Cam Cameron fired? Confirmed!

     The Baltimore Ravens have fired Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. As confirmed by the Baltimore Sun today, Quarterback's Coach Jim Caldwell (formerly of the Indianapolis Colts) will be Cameron's replacement as Offensive Coordinator. A source from the Raven's organization said, "Inconsistency and the lack of progression." lead to this decision.  The Ravens started strong on Sunday against the Redskins but the lopsided performance is not what any one wants to see this time of the season. The Ravens face Manning and his Denver Broncos next week at M & T Bank Stadium. Lets see if this change is the spark the offense has needed!


Let us know what you think about this! Email us at charmcitysportspodcast@gmail.com

Peace,

Mike

Been a little quiet lately.....

    Hey folks no worries we didn't go away. I have been a bit under the weather since last Thursday and Greg is also going to be laid up for a bit. We did do a Podcast following the Orioles loss but I have had a few problems uploading it. More updates and such coming soon!

Peace and good vibes,

Mike

Game 5 - A Season On the Line

     Does anyone else getfeeling that this Orioles vs. Yankees series is alot like a boxing match?  The Yankees taking game 1, Orioles game 2, Yankees 3, and then last nights back and forth punches from inning to inning with the terrific pitchers on both teams, yet the O's finidng a way to get it done! First one team is on the ropes, then the next..and it just keeps alternating. It's really been one of the better ALDS series played so far. 

     

     This evening's game will pit Sabathia vs. Hamels, a rematch from game 1 of this series. Both pitchers did very well and it wasn't until the Orioles bullpen came in that the Yankees exploded for 6 runs and ran away with the win. What do the O's need to do to win tonight? 

     Here's my thoughts: 

 1. Get to Sabathia early. Make him work, get on base, and try to push runs across. The longer he stays on the mound with less work, just the better he gets. I would love to see him chased early from the game! If you can start knocking him around, he is susceptible to big innings. 

2. Plate discipline for O's hitters. Just take your time, work your counts, wait for your pitch. Keep fouling them off until you get something you like. There were so many pitches in the dirt swung at and missed last night. Chris Davis had three in a row. They need to focus and be patient. 

3. Just smart baserunning. Lew Ford getting picked off at first at first last night ended up not being a glaring mistake, but it can't happen again. At 5:07, the Orioles fight to stay alive in this postseason. They can do it, but if the rest of this series has been any indication it'll be a back and forth to the end. 

Let's hope the O's can stay off the ropes though and knock those Yankees out! 

 - Greg

Baltimore comes out on top! Tie series and force game 5.

     Have the O's finally gotten their jitters out? I don't know about you but I sure hope so! Inning after inning the pitchers did what they had to do. The main thing that concerns me is the fact that both Adam Jones and Chris Davis were swinging at everything. At one point late in the game it almost seemed like Davis was tired at the plate or didn't care swinging at balls that were in the dirt. Something was bugging those guys and I sure hope they have figured it out. Tomorrow night is it. Thursday night the defense proved they are ready, the pitching was also spot on. The bats and the base runners need to stay smart, relax and just go for those base hits. Forget about the fence, hit it in the gaps and move the base runners forward. If you are not going to steal second then please keep you head in the game and not get picked off.

     Tonight JJ Hardy came through when his squad needed him the most, and Jimmy Johnson redeemed himself. These guys need to come to the game tomorrow ready to hit the ball. Pitching can only carry a team so far, and we need some big at bats to show that lights out pitching staff some much needed love. I gotta tell you, when Machado got on to 3rd base I could not sit any longer. I was up and pacing back and forth. I am also not watching the game on TBS. I am listening to it on WBAL 1090 AM. If you are watching it then you are missing out on better play calling! In case you missed it because you went to bed, below is the game winning double by JJ Hardy. That is all we need tomorrow consistent base hits, or as Greg like to call them, bloopers in the gaps to move runners along.








Let's get this done!

-Mike

For O's about to rock....

     The mood is solemn. The same thing is on the minds of every baseball fan in Baltimore. The fans know that their team has what it takes but chose not to say anything except, "I Believe." The powder keg of emotion's is filling up. Question's and doubt's begin to build but you remind your self to push those aside. You choose to send positive thoughts in the direction of your beloved Orioles. The day seems to drag, and you start thinking back to every season since 1997. Then it hits you. We should not be here! This team is different. This team is special. THIS TEAM IS AWESOME!!!! A song pops into your head and you make it your own and dedicate this anthem to the team you love! For O's About to ROCK, We Salute You!

Buckle up Yankees fans because this O's train is rolling full steam ahead baby!!!!

Peace and good vibes,

Mike

Not just one hero, but a team of hero's.

     I have to be honest, when I first started hearing the "Orioles Magic" song a few weeks ago I was like, "What is this?" in a very sarcastic tone. You know what though? This team does have something special about them that really has me excited for their post season. Not so much excited for that song though. Lets take a moment and think about the personalities on this O's team. Going through the roster I can not think of a single player that you could honestly label as a jerk, or greedy, or even selfish. They are all looking out for each other and every single one of them is contributing and not spitting out any drama. What do I mean by drama? Well now take a second and scroll back into your memory the following names: Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Belle. Sure every one of them had talent, but they also brought along a mountain of drama that really put a drag on team moral. I will never for get when Clemens won his first World Series with the Yankees, I believe Paul O'Neill's father passed away that day. In support of Paul the Yankees all kept their celebration kind of mellow, but then you had Clemens, he was the only one with a giant grin on his face and jumping up and down screaming. At that moment I realized he was in it only for him not for his team or the fans but for him. That day I lost any shred of respect I had left for Roger Clemens.

     Below is an interview with coach Showalter and I think he really says it best in regards to the chemistry of this team.





I could not have said it better than myself!

Next up is a segment that was aired on FOX 25 in Boston back in 2006. I am the guy referred to as "Case Man" You will know its me when you hear the Clemens doormat comment.

Peace and good vibes. Let's Go O's!!!

-Mike

Baltimore stuns Texas!

     Bases loaded with 2 outs, tying run at the plate. Texas fans are waving their towels and have their rally caps on. The pitch! The moment that the ring from the crack of the bat reaches their ears Texas fans stand to their feet. The ball is hit high and far. Then Cal Ripken Jr. breaks the bad news to Rangers fans all over the world, "He's got it." Moments later the ball lands in the glove. Game over, the Orioles are going to the ALDS and have won the first ever AL Wildcard game! Every single player from Baltimore contributed one way or another. How many times have you seen other teams pretty much carried by one or 2 big bats? Every one on the O's roster can hit the ball and place it where it needs to go. If you have not listened to our Podcast from tonight feel free to give it a listen. I will be at the game on Sunday and am excited for an exciting series vs. the Yanks. This team has something special going on, they are hungry and each player is looking out for the other. I for one am excited by the prospect of a "Battle of the Beltway" World Series!

LET'S GO O'S!

-Mike

Friday October 5, 2012 O's vs Texas

The Baltimore Orioles will be facing the Texas Rangers Friday October 5th at 8:30pm Eastern Time.

Time to....BUCKLE UP! Baby! Lets GO O's!!!!

-Mike

Let's go RED SOX!.....wait....what?

     So tonight we find out if there will be an Eastern Division tiebreaker game at Camden Yards against the Yankees. Chris Davis has been lights out awesome these past few weeks so that makes up for the Sox not getting it done when it matters most to other teams! Tonight, like most folks in the Baltimore area, will not only be watching the O's game but they will also be watching the game up in New York. In a way I feel bad for Bobby Valentine. He is probably going to get the boot following the fall of the Red Sox this season. He was brought into a mess, but he was well aware of the mess he was going into and things just seemed to get worse as the season went on. The O's, on the other hand, have flourished under the leadership of Buck Showalter.

Matt Wieters (right) shakes hands with Jim Thome after his home run in the 7th inning against the Rays October 1st. (Chris O'meara/AP)

     A team of no names. Just ask any one outside of Baltimore to name 2 current players. You will get a lot of "uh....um...." Now ask them to name 2 current Yankees. Heck even you came up with two names without even thinking. This is also how you can identify bandwagon. Any true fan will come up with at least one of the following names: Nate McLouth, Ryan Flaherty, Robert Andino, Wei-Yin Chen, Matt Wieters, or Nick Markakis. Bandwagon usually only gets their info from ESPN and will usually only mention these following names: Jim Thome, Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy, Chris Davis, Miguel Gonzalez, and Manny Machado. Buck Showalter has taken this team and made them into something awesome. I have been living in the Baltimore area for over 10 years now and I have never heard the area buzzing so much about the O's. Its weird but man I like it because it's baseball and baseball rocks my socks! Let's Go O's!

Peace and good vibes,

Mike

Orioles to the Playoff's!

The Orioles are in the playoff's for the first time since 1997!!! Congratulations Orioles!

-Mike & Greg

NFL caves to public pressure! Regular Ref's coming back!

     That's right, the NFL struck a deal with the NFLRA Wednesday. We can now go back to complaining about the regular ref's and the other bozo's can go back to stinking up their Division III, and Lingerie Leagues! "Our officials will be back on the field starting [Thursday] night," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. You read that right! They will be back tonight for the Cleveland vs. Baltimore game! So your TV's are safe from being smashed, and please no more holes in the walls! "This agreement supports long-term reforms that will make officiating better. The teams, players and fans want and deserve both consistency and quality in officiating." said Goodell.

     The Ref's will meet Friday and Saturday to vote on the agreement, if it is passed a clinic will be held for the Ref's following the vote. Commissioner Goodell went on to say, ""We look forward to having the finest officials in sports back on the field, and I want to give a special thanks to NFL fans for their passion. Now it's time to put the focus back on the teams and players where it belongs."

Below is a listing of the key terms of this agreement:

» Eight-year term covering the 2012-2019 seasons.

» The current defined benefit pension plan will remain in place for current officials through the 2016 season (or until the official earns 20 years of service). The defined benefit plan will then be frozen.

» Retirement benefits will be provided for new hires, and for all officials beginning in 2017, through a defined contribution arrangement, which will have two elements: an annual league contribution made on behalf of each game official that will begin with an average of more than $18,000 per official and increase to more than $23,000 per official in 2019, and a partial match on any additional contribution that an official makes to his 401(k) account.

» Apart from their benefit package, the game officials' compensation will increase from an average of $149,000 a year in 2011 to $173,000 in 2013, rising to $205,000 by 2019.

» Beginning with the 2013 season, the NFL will have the option of hiring a number of officials on a full-time basis to work year-round, including on the field.

» The NFL will have the option to retain additional officials for training and development purposes, and may assign those additional officials to work NFL games. The number of additional officials will be determined by the NFL

Welcome back Ref's!!!! I don't think I have ever cheered for a ref before.....this is weird!

Peace and good vibes,

Mike

The NFL is losing integrity.

     Last night there was a report during the Pats vs. Ravens game stating that the NFL and the normal Ref's are not even close to an agreement. I can't speak for Greg, but after all the games I watched on Sunday I fully support a player strike! Below is a letter from the NFLPA to league owners. Let the NFLPA know what you think! Send them a message on twitter @NFLPA or you can follow my tweets @CaseRocker

MEMORANDUM

TO:   Owners of NFL Teams  

FROM:  NFLPA Executive Committee

DATE:  September 20, 2012

RE:  Your Lockout of the NFL Referees and the Negative Impact on Football

The NFL Players Association Executive Committee is calling on you to end the lockout of our referees.  We believe there is substantial evidence that you have failed in your obligation to provide as safe a working environment as possible.

Your decision to lock out officials with more than 1,500 years of collective NFL experience has led to a deterioration of order, safety and integrity.  This affirmative decision has not only resulted in poor calls, missed calls and bad game management, but the combination of those deficiencies will only continue to jeopardize player health and safety and the integrity of the game that has taken decades to build.

As we predicted and explained to you weeks ago, the removal of the veteran officials from regular season games left a group of your replacements who have proved to be incapable of keeping pace with the speed of the game. Coaches and players have complained of numerous errors and failures including: erratic and missed calls on egregious holds and hits, increased skirmishes between players and confusion about game rules. Many replacements have lost control of games due to inexperience and unfamiliarity with players and rules. 

The headlines are embarrassing: a scab working a game despite having been on the payroll of one of the teams, another who was assigned to referee a team he publicly supported on Facebook, and one who is a professional poker player when you propose even more stringent player rules on gambling.

It is lost on us as to how you allow a Commissioner to cavalierly issue suspensions and fines in the name of player health and safety yet permit the wholesale removal of the officials that you trained and entrusted to maintain that very health and safety. It has been reported that the two sides are apart by approximately $60,000 per team. We note that your Commissioner has fined an individual player as much in the name of “safety.”  Your actions are looking more and more like simple greed. As players, we see this game as more than the “product” you reference at times. You cannot simply switch to a group of cheaper officials and fulfill your legal, moral, and duty obligations to us and our fans. You need to end the lockout and bring back the officials immediately. 

We are all men who love and respect this game and believe that it represents something beyond just money. For our teammates, our coaches and our fans who deserve better, vote to end this lockout now.         

                                                            Sincerely,

Domonique Foxworth, NFLPA President                                     

Charlie Batch, NFLPA Vice President, Pittsburgh Steelers                         

Cornelius Bennett, NFLPA Former Players Board of Directors Chairman

Drew Brees, NFLPA Vice President, New Orleans Saints                          

Brian Dawkins, NFLPA Vice President                                        

Scott Fujita, NFLPA Vice President, Cleveland Browns                                        

Matt Hasselbeck, NFLPA Vice President, Tennessee Titans

Brandon Moore, NFLPA Vice President, New York Jets

Jeff Saturday, NFLPA Vice President, Green Bay Packers

Mickey Washington, NFLPA Former Players Board of Directors Member

Brian Waters, NFLPA Vice President, New England Patriots

Benjamin Watson, NFLPA Vice President, Cleveland Browns

Replacement Ref's are a disgusting joke!

Orioles Post Season Tickets info

     As promised in the latest Podcast available now for FREE on iTunes! Below is the official link on purchasing post season tickets for the Orioles!

  http://mlb.mlb.com/bal/ticketing/postseason.jsp


 Good luck!

 -Mike & Greg

Congrats O's!

     No better way to start a Monday and busy work week off than knowing the Orioles have secured their first winning season since 1997! It's to the tremendous credit of everyone in their organization for this season and the effort that has been put in. From top to bottom, it takes a good bit to run a team but that's what the Orioles are functioning as throughout this entire season! Still a few games left before the end of the season, and the playoff race isn't about to quit anytime shortly. So hold on, buckle in a bit tighter because this ride isn't over yet! Go O's, keep on rockin' it and showing the league how it is to play and win as a team!

- Greg

One Game Back?!?!?

     Welcome to crazy town folks! We go from begging Mr. Angelos to sell the Orioles to spitting out our coffee when we take a look at the AL East standings and see that the O's are only one game back from first place in the AL East. FIRST PLACE?!?!? People have been talking Wildcard for the O's but hold on to your pants folks the O's could take the Division this season! What on earth made this even possible?

     The O's organization made 2 awesome moves. The first one being the hiring of coach Buck Showalter. A true modern legend in the world of MLB coaching and play calling. The second (big gulp) was the hiring of good ole' Dan Duquette. This guy has had a lot of years to think about the mistakes made with the Red Sox, and he came to Baltimore with something to prove. So far these two "grand masters" have been working well to compliment the others abilities. Oh man, here comes the bandwagon!

     All season I have been excited for the O's. Talking to people at work, online banter on social networks, and so on, and so on. Every one would say to me, "Oh I've been an O's fan my whole life and they always look good early then tank in August." Or they would say, "Don't you remember just a few years back when they looked good until September then tanked right at the end?" I usually reply with a, "Yes, but this is a different team! They have some solid talent and the right leaders to take the season into October!" I am not saying I think this team is going to win the world series. Is it possible? Heck yeah! I am sure this team will not only have a good showing in the playoffs this year, but will also be back next year! That's right folks from where I sit it sure looks like post season baseball is coming back to Baltimore baby! So buy your tickets now! At least before the bandwagon rolls in!

-Case

This is when it gets fun!

     It's late August. Summer is winding down, fall and its cooler temperatures are just around the corner, the kids are back in school, Ravens regular season games are about to start and.....the Orioles are three and a half games back from the Yankees for the AL East Division lead?! Um, what?

     Yes, let's go over that last bit again. Your Baltimore Orioles are just 3.5 games from the overpaid but fairly dominant New York Yankees. How..did...this...happen? Well, looking at the roster would make most people scratch their head. Most people would only be able to name 1-2 players, and the others would just be guesses.

     It's to their tremendous credit what Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette have assembled for a team this year. I'm pretty sure some duct tape and a bit of spackle may be involved, but its holding its own and taking names along the way. Mike and I have made no bones about us growing up as Red Sox fans, and for that matter, I still am with all my heart. As a side note for the record, I am thrilled with the unloading of Beckett, Crawford, and Gonzalez. Originally I was keen on seeing them all signed, but just because you have big name players doesn't mean that translates into a winning team.

     This year's Orioles squad, for that matter, reminds me very much of the early 2000's Red Sox teams. Sure a couple big names, but getting work done and winning as a cohesive group through good starting pitching, some excellent and patient hitting, good defense, and a superb bullpen. The fact they are playing as a team, has me excited about the possibilities ahead. Will they win a World Series this year? Let's not get ahead of ourselves as yet, still some great series and baseball to be played.

     This weekend's matchup against the Yankees, then playing the Rays, Yank again at home, and Red Sox at the end of September are still big obstacles to overcome. Don't think for a second that Red Sox team will forget what happened last year and would love to play spoiler to Baltimore's chances of making the playoffs, much as the Patriots defeated the Ravens from making the Super Bowl.

     Stay excited though, get out to the Yard and support these boys when you can! They've earned it by now and I'm pretty sure no matter what, the dreams of this summer and what the Orioles are doing will carry into the future.

- Greg

The best dry Rubs and Mops

     Many people ask me about Dry Rubs and Mops. The questions I get often are, "Do you season all sides of the meat?" and "What is the best brand to use?" or, "How long should I cook it for?" lets not forget, "What is a Mop?" That one usually comes with a wrinkled nose and scrunched eyebrows. So lets tackle these questions one by one.

     "Do you season all sides of the meat?" Yes I do! Weather it is grilling or slow smoking I want that meat to be full of flavor, but not over powering! This takes practice, you need to know what you are cooking with. Gas, Coal, or Wood? If I am doing burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, hot dogs, veggies or something else that cooks quick I like to use the gas grill. If I am cooking something that needs several hours like, a Pork Shoulder, Ribs, half a Chicken, Beef Brisket, or slow smoked Salmon I like to use wood. For my base I like to use Cowboy Charcoal 16488 Hardwood Lump Charcoal, 8.8-Pound this gives your meat that nice natural woody flavor and it is easy to get started. For my smoke flavors I like to use different types depending on the meat type. For Fish and Pork I like to use either Weber 17004 Apple Wood Chips, 3-Pound or (Mainly ribs and pork shoulders)Char-Broil 2184767 Mesquite Wood Chunks, 5-Pound Bag.
For beef and chicken I like to use Char-Broil 2184766 Hickory Wood Chunks, 5-Pound Bag. Some people ask me about whiskey flavored wood chunks. I find it to be cheaper to just head to the local store and buy a bottle of your favorite whiskey and instead of soaking your wood chunks in water, soak them in a little bit of whiskey (Since I am in the USA, this is for those of us who are 21 years of age or older ONLY).

     "What is the best brand to use?" Again it is all about your own personal tastes. I like to use the following:

• McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning, 15.5-Ounce
• McCormick Grill Mates Seasoning, Brown Sugar and Bourbon, 13.5-Ounce
• McCormick Grill Mates Pork Rub (3.46 oz)
• Grill Mates Cowboy Rub (Case of 6) I get this one by the case!!!
• Grill Mates Bacon Seasoning, Molasses, 2.75-Ounce (Pack of 9) This is awesome for Steak and Burgers!!!
• Emerils, Ssnng Rub Rib, 4.72 OZ (Pack of 12) This stuff is awesome for ribs!

 Not every one is a fan of premixed seasoning, but the stuff listed above is awesome and I use it all!

     "How long should I cook it for?" There is a rule of thumb and you must do your best to follow it if you are doing a large cut of meat like a pork shoulder or a beef brisket. An hour and a half of cooking time per pound. Your temp for low and slow should be steady around 250 to 270 and try not to go over 300. Remember real BBQ is never and I mean NEVER wrapped in tin foil! You are here to BBQ your meat not steam or boil it! When your meat is at it half way point for cooking time it is time to start "Moping".

     "What is a Mop?" The term came from the popular tool used to baste large cuts of meat. Thats right, when you go to any major BBQ competition you will see some people using kitchen mops to apply their secret marinade to their large cuts of meat. The video below is a good starting point for any one who wants to make their own mop. I used this as abase for my last pork shoulder and added some things to make it more to how I wanted it.

     So there you have it! Now its time to go out and select a nice cut of meat and some veggies to match! Even if this is your first time just remember to not rush! Low and slow is always a good call if your aim is tender and juicy BBQ meat. So invite some friends and be sure to enjoy some 

Moxie Soda 12 oz 6 pack 4/6pks!!! This goes best with brisket!!!

-Case

Grilling Steak

     It is hard for me to go to some ones house and watch them grill meat the wrong way. The worst is when some one just slaps a nice T-Bone steak on the grill with no seasoning! You want to know how to make a nice juicy steak on the grill? Below is what I do when grilling steak.

     The first step is selecting a quality cut of beef. Which means you need to know who you are buying from. Some places will have nice looking meat but when you get to it the beef feels tough. The raw meat should be tender and not tough at all. There should also be very little fat in the meat, it is ok to have fat on the outside edges but if the beef looks marbled with lots of fat I recommend to keep looking for a better cut. Once you have selected your cut of beef it is not time to think about seasoning. What flavors get you excited when you think of beef?

     When prepping steak for the grill I like to have the meat marinade for a few hours. I will usually season it the night before. I like to start with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (regular Olive Oil is ok to use as well) make sure you spread it on both sides. Then I will sprinkle some Onion Powder, then some Garlic Powder (If you prefer fresh onion and garlic that is fine to use as well). I then like to use a steak rub from McCormick's line called Grill Mates. I used just a touch of their Cowboy Rub then a lot of their Molasses Bacon Rub. Be sure to season both sides of the steak! One step people seem to almost overlook when getting ready to cook steak on the grill is allowing it to get to room temperature before slapping it on the grill. Its easy to get excited and forget but don't!

     The one thing you never want to do is over cook or under cook your steak! I like mine medium-rare to medium, the wife likes hers well-done.  It will take some practice but once you know and love your grill you'll knock it out of the park every time! The key to quality grilling is knowing what you like and being able to not cook things too fast! Allow yourself time, your steak needs a minute or so to rest before you serve it.

Some T-Bone's I tossed on the grill last weekend.

     Summer is coming to an end but that does not mean that the grill needs to be shut down! Do you grill in the fall or winter? Share with us what you like to grill in the colder seasons! Or if there is something you would like us to review or try feel free to tell us about it! Good vibes and happy grilling!

-Mike

2012 Baseball Cards!

     So all season long I have been collecting 2012 Baseball Cards. I like to take a few years off from collecting and then come back. In 2004 or 2005 I had collected some but had stopped because I had wanted to let the dust settle from all of the steroid mayhem. This year was a good year to start back up. I did a lot of looking and research to see what brand would have the best return some day. Any one who collected in the 1980's knows what I know, you are lucky if 75% of your collection is worth more than 10 cents a card. Be sure to send all of your thank you notes to the steroid users, then thank Topps for making millions of cards in the 80's and 90's.

     Upper Deck was the card of choice late 80's early 90's but not so today. Topps has always made a nice looking card but it is very rare to find a Topps card that is worth much after 30 years. Score is still around others are suspect. I found one old name that is hard to find, but hard to find in a good way. Bowman cards are in high demand. Even the common cards are already worth $1 right out of the pack! The inserts are also starting out with a nice price tag. So my collecting pick this year was Bowman (owned by Topps).

     With the post season shaping up in the MLB I am trying to round up cards and sort them by team. My Orioles and Nationals card stacks are shaping up pretty well, I may keep them but more likely I'll sell them on eBay. Heck I need more space for more cards!!! My office and "Man Cave" have stacks and boxes of baseball cards all over the place. I am hoping to sell a good amount to collectors who will enjoy them more than me, since I am a New England sports fan at heart. My first love is Baseball and I respect the game, so even though I do not like the Yankees I can still find a way to enjoy the sport. I mostly wear my Orioles hat to prevent "road rage". So hopefully my O's card collection can find a home that will love them more than me, and even though I was not born an O's fan I am rooting for them as the post season draws near.

     Card grading is the best way to preserve the most valuable cards in your collection. PSA and BGS and the two leaders. If you have a lot of old / high dollar cards then PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the high end collectors choice. PSA's fees are rather high. The last time I looked it was some place around $15 a card. BGS (Beckett Grading Service) tends to be more affordable, when they are not having a sale their 45 day service runs at only $9 per card. In June they were running a sale where it was $7 per card and a free upgrade to their 20 day service. So I gathered up 7 cards and sent them in! There is an online form you fill out, and they give clear instructions on what you must do when send them cards to grade. I should be getting mine back either late this week or some time next week! I'll post the results on here once they are back! If you want more info on BGS you can find it here. If you would like more info on PSA you can find that here.

Good Luck and happy collecting!

-Case

O's March to the post season

     Any of you that have been listening to our podcast's in the past or have been reading any of our blog updates have either read or heard my excitement for the O's and them being able to find their way back to post season play! Well we are on the heals of mid August and the O's are only 4.5 games back from first in the AL East!

AL East Standings as of  08/08/2012

   
My brother is coming down for a visit and we decided to get our selves to Camden Yards and catch the second to last home game for the O's against our beloved Red Sox! Don't get me wrong I love my Red Sox but it is time for Baltimore to start making some waves again! When I went to purchase our tickets it was hard to find a seat!!! So just an FYI, if you want a seat at one of the O's last home games of the season you had better buy them now!! They are selling out fast!

     At the beginning of the season I had put up a post begging Peter Angelos to sell the O's. I even had posted a picture of Andino's face over the years, big smiles for the fist few years then blank stare for this season. It was heart breaking! ;) Hats off to Buck for really leading this team and making it into something worth watching and talking about! The O's are playing solid when they really need to be, but there are still some close ones that they should have won and I am sure coach is all over it. Also some bases loaded situation's where no runs were scored has also lead to many palms to face (in the game World of Warcraft the command is /facepalm).

     Cheer up! Baltimore fans have seen plenty and have performed plenty of "facepalms" in the past 10+ years! If you are not excited by how the O's are doing and live in Baltimore then you are either dead or just not paying attention. Its time to pay attention and it is time to get out and support your team Baltimore! I will be at the game on September 29th hope to see you there! Lets make it a sellout!

Buck says come out to the game and rock the joint!

-Mike

Curtis Martin delivers moving speech at Hall of Fame

This has to be one of the best speeches I have heard in a long time. Let us know what you think!

-Mike

Olympics + Baseball = AWESOME

     The first full week of the Olympic games is nearing an end and there is so much more to see! Like every one else yesterday, we were cheering on Michael Phelps. I was avoiding the news and all other NBC related websites that way I could watch his performance like it was live. Along with Mrs. Phelps I cheered when I thought he had won Gold, and was let down when I saw that the other guy beat him out. Then there was the relay and Michael was the anchor. What?!?! He had never anchored the relay before, but if they could give him a big lead he would have no problems holding that lead! Lets just say it got loud at my house in Baltimore! In between swim meets they had the women's gymnastics. Now I am not a big gymnastics fan but it was pretty awesome watching those kids rock the joint! It also gives you some hope for the future when you see those kids support each other.

Michael Phelps of the U.S. holds his 19th Olympic medal presented to him in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay victory ceremony during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre July 31, 2012. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

     I almost forgot! We still have baseball! The AL East looks weird right now. Yankees in first, Orioles in second........Wait!!! Its August and the ORIOLES are only 5.5 games back?!?!?!?! Some one pinch me! The Red Sox are in 4th?!?!?! Come on now I just know some one is going to jump out from behind the Babe Ruth statue and yell, "April Fools!" If this O's team does not at least make it to the first round of the playoff's it will be a shame because they deserve to be there. What is the one thing Baltimore has needed for over 10 years now? Consistency. They have that now and also it helps to have a coach that knows what to do! As much as I would love to see a Nationals vs. Orioles World Series this year I know it may not happen, but I sure as heck also know that it darn well could happen!!! Lets not forget I grew up in New England and I saw 2 things happen that people said I would never see, Patriots and Red Sox winning championships. So if ABBA can happen anything can happen!

Keep your eye on these O's!

Angels Weaver tosses First no-hitter.

    In case you missed it last night, Angels Pitcher Jared Weaver completed his first no-hitter. Weaver got the Twins Casilla to fly out to seal the deal. Last week C.J. Wilson was telling Weaver that it was time for him to get a no hitter. Weaver's response was simple, "No chance." Weaver got the 9th individual no-hitter in Angels history, its the 10th over all due to the combined no-hitter in 1990. Four of those no-hitters belong to pitching legend Nolan Ryan.

Jered Weaver tosses first no-hitter.

       10 Years ago my dad decided to take me and my brother to Fenway. I was fresh out of college and my brother was just starting. I remember it was a nice sunny New England day. My dad had grand stand tickets. We were there early, I remember the gates to the stadium were still closed. My brother and I purchased some baseball's and pens at the Red Sox souvenir shop across the street hoping we could get some autograph's since we were early to the game. My dad saw that the ticket office was open and said, "Hey lets go see if we can upgrade these tickets." "Well sure!" we replied. My dad was able to upgrade to loge box seats that were right behind the home dugout!

I should get this graded and preserved by Beckett Grading Service.

I remember it like it was yesterday. Sitting there not realizing what was unfolding until the end of the 5th inning. I turned to my dad and brother and said, "I probably shouldn't mention this but as of right now Lowe has a no hitter." my dad replied, "You're right! we'll forget you even mentioned it!" Every pitch Derek tossed from that point on had the crowd on pins and needles! The cheering became louder and louder! You could feel the raw energy coming from the crowd and you could see Lowe just feeding off of that amazing energy! I remember after the field cleared out and the players were in the dougout, every single fan was still there standing and cheering. After a few moments Derek Lowe came back out and spoke to the fans thanking them. It was awesome and I hope that some day you all have the chance to see one in person. Oh and after the game Brian and I went to player parking and got some autographs from Derek Lowe, Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon, and Nomar Garciapara. A day I will NEVER forget.

Derek Lowe (in blue) & Trot Nixon

Jason Varitek

Nomar Garciaparra (It faded. Its at the top close to the seam)

Breaking News: Former NFL star Junior Seau is dead, TMZ reports

Breaking News: Former NFL star Junior Seau is dead, TMZ reports

More info to come. First reports say he was found dead with a self inflicted gunshot wound.

-Mike


UPDATE FROM TMZ:

NFL legend Junior Seau was found dead in his home in Oceanside, CA ... and a law enforcement source at the scene tells us cops believe he shot himself. 

Seau was 43-years-old ... and leaves behind 3 kids and an ex-wife. 

Cops are currently at Seau's home -- located in San Diego County -- and were seen talking with a man who was inside the house and appeared distraught. 


We're told Seau sent text messages to his ex-wife and 3 kids yesterday saying, "Love you." We're told they all responded and didn't suspect anything was wrong.  We're told he last saw his kids 3 weeks ago. 

Sources close to Seau tell us family members didn't notice any signs of depression in recent weeks.


Seau was a beast in the NFL -- skyrocketing to fame thanks to his explosive play with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. The USC standout was selected in the first round of the NFL draft in 1990 and played in the league for 20 years. 


Seau was involved in a car accident back in 2010 when he drove his SUV off a cliff in Carlsbad, CA hours after he was arrested for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. Seau later said he was not trying to kill himself ... insisting he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

-TMZ.com

Baltimore Orioles how you tease us so!

     April is winding down and we will soon have an idea of weather or not this O's team is for real. I don't know about you but it can really be hard on a person when you get a jacked up over your team starting strong but then the season just fizzles out......In mid JUNE!!!

Photo By: Heather Case

     The above picture was what 1,000's of Red Sox fans looked at as they toured around Fenway Park last night. Could this be for real? Do I need my eyes checked? Some one pinch me! The next two weeks will give us a clear view of what we should expect from this Baltimore Orioles team. The other week I had posted a picture with Andino's smile fading over the years. Maybe this years smile free picture was more like "We are the Baltimore Orioles and were gonna rock your face!"

     As of right now the Mid-Atlantic owns the AL & NL East. Lets just take a moment and put on our dreaming hats. New York had their subway series, could you imagine a Baltimore / Washington World Series Battle? I don't even care if you're fan of either team, if you love baseball you know that both teams could help the local economy and it would be fun to watch. Two teams who have not been to the World Series for a long time or ever! This is why I love baseball. You can go to a game and know that you are seeing history or that something big could happen! Like a no hitter, or a perfect game! In Baseball anything could happen and you were there to see history unfold!

-Mike

Its April and the O's are Tops in the AL East

     So we are in the thick of mid April 2012 and the Orioles are on top of the AL East. Lets not ignore the fact that this city is due when it comes to the need for a baseball team with integrity. One thing I find funny though, leading up to opening day people in Baltimore wanted Peter Angelos to sell the team to some one who cares or just go away. As of right not most of those same people want to elect him president. I for one still think he needs to sell the team to some one who cares about the game. As an owner he has it easy in this town. Could you imagine if he was the Boston owner? The local sports media would rip him to shreds and the fans would care a little more about the state of sports in Baltimore.

     When ever I come across a "rabid" O's fan it just seems like its forced. You know like their mom put them up to it. "Root for the O's little Timmy or no Crab Cakes for you!" Oh the torture! Take a look at NY and Boston fans. Now I'm not talking about fair weather fans, I'm talking about the folks that came out of the womb wearing their teams hat! Even when their team is in the dumps you hear them on the call in shows, and the hosts let them be heard! But here in Baltimore its like the airwaves are guarded. Is it the fact that people just don't care and are not calling in? Or were call screener's told to not let the rabid fans on the air. Even show hosts seem to be forced to be nice about the O's.

     Nonetheless the Baltimore Orioles are tops in the AL East. Lets hope they have the longevity to keep it up. It would be really nice for this town to host an MLB playoff series. I would be more than happy with at least a showing in the ALDS.

-Mike

Peter Angelos please sell the Orioles!

     Losing takes its toll on fans. Take it from a guy who grew up a Red Sox fan in the 80's and 90's. What did the Sox need more than anything? A change in ownership! Its one thing to have money, but its another to have the money and LOVE the game. With Angelos its a status thing, how often do you see him at the park enjoying the game? Almost never.
     I had to do a google search just to find a picture of him, only to come to the realization that I have had a conversation with this man a few years back at an MLB social. We were in a group talking about Baltimore Baseball and lets just say I had made some comments about Peter Angelos and that he will never have a winning team in Baltimore because of his "I'm untouchable" reputation. I also said something regarding how Dan Duquette, even though he was run out of Boston at the time, knew a thing or two about baseball and laid the foundation for the World Series run. I am guessing this explains the look of shock on a few faces in the group. But he never told me who he was and I didn't even know till last week.
     Lets get back to our main point. Losing takes its toll Mr. Angelos. Below is a picture of Andino. He starts out very happy, but as years progress the smile fades as he realizes he may never see that prize in Baltimore.

So Mr. Angelos you have done a fantastic job at making this Baltimore team the laughingstock of the MLB. Please take note and ask yourself this question. Do you have what it takes as an owner to turn this team around and bring it back to what people remember? Or will you continue to act like a proud pig who has the best mud hole who is more than happy to wallow in your own filth? All of Baltimore is tired of your filth and lack of caring.

Opening Day

There's not much optimism headed into this Orioles season.  The question this morning on 105.7 The Fan was "What do you want to see the Orioles do this year?" 

I want to see them be competitive and play hard.  Get the pitching where it needs to be and lets see what happens.  I think there is still a great chance these kids could develop into something special but it needs to start now.   I like what Arrieta brings to the table, and am hopeful Matusz can rebound.  A solid year for Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, and Nick Markakis would take things even further.  These guys need to step up and get it done.  I believe they know it,  lets see if they can do it.

As for the Red Sox, it was nice to see some heart in coming back to tie the game against the Tigers in the top of the 9th.  Lester pitched great, as did Verlander for the Tigers.  Just want to see these guys have fun again playing the game of baseball.  Thats what matters!

Orioles Opening Day

As the game progresses today we will include updates with our thoughts here.

Update by Mike at 3:25pm: Nick Markakis Opens the season with a Homer to deep Left driving in J. Hardy! Lets hope this is a good omen on the season but the O's tend to start strong then just flop at the end. So far J. Arrieta is looking good on the mound. Lets hope he stays strong today and brings in the win!

Mike & Greg

And now for something different!

     I always try to find a drink that compliments or even enhances the taste I get from BBQ or a nicely grilled steak. I have searched high and low, have tried lots of different concoctions. One drink I have fallen in love with is different. It does not taste like anything else on the market.

     That's right Moxie! Moxie used to out sell Coke back in the day! This is a soda I will have available at every family or friend gathering I host or am invited to! One thing I get from folks is, "They don't sell Moxie in my state." Well the good folks at The New England Moxie Congress have built a list of stores nationwide that sell Moxie! You can find that list here!

     There are a lot of things that have fallen victim of the corporate beast and are stuck in a vault that the folks at Coke or Pepsi do not what you to have! I for one am glad Moxie is not one of them! Its a New England Classic that my Grandfather and his father enjoyed. So search the list and see if your local place is listed. The place Greg and I go to buy Moxie in Maryland is  The Fresh Market on Quarry Lake Drive in Baltimore. Give Moxie a try the next time you are enjoying Crabs, Steak, or even BBQ and let us know what you think! Comment below or shoot us an e-mail at charmcitysportspodcast@gmail.com

Peace and good vibes,

     -Mike

Down to the wire!

     Ok ok, I know that Baltimore is still very sore regarding the Ravens, but football lovers near and far are gearing up for this Sunday's Superbowl. Most people have traditions that they follow to the T. For instance a friend of mine always has to watch it at his Uncle Harvey's house and no one EVER sits in Uncle Harvey's lucky recliner!! Others its not just the location requirement but also the food! Some people always must have their beer boiled sausage. I have to admit, not a big fan of beer boiled sausage. Greg loves the stuff!

     This year Greg and myself are trying to think of something we have not done in a while and is affordable. I believe we have it figured out. Home made Chili with a touch of Ghost Pepper, some home made bread, and Greg is going to make some home made Salsa to go along with the cheesy Nacho's he is bringing! A little mouse told me there is also going to be some Moxie!

     The buzz about the game is kind of weird this year. I saw a few headlines from New York making a big deal about Brady saying he "Hopes" to bring home a win for the awesome Pats fans. Have not really seen anything about Eli. In fact the most buzz this week has been regarding Ochocinco buying headphones for his teammates, what all Gisele is going to do for fun in Indy, and Coach Belicheck is more relaxed about this game because of the woman in his life. I was a little shocked when I was listening to Eli Manning talking about how he never played golf with Tom Brady and how he would like to. I am starting to wonder, are we going to see 2 QB's with hell-fire and brimstone shoot out of their nose? Or are we going to see 2 dudes in a hug-fest filled with rainbows and unicorn farts?!?! This is football! Heck its the Superbowl!!!!! Give us some smack talk!!!!

     If one thing is for sure Belicheck is a person I would not want to play chess or poker with! Everything the Pats do is for a reason, and I think the Giants might be a little too relaxed for this match-up. You ever watch those nature shows where the Lion is crouching down in the tall grass and the lone Gazelle has no clue what is about to happen? Just picture that moment when the Lion leaps and snatches the Gazelle. That is what is going to happen to the Giants this weekend if they didn't prepare and it will bring me much joy!

-Mike

Leaving it on the Field

    Mike and I will always be New Englanders at heart, and we were happy to see the Patriots win Sunday afternoon.  But the Ravens impressed me, for a good many reasons.  So I wanted to pass along my thoughts from the game, and hopefully hear some of yours if you are reading this!

1.  Flacco - He played a good game, took what the defense gave, and didn't force throws unlike Tom Brady.  He'll continue to be successful in Baltimore so long as the supporting cast holds up.  A little change on the o-line and another wide receiver to help underneath, perhaps another TE that can get open and catch.  Do those things and I think he'll become more successful. 

2.  Offense overall - Line was good at times, bad at others.  Playcalling was there,  the Ravens took what was given to them.  I didn't like the 3rd an 1 pass play call before the final field goal attempt.  A rush to pick up a first down, a few extra yards closer would have been better, at least to this couch coach.  Rice would have picked up the first down and more I have no doubt had they utilized his ablities.  Tough drop by Evans in the end zone.  Everyone is saying it, not much you can do.  9 out of 10 times,  that catch becomes a touchdown.  Again, they did what they needed to do as an offense to win this game.

3.  Ravens D - Made some great plays, some big plays.  They won the turnover battle, and held the Patriots to field goals three times in the Red Zone.  This was what was prescribed as a key to winning the game beforehand.  If you told me this and nothing else without watching the game, I would assume its a Ravens win.

4.  Heart - The whole Ravens team showed it, and its the intangible of a game.  The past couple years, I watched a Patriots team make the playoffs and then do nothing in that game and show little to no heart as a cohesive unit.  The Ravens left their all out on the field, and that is the most you can ask of any team.  I commend them for it.  They were right there at the end.  If not for a freakish miss, this game is headed into overtime and then its anybody's ball game.

5.  Cundiff - My first two thoughts immediately after the kick. 1.)  Happy the Pats won and escaped by a thread.  2.)  Feeling sorry for someone that I hear is a great guy, and missed an opportunity of a lifetime.  It will stick with him for awhile, its just not something that goes away anytime soon.  Stuff happens...but you don't miss kicks like that either,  not in that situation.  He will be with another team next year and we wish him the best.

Its now Monday afternoon, the Ravens are clearing out or have cleared their lockers out in Owings Mills, MD by this time.  Their exit physicals and such being completed, and they will begin the travel home.  It becomes something tough to swallow when you were one play from traveling to Indianapolis and Super Bowl 46.  But take heart in that this team will be back.  After all, when you get a taste of something that good,  you want to go back for seconds.

- Greg