In part twenty-eight of my almost 50 part series “Better Know An Oriole” (otherwise known as 2009 Orioles Retrospective), I take a look at infielder Justin Turner… THE FIGHTIN’ CELTIC WARRIOR! Turner came over to the O’s from Cincinnati last off-season in the trade that sent Ramon Hernandez to the Reds. He played most of 2009 in Triple-A, posting a .300/.362/.388 line by keeping a decent walk rate (8.1%) and rarely striking out (just 9.6% of his at bats). He doe... Read Full Story

First a few updates: 1. Rough slate of games yesterday for the NFL. I still don’t understand how the Raiders beat the Bengals and Eagles. The Giants laid a big time egg, which caught me off guard especially because of how bad Denver had been playing. Unless they get things turned around quickly, the Giants might be joining the Jets at home in January. 2. Rex Ryan press conference today: He took some time to stand up for Vernon Gholston, who will be active this week. Donald Strickland a... Read Full Story

Fantasy Pick of the Week So, about that Sam Aiken thing from last week. My bad. Let’s not dwell on the past and look forward to Monday Night’s epic match up against the New Orleans Saints. This week, you won’t have to dig as far down the depth chart as you might have thought. There are going to be plenty of fantasy points to go around on all sides of the ball this Monday night, and just as likely, there will be plenty of owners who are hoping their leads from Sunday hold up.... Read Full Story

This is going to go down as one of the most inept performances in Giants’ history, and that is just so hard to swallow when we’re watching what is supposed to be a playoff team and even Super Bowl contender.  A few weeks ago this team was a stout consensus #1 in everyones’  power rankings.  Now they are floundering in the bottom third of the NFL, and their defense is one of the worst in the NFL despite statistically being one of the best.  I think I speak for every Giants... Read Full Story

Two possible backup quarterbacks were in town on the Thanksgiving holiday, as the club worked out vets Patrick Ramsey and Todd Bouman. The two worked out for the Steelers one day after former backup Charlie Batch had surgery to repair his broken left wrist, likely ending his season. Coach Mike Tomlin has stated that Batch will miss anywhere from two to four weeks as a metal plate was placed in him to help him heal. Ramsey, 30, and Bouman, 37, both were being checked medically, and word is ... Read Full Story

Happy Turkey Day to everyone. Just wanted to say Thanks for my family and friends; for my awesome job and the people there; for the chance I was given to write at FanBall here, as well as at MLB Notebook; for the internet baseball community in general (plus, you know, real baseball); and finally for everyone who reads this. There’s obviously a ton of more stuff (anyone ever think how amazing it is that we have systems of roads and things like that?) – but I wanted to focus on the ... Read Full Story

First a few updates: 1. My head is still hurting from national high school reunion night. I must say it is good to be back in Ringwood for the weekend and that despite being a generally anti-social person it was good to see everybody last night. I made the brilliant decision to walk home last night along the main road in our town instead of through the woods with my friends. This resulted in me nearly being by two cars, my friends thinking I got lost and a random girl offering me a ride home... Read Full Story

Happy Thanksgiving Patriots Nation! Today is a day where football takes a back seat to family. It’s a time of reflection. A time to be with those you love and give thanks for the blessings you have had. Or… it’s a time to settle in for some Detroit Lions football with a fantastic meal, and what is likely to be a tryptophan induced nap. It’s really up to you. I’d just like to give thanks to all of my family, especially my wife who despite her borderline psychoti... Read Full Story

Escaping? This is a very tough task these days for the Atlanta Falcons, as day by day goes by, we lose an ounce more of playoff hope. This Thanksgiving Day, I will be thankful for the Atlanta Falcons. Why? Because we have the ability be persistent and hang with any other team out in the league. I will be watching the New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos game today with very close eyes and am really hoping the Broncos can get it together and pull it out. This week has been very hectic and there ... Read Full Story

The Steelers got some good news today, as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has practiced despite sustaining a concussion against Kansas City. Reports say he is expected to play Sunday in Baltimore. While Roethlisberger went through a usual Wednesday practice, second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon took more snaps than usual. Dixon moved up the depth chart when backup Charlie Batch broke his left wrist during the 27-24 loss Sunday. The Steelers added a third quarterback by signing former three-ye... Read Full Story