Funny--I was just thinking the same thing about grown men swinging a wooden stick at a ball...

Kevin, can you briefly share your thoughts on Brett Wallace (former 3B prospect) vs. Josh Bell, and why you rate one a 5-star and the other 4-star prospect? Thanks for the reports; they're a great read.

Do we continue to use counting stats, popularity votes, and home team to determine the merits of a player's HOF worthiness? And for a completely different discussion, for a sport that puts so much value in batting abilities and so little in comparison to defense, how is it the DH is even questioned as unqualified for the HOF?

Sadly, he had pretty awful base running instincts in '09. I don't think he was given many green lights.

Kev, I'm curious to know what kind of numbers you'd expect from Bergesen?

Just to be equal, make sure you take it with a "grain of salt".

I'm not so sure MacPhail would be willing to part with the two top arms AND one the best bats in the system for a 1B (albeit an amazing one). He's seriously expressed an unwillingness to part with centerpieces of the team, and that means pitching. Also--just my opinion--but Zach Britton could become a really solid starter. He's got a similar repertoire to Brad Bergesen, and also has above average control. Plus, he's generated a lot more Ks than Bergy in the minors. However, Fielder would be a GREAT addition. How many guys who are only 25 hit 40+ HRs every year. I want that on my O's.

Quality shortstops are hard to come by, but JJ Hardy seems like a possible fit for the O's.

For the first time in a decade, the Orioles may actually have decent starting pitching next year. Crossing fingers...

Going four starts back when Matusz was with Frederick, he has allowed only 1 ER over his last 41 1/3 IP. He struck out 41 and walked only 11. Anyone have an idea what the record is for scoreless inning streaks in the minors is?

John Geer, so sad but so true.