Accentuate the Positive

Eliminate the negative.

While reading some of my recent posts, and comments, I've come to the realization that when it comes to my Orioles, I've been a bit negative lately. While my frustrations may be valid, given the current state of my favorite team (25-36, 12GB, 12 losses out of last 14 games), negativity is not cool, nor is it something I strive for. Labeling Brady Anderson as a juicer, saying Albert Belle sucks, crying like a little baby because Mike Mussina wanted to be a Yankee are all things that I've recently written, that I regret at least a little bit in retrospect.

I mean, I should be used to the Orioles losing by now, right? It's been going on for 11 years, right? Well... yes, but there was a certain amount of optimism going into this year that the O's HAD to be better than last year. So far this optimism appears to have been in vain. The "wait until next year" mentality is one that has existed in Baltimore for a long time now, and quite honestly, I am SICK AND TIRED OF IT! What about this year? What about this week? What about TODAY? It seems as if no one even cares, and that really makes me sick. The Birds have me a little grumpy these days, and for that I am truly sorry dear readers.

From this day forward, I will strive to put the last 11 seasons (and this one) behind me, I will strive for positivity in my writing, and not deliver senseless allegations or opinions based on frustration. I will centralize healthcare, and turn this downward economy upwards again...wait a minute, somehow I got off track there for a second. Where was I? Oh, right, POSITIVITY! The Orioles actually have a lot going for them these days, despite the recent losing streak. Our starting pitching seems to have turned a corner, with some of the young arms turning in quality starts. Nolan Reimold looks to be a possibly ROY candidate, and Matt "Jesus" Wieters is starting to find his way in the bigs. The future does indeed look bright. So bright I might have to wear shades.

If I were going to be my negative old self, I would say that the future has looked "bright" every year for the past 3 or 4 seasons.... but I'm not going to say that. I am going to be drunken with hope. My disbelief will be suspended. Things are indeed looking up. I'm a driver, I'm a winner. Things are gonna change. I can feel it.

If anyone catches me being a Grumpy Gus, and saying things that obviously aren't factual out of frustration, please call me out on it. Please remind me that on June 13th 2009 I saw something ugly in myself and in my writing. Link me back to this post. Do whatever it takes to remove me from reality and put me back in my happy place.

For those of you who were concerned about my mental stability, and the drastic measures I threatened, given last night's loss, I want to assure you that the Lemmer has convinced me that there are calmer seas ahead.

I assure you the the bearded one will in fact stay bearded.
I mean, after all, to shave would be to deprive the world of even more beauty.

And really, the moniker "smoothy" just wouldn't have the same ring to it.

To Captain Canuck, I say congratulations. The Braves picked up a W and Tommy Hanson got his first major league victory. Just keep in mind it was against the Orioles, so the feat is somewhat diminished.

Dammit, there I go again!

I've gotten quite a few cards in the past 2 days. Stopped by the card shop yesterday, and ventured to Dundalk (for those of you who don't know I'll try to clarify later) to check out the North Point flea market for the first time. I've also gotten bubble mailers packed full of Oriole lovin' from fellow bloggers. Stay tuned for some goodness later today or early tomorrow.

If you managed to read all of that mindless dribble, you are a saint.