joepolek

Reality: The O’s and Nick Markakis are close to agreeing on a new deal. Perception: Markakis will very likely finish his career as a Baltimore

Reality: Brian Roberts is officially retiring from Major League Baseball. Perception: Roberts announced on Fox Sports Radio that he was “moving on to the next

Reality: Jeremy Guthrie didn’t get the response he expected when he wore a shirt that read “The O’s Ain’t Royal” t-shirt to the Game 3

Reality: The Royals and Orioles are evenly matched, which makes for great games. Perception: I’m not sure there could be two teams that are more

Reality: Baseball might be hurting themselves by putting the playoffs on networks that are not accessible to everyone. Perception: Colin Cowherd from ESPN said, “”ESPN,

Reality: The Orioles will play at least two, maybe three, day games during the American League Divisional Series. Perception: That’s not the best news for

Reality: Orioles third basemen have committed 5 errors in the past 7 games. Perception: Ryan Flaherty has two, Jimmy Paredes has two, and Kelly Johnson

Reality: This is a special season for the Orioles. Perception: It’s everyone contributing something. I mean think about it – over the weekend, Buck Showalter

Reality: The Orioles have played in front of tiny crowds the last 2 nights. Perception: The Orioles still had a 6-game lead in the American

Reality: Ubaldo Jimenez was demoted to the bullpen. Perception: After signing a contract worth $50 million this offseason, Jimenez has not lived up to expectations.