Iggy's Raven's Report - 27 May 2010

Commentary

News and Personal Thoughts:
Ravens: McClain has started an on-line campaign to get more carries and convert himself over to being a running back. Unfortunately for him, he has done very well at the full back position and the move is unlikely. This is probably a bit of grand-standing as he sits as a restricted free-agent... The NFL approved the Meadowlands for the 2014 Superbowl, marking it the first, non-domed northern city to win the bid. Previously, northern cities were not even allowed to bid. Depending on the success, more northern cities may be considered in the future, but probably not until the 2019 season.

Orioles: Since starting 2-16, the O's have rebounded to play virtual .500 ball, going 13-15 over the last month... but we still have the worst record in baseball, with a pile of mounting injuries... Preliminary all-star votes have been published and not a single Orioles is towards the top of any of the lists. With Roberts on the DL, our best hopes are for Wigginton (2nd in MLB with 13 HRs), Markakis (batting .312), or Ohman (0.00 ERA over 14+ innings) to be our token representative.

Spider Watch: At 15 wins, we still need 5 more wins to catch the 1899 Cleveland Spiders (20-134). Current project has been bumped up to 53 wins.

Crystal Palace Baltimore F.C. (Home games at UMBC): Crystal Palace (3-4-1, NASL Conference) have started their own mini-win streak, taking out the Portland Timbers (3-3-2, 3rd place of USL Conference), 2-1, for the 2nd time in 4 games, and their 3rd win in as many tries. The Palace will take their 2-game winning streaking to the Austin Aztex (4-1-2, 1st place of USL Conference), whom they will host on Saturday night. This sudden burst of success, has rocketed the Palace from last place to 3rd place in their 6 team conference, 2 points ahead of Miami FC Blues (1-0-5), but more importantly 1 point behind the Montreal Impact (3-1-2), and 2 points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (3-1-3).

Alouettes: The Als will open the preseason in Winnipeg on June 13th.

Blast: The Blast is presenting their first annual Charity Golf Tournament, presented by 1st Mariner Bank on Tuesday, June 1st at the Woodlands Golf Course. See website for details.

Mariners (See website for more details): The Baltimore Mariners (9-0) were off this week, and will travel to play the 5th place Richmond Raiders (5-5) on Saturday night. With the Harrisburg Stampede losing this past weekend, the Mariners have opened a 3 game lead with 5 games remaining. Wyoming (9-0) of the West Division is also still undefeated.

Bayhawks: The Bayhawks used to call Baltimore their home, until financial concerns sent them packing for washington for the last couple of seasons. Looking to maximize both markets, they have relocated to Annapolis, and taken on the new name of "Chesapeake Bayhawks."
The Hawks (2-0) have opened the season with back to back wins over the Long Island Lizards (0-2), and Toronto Nationals (0-2) by scores of 16-8 and 25-12. Next up is a Sunday match in Pittsburgh to take on the Chicago Machine (1-1) (are they looking to relocate or is Pittsburgh entertaining the thought of entering the league next season?). Other teams in the league are the Boston Cannons, and Denver Outlaws.

Capitals (See website for more details): Nothing to report.

Wizards (See website for more details): With enough balls stuffed into the lottery machine, the Wizards scored the first overall pick in the NBA draft..