Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver threw out the first pitch before today's game. He was asked what he thought about that and gave a real honest answer. "I don't want my performance to interfere and I certainly don't want to jinx them. We've gotta get a win today," he said. Weaver said he's impressed with the work of current skipper Buck Showalter. "Unreal. He's going to be a favorite here for a long, long time. Whoever invented the phrase 'Buck's Birds,' that should stick,"...

Jake Arrieta struck out Tigers leadoff hitter Austin Jackson. That's the way to kick off the home opener. Will Rhymes walked after falling behind, 1-2, and he stole second despite a great throw from Matt Wieters. Arrieta retired the next two batters, striking out Miguel Cabrera on a 93 mph fastball and bringing yet another loud ovation from the predominantly orange-clad crowd here at Camden Yards. Before the game, Jason Berken reflected on yesterday's outing at Tropicana Field. Pitching...

The pregame festivities began with a touching video tribute to longtime umpires attendant Ernie Tyler, who passed away Feb. 10. A plaque now hangs outside the Ernie Tyler Umpires' Room. The umpires will wear wrist bands with Tyler's initials. Nice touch. Manager Buck Showalter received a prolonged ovation, which he acknowledged with a tip of his cap. You knew it was coming, and it didn't disappoint. Showalter stood with his arms folded while a highlight video played on the big screen,...

* The O's are opening their 58th home season today and are 37-20 all-time in the home opener. They are 4-0 when that first home game comes against the Tigers with the most recent win, by a 6-2 score on April 9, 2007. The Birds have won eight of their last 10 home-opening games. * The O's rank 11th in the AL with a team batting average of .222, first in ERA at 1.00 and tied for second with a team fielding percentage of .991. They lead the AL in starters ERA at 0.45. * Brian Roberts is the...

It's taking every ounce of discipline for me to avoid starting each blog entry with a Florida dateline. I'm back in Baltimore, right? Here are some comments from manager Buck Showalter: On how much he's thought about this day: "Certainly you give it some thought. We were so busy on the plane preparing for Detroit. I think this time of year it's such a whirlwind, it's tough to slow down a little bit and take in a moment. But I'm pretty good at that, so I will. The rest of them are just...

With all the talk of Mark Reynolds' homer and strikeouts totals and what they could be this year, we may have overlooked something: The guy has a decent track record of getting clutch hits. "I like hitting with guys on. When you bat with runners in scoring position, it's your job to drive them in. That's the mentality I've had my whole career," he said. Yesterday, Reynolds came up with two men on and none out in the top of the seventh in a 1-1 tie. He promptly doubled in a run for the...

I'll pass along a few notes before the Orioles kick off the home portion of their schedule. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy bringing them to you. Luke Scott is still hoping to play Wednesday after sitting out yesterday's game at Tropicana Field with a strained groin muscle. He's not in today's lineup, but he's available to pinch hit if needed. "It feels much better," Scott said. "The real test comes when I put some effort into it, but I'm optimistic." Justin...

Like Orioles fans, catcher Matt Wieters is excited with the team's 3-0 start. But he isn't getting too carried away with it. "It was big to start off the season that way, but it's just three games of 162," Wieters said. "We've got Detroit coming in today and we've got to try to get a win today." Wieters has gotten praise from Buck Showalter and his coaching staff for his game-calling behind the plate during the Tampa series. "Those first three games, our guys were able to throw...

Hi, my name is Dave NIchols and I write about the Washington Nationals. No, that's not my introduction at some self-help meeting, but it may as well be. I started a general baseball blog several years ago that grew into what Nats News Network is today: one of the very few independent Web sites credentialed to cover Major League Baseball and the Washington Nationals. I am also credentialed to cover, and have a site dedicated to, the Washington Capitals. I consider it a great privilege and...

Hello MASNsports.com readers, and welcome to my first post on this fine Web site. My name is Stacey Long and I am the editor-in-chief at CamdenChat.com. Since 2005, Camden Chat has provided daily coverage of the Baltimore Orioles that is, in my (admittedly biased) opinion, the best you'll find on the Internet. Our writers are always intelligent, often hilarious and occasionally grumpy. With statistical analysis, thoughtful commentary and an occasional inspired haiku, Camden Chat covers the...