Iggy's Raven's Report - 4 June 2008

Commentary

Personal Thoughts:
Ravens: The Ravens worked out former first round pick (2001) Freddie Mitchell, who hasn't caught a pass since 2004. Although we are returning Mason, Clayton and Williams, and added Marcus Smith and Justin Harper with the draft, the Ravens are becoming fearful of a lack of depth in the receiving game. WR isn't the only concern, as they are playing around with alternatives at TE too, with Sypniewski out for the year, and Wilcox suffering from an injured toe. Names such as Edgar Jones (LB), Xavier Lee (QB), Jarret Johnson (DE/LB), and Marshall Yanda (OL). Things should shake out with people trained in the position once the real practices starts, and, if we are in a bind, expect to see claims made against the waiver lines, before one of these names appear at the end position... Coach Cam intends to open up the offense more next season, but methinks that will depend a lot on the passing options. We need depth at both WR and TE, and the previous reports could indicate a problem in that department... Sources indicate that JO will decide whether or not he will return within the week. In my opinion, it has been great having him, but it may be time to hang up those cleats.

Orioles: The 2 game Yankee win streak was soon brought back to earth by the Dread Sox, who came darn close to a four game streak, causing the O's to lose 9 of 11. Pitching is still up and down, and clutch hitting has been a challenge. The Sun reported on Sunday that the Orioles will add "Baltimore" back to the road jersey's next season. Not soon enough if you ask me.

Mariners: Mariners (3-8) got back in the win column, keeping the WINLESS Florida Stingrays (0-11) just that -- WINLESS. The Mariners scored on the opening drive, and never looked back, except when the the apparent tying touchdown failed to produce a tying extra point, the first of two failed Stingray extra points. Baltimore now has a 2 game lead over the last place Canton Legends (1-10), but of course there are 2 team well ahead of us in the standings. Our final season standnigs our in our hands (with regards to staying out of last place) with the start of a Home-and-home series against the Legends, before finishing the season against the second place Reading Express (8-3), currently ½ a game behind the Erie Riverrats.

Crystal Palace Baltimore F.C.: Crystal Palace Baltimore (5-1) stint in First place was short lived, as the Charlotte Eagles (6-1-1) reclaimed the division lead with a 3-0 victory over our home team. Next up is another trip to visit the Western Mass Pioneers (3-3-2) on Friday. The Palace defeated the Pioneers on May 24, also at Ludlow, MA.

Blast: The MISL folded, but they will be back. It was primarily an administrative move to get rid of some deadweight stockholders who were remnants of folded franchises, which will open the doors to re-establishing teams in cities that previously lost teams, like San Diego, Saint Louis and Cleveland. The new league could feature a shorter schedule, as it looks to reduce basic costs for each teams, and fewer road dates is a topic of greater discussion.

What do you want to see in the Ravens report? What should be scrapped? Actually, nevermind. No one is reading this anyway, so I will just butcher things up however I please, and you won't know the difference. Send an email to iggy at tealdragon.net. Thanks!

Schedule

Relevant Football Links

• NFL: Tie Breaking Procedures
• Sun: What they're saying about the Ravens (28 May)

Iggy's Predictions

• NHL
  • Wings over the Penguins in 6 Games. I hate both teams. I hate Pittsburgh more. Wings up 3-2
• NBA
  • Boston over Detroit in 6 games. The Celtics seem to like the drama, so don't be surprised if this one goes 7 games too. Boston won it in 6!
  • Lakers over Spurs in 6 games. I might have been wrong. The Spurs match up well against the Lakers. Maybe a suspenseful 7 games on this one? Nah, probably not. Lakers won it in 5
  • Boston over the Lakers in 6 Games. Yes, you read that right. Lakers have problems with the Celtics, and although the Lakers are hot right now, and the Celtics are struggling, look for an upset.