Iggy's Raven's Report - 29 April 2010

Commentary

News and Personal Thoughts:
Ravens: The draft is complete, and the consensus is that we done ourselves good. Newly acquired talent in the offseason both in the draft and in trade has, in many opinions, given us the edge as the pre-season favorite to win the division. The trade of our 1st round pick was not a surprise to me. I fully expected us to move before the draft to acquire more selections, and when that didn't materialize, I figured something would happen on the floor, and it did. As we have done in the past, the Ravens were very meticulous about their selections, choosing the best available player that would address our needs, producing possible one of the best ever draft cards without a first round pick! Of course no player comes without a price tag. With no first round selection and no salary cap, signing of these players shouldn't be a problem. Therefore the only real price will be the baggage these guys bring with them. Whether it is a tendency for injury, or the over confidence of coming off a big season in a mid-size school, only time will tell what we got for a money. If history is any indicator, at least half these guys will make the team and make an impact, possibly sooner rather then later.

Orioles: There is no end in sight. The bullpen is anything but relief. If you go to the game, leave when the starting pitcher does. The current projection is for 26 wins with our first target to surpass the 1899 Cleveland Spiders (20-134).

Crystal Palace Baltimore F.C. (Home games at UMBC): Crystal Palace (0-2-0) dropped their 2nd game of the season 3-1 to the Puerto Rico Islanders (2-0-0). Now the Palace must hit the road for 5 straight away games, starting with AC St. Louis (0-4-0) on Saturday.

Alouettes: Nothing to report.

Blast: Nothing to report.

Mariners (See website for more details): The Baltimore Mariners (7-0) didn't just win, they crushed. The re-match with the Fayetteville Guard (2-4), whom the Mariners blanked for the league's first ever shutout earlier this season, went pretty much to plan, as the Mariners scored early and often en route to a 91-19 blow out of the Guard. Next game is at home on Sunday against the Harrisburg Stampede (5-1), currently in 2nd place and 1½ game back of the Mariners.

Capitals (See website for more details): Note to Caps: Stop playing with your food. This isn't funny anymore.

Wizards (See website for more details): No comment.