Iggy's Raven's Report - 17 June 2010

Commentary

News and Personal Thoughts:
Ravens: With the premature conclusion of the off season workouts, the Ravens are relatively healthy, despite our practices being "too rough," by some team members. The progressing health of our secondary from last season remains the biggest concern, as each injury is eyed carefully and cautiously.

Orioles: The O's (17-46) are just incompetent. When the pitching holds up their end of the deal, the offense goes on vacation. I was at the games on Friday and Saturday, and watch the O's hitters go 3 for 17 with runners in scoring position on Friday, followed by a 1 for 10 performance on Saturday. With the World Cup upon us, I can honestly say that 1 goal will earn you a win or tie in many cases. In Baseball, 1 run ain't gonna do it.

Spider Watch: At 17 wins, we still need 3 more wins to catch the 1899 Cleveland Spiders (20-134), and I am starting to wonder if we can actually do this! Current projected win total has been dropped (again) to 44 wins.

Crystal Palace Baltimore F.C. (Home games at UMBC): Crystal Palace (3-6-2, 5th place NASL Conference) dropped in the standings as they drew with Miami FC (2-2-7, 3rd Place NASL) and lost to Rochester (5-3-3, 3rd place USL), both on the road. The Palace will next travel to play the Richmond Kickers (USL2) in a first round US Open Cup match, before resuming league play on Saturday at the Carolina RailHawks (3-2-4, 4th Place USL).

Alouettes: The Als will opened the preseason in Winnipeg on Sunday, with a 34-10 loss. As we all know, preseason really doesn't mean anything, and all eyes are still on them as they begin their quest for the rare Grey Cup Repeat.

Blast: The Blast open their youth clinics at Churchville Rec Center on June 21.

Mariners (See website for more details): The Baltimore Mariners (12-0) defeated the now 4th place Erie Storm (7-6) by a 39-37 score, on a last second 47 yard field goal by J.R. Cipra, maintaining their perfect record. The Mariners now return home to close out the season against the winless last place New Jersey Revolution (0-12), and Reading Express (8-5, 3rd Place). Wyoming of the West Division is also still undefeated at 12-0.

Bayhawks: The Hawks (4-1) won the road trip to Toronto (0-5) by a nail-biting 10-9 score, keeping the Nationals winless, and lifting the Hawks into sole possession of first place, with Chicago, Boston and Denver, all 1 game back at 3-2. Their next game will be at home on Saturday night against the Denver Outlaws.

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

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