The Birds have bounced back nicely since being no-hit last Wednesday, with three straight wins over the Oakland Athletics. They’ve put themselves back in playoff position, and a four-game sweep over the A’s would be a great way to start this critical home stand. With Baltimore baking in the 90’s again, hopefully the Birds bats aren’t cooled down by Sonny Gray following their 18-run output on Sunday.
To the links!
Orioles Plan Major Upgrades for Camden Yards
Don Murett of the SportsBusiness Journal reports that the O’s are mulling some more big changes to OPACY, similar to the upgrades they put in prior to the 2012 season. They’re apparently considering party decks in the right and left field corners, as well as tearing out sections of seats & bathrooms to create an 
open concourse on the lower level. While I love the idea of an open concourse, tearing out bathrooms worries me. I love that you’re never far from a restroom at The Yard (unlike, say, at AT&T Park in San Francisco). What do you think about the upgrade ideas?
Chris Davis’ Hot Streak Means Big Bucks this Winter
This morning, Tyler Beard wrote right here at ESR that the Birds can’t afford to NOT re-sign Chris Davis. However, over in his weekly guest piece at MASN, our own Andrew Stetka argues that there is no way the O’s will be able to keep Crush. Unfortunately, I tend to agree with Andrew here. I never thought I’d be saying this back in May, but I’m really going to miss Chris Davis.
Jonathan Schoop Could Redefine the Second Base Position
Cal Ripken, Jr. made it OK for big guys to aspire to be shortstops. Could Jonathan Schoop do a similar thing for second basemen? Joshua Sadlock of Baseball Essential dives into “Jonny Beisbol’s” sophomore season, in which he’s greatly improved all around. His defense, already superb, has only gotten better, while he’s become a more consistent hitter as well.
2016 Orioles: Choose Your Own Adventure
Chris Stoner of Baltimore Sports & Life puts together a fun little exercise that will take you back to the choose-your-own-adventure books of your childhood. Will you let Dan Duquette leave or keep him around? Re-sign Davis and Chen, or watch them walk? How about Jimmy Paredes? Steve Pearce? The decisions you make will determine whether your team is in the playoff hunt again, is crippled financially for a decade, or worse – returns to the dark years. Choose wisely.
O’s Tie Franchise Record with 26 Hits
I don’t usually post to game recaps in this space (BORING!), but when the team ties a club record for hits in a single game, it’s worth reading about. Paul Folkemer of PressBox has the happy synopsis of a Sunday Funday to remember in Birdland.
