Look at me

Alright, I admit it, I'm the Johnny-come-lately of the group and all of the news going on today has been reported on other sites and blogs. But that doesn't mean I still don't want to throw my two pennies into the void known only as the internet.

First things first, Tuesday's game. Got to love beating up on a team that can't figure out which way is up. Steve Trachsel got bombed, Jake Peavy was great for five innings (too bad he pitched that sixth) and the game went on forever. I TIVO'd the thing and started watching around 11 ET and when I turned the TIVO'd portion off around 1 ET because I didn't get the whole thing recorded, the game was still on! Got to love getting a lot of offense from a lot of different people but the fact that Khalil Greene actually went 4-for-5 when he is usually striking out every other at bat impressed me the most.

Today's game should be no different, the O's have nothing to throw at the Padres and Justin Germano is on a roll. While new addition Michael Barrett will not be in the lineup tonight, it sounds like he has a good rapport with former Cubbie Greg Maddux and Peavy so if those two guys like him, I'm excited to see what he can bring to this offense. And with Barrett's seemingly consistent presence on ESPN for his "spirited" play, a little more exposure for the Padres should be a good deal as well.

Suspensions and turmoil

Chris Young was suspended five games for his role in the brawl, and while it seems unfair that he and Derrek Lee received the same punishment the one thing to remember is that most leagues have a standard punishment just for throwing a punch. While my memory is fuzzy with what baseball's rule is - it's probably and unwritten one - I'm sure intent was left out of the process.

To say tonight's opponent is in turmoil may be an understatement - but the Orioles are a mess. They fired their manager yesterday and listening to John Kruk this morning, he is saying no manager in their right mind should even consider working for Peter Angelos.

Let's just say the Orioles offense makes the Padres look like the Red Sox and after Baltimore spent most of its money upgrading its pen, they have nothing to show for it. There is some talent on the team - closer Chris Ray could turn into a solid player - but they have a lot of overpaid veterans. The Padres should be able to sweep this series without any problems, especially with Jake Peavy on the mound tonight. Steve Trachsel takes the hill for the birds, who actually has been a pretty good free agent pick-up (one of the few).