Near the top of the “Things I Love in This World” list are the Orioles and dogs. So, let’s have some silly fun on a Tuesday when the O’s still don’t play for another 10-plus hours and match up our Birds with their canine counterparts. I tried not to let my knowledge of what dogs the guys actually have influence my choices here – for instance, it was hard to not just say “Buck Showalter: Basset Hound.”

List is based on looks and/or attributes, where applicable. You’ll see what I mean.

Chris Davis – Boxer

Davis looks like he’s all business, but in actuality, he’s nothing but a huge goofball. Boxers appear to be super serious and tough, but it’s all a front – they’re straight up clowns.

Joey Rickard – Whippet

The only Oriole you can count on to cover a decent amount of ground quickly, and also a little guy. Wikipedia says that Whippets are “content to spend much of the day resting,” which bodes well for a guy in a platoon situation. He might get called upon to pinch hit late, or he may not play that day at all, but when it’s go time, Rickard is ready.

Hyun Soo Kim – Chow

The O’s Asian import (yes, they’re from China, not Korea like Kim, but just go with me here). Chows, like Whippets, are “not excessively active,” so both members our our outfield platoon are quite satisfied with their part-time situation.

Adam Jones – Labrador Retriever

Always ready for a game, but also more than willing to get down to work when the situation requires it. Also likely to bust out a highlight-reel diving catch at a moment’s notice.

Manny Machado – Basenji

I mean, look at those ears. In addition, Basenjis are described as alert, energetic, and curious, but reserved with strangers. As Manny’s history has shown, if you’re not one of his teammates, he probably doesn’t like you very much.

J.J. Hardy – Golden Retriever

Old reliable. Loyal, dependable, and if you’re a ball that’s trying to roll or bounce past them, you don’t have a prayer.

Ryan Flaherty – Saluki

Ryan Flaherty appears to be about 90% legs, and if you Google “dog with the longest legs,” the Saluki comes up.

Zach Britton – American Bulldog

You often hear about pitchers having (or not having) that “bulldog mentality.” Well, how about if they have that “bulldog face?” Bulldogs are a member of the “Working Group,” and Zach Britton has been putting in work as the O’s closer since being moved to that role in 2014, saving 96 games so far, while blowing just eight opportunities.

Darren O’Day – Great Dane

I asked my wife for some help with ideas for this post. When I brought up O’Day, she said a Great Dane because he looks like Marmaduke. I don’t see it. Pressed, she said “I think he has a goofy face, like a drunk dog.”

Great Dane it is.

Matt Wieters – Rottweiler

Solidly built, this large breed is known to be placid, devoted, obedient, and eager to work. Wieters seems like a chill guy, and you can’t question his devotion and eagerness to work, as he’s regained his form after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.

Rotties were given a bad rap in the 90’s as vicious dogs, so when you meet one they may not be quite what you expect. Wieters has also been the victim of unfair expectations at times, so he can relate.

Buck Showalter – English Bulldog

The O’s old, wise, stoic leader. The Winston Churchill of Birdland.

Much like an English Bulldog, Buck doesn’t move much, but when he does, you should pay attention, because something important is about to happen.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLnmmT44K3A[/youtube]

There ya go. There are my Oriole dog equivalents. What are yours? Tell me in the comments.