Jeremy Guthrie, who opted to cut his ballot into thirds, explained why the polling was so close.

“Each of them have done so much for the team, and all of them are so important that losing them would have a dramatic effect,” he said. “We see that now with Jones sidelined. And they all play key positions for us. Start to finish, Nick’s had a very solid season defensively and offensively. Brian’s shown again why he’s so important to our team, setting the table for us all year and having a tremendous second half. Adam Jones has obviously had a breakout season and he’s showed a lot of the potential that everyone saw in him.”


Click here to read the full article – By Spencer Fordin of MLB.com

Baltimore Orioles Sports Memorabilia
and other Baltimore Orioles Gifts and Collectibles
Below are links to memorabilia available for Nick Markakis.

Markakis’ previous career high was 35 straight games in which he reached base, which he achieved early this season. He has reached base in 104 of the 118 games he has started this year.

Markakis, who is in the top 10 in the American League in hits, RBI, total bases, doubles and extra-base hits, is batting .307 with 15 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .361 on-base percentage this season. The 0-for-4 on Wednesday also snapped an 11-game hit streak.

Click here to read the full article – By Zach Schonbrun of MLB.com

Baltimore Orioles Sports Memorabilia
and other Baltimore Orioles Autographs
Below are links to memorabilia available for Nick Markakis.