ORIOLES!!!! YO HO!!!! ORIOLES!!!! YO HO!!!

I am not a religious man, to say the least, but my faith has been reaffirmed, because God, is a Baltimore Orioles fan.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t God supposed to love everyone equally? Well apparently not, because Stephen Colbert told me so!

On the February 4th edition of "The Colbert Report", Mr. Colbert did a segment entitled “Yahweh or No Way”, where he proceeded that state that God wasn’t following The Steelers or the Cardinals, in the Superbowl, because he’s a Fan of the Orioles. (Which I am familiar with comedy, but humor me, for Crap’s sake!) Now anyone knows that the Orioles are a Baseball team, and this was of course a bit, but I love the fact that Colbert used the Orioles out of any team that he could have. That brings two of my most-loved items together, if even for a moment.

Especially since Stephen Colbert confirmed, himself, that God is an Orioles fan!

I imagine that as a fan, he doesn’t want to interfere with the games, because apparently his endorsement hasn’t helped the team’s Win-Loss Record in the last 10 years.

In reaching out to the people who read this blog, as a way to get to know me, personally, I usually come out with Blogs that are relevant to myself, or at least a subject to which I am knowledgeable.

The Orioles, to me are. I have been a fan of the Baltimore Orioles since the age of 6. (1983, if you’re keeping track, the year that they last won the World Series) I have been a fan through thick and thin, and have never wavered in the dream that one day, I will get a chance to see my boys in Orange and Black make it past a .500 season!

Truth be told, the last 10 years have been rather difficult to swallow. Mostly because the O’s are owned by someone who’s not willing to make this once-proud franchise a winner. In addition, a series of bad luck streaks, and player signings that didn’t really pan out, make being an Orioles Fan, something really difficult.

Does that make me waver in my love? No way!

Now, I am following blind optimism here, and hoping that at least this year, which is another classic “Rebuilding year” yields positive results. The team has signed a handful of good-quality players, and is working on bringing up some key players for the future, most notably: Matt Wieters.

Wieters is going to hopefully be (Along with Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts) one of the Cornerstones of the team. Wieters brings with him hope at a position that is historically a difficult position to fill and as well, scout. The position: Catcher. Not a lot of Catchers get taken in the first round of the MLB draft, and Wieters went second in 2007. The last that I really remember was B.J. Surhoff, and I don’t remember how long he actually played at the Backstop, but he ended his career as more of a utilityman/outfielder.

Wieters is going to probably make the team at some point this year, and he has someone filling his spot for the time being that I think will solidify the Orioles’ lineup. Gregg Zaun. The only Blue Jay that I have ever been a fan of, Zaun has Orioles pedigree, he was originally drafted by the team, and don’t forget, his Uncle was one of the most famous Orioles, and probably their greatest Catcher: Rick Dempsey.

I am relieved that the O’s also did the right thing by signing Markakis to a 6-year deal. He only just finished his third season, and has some great days ahead of him. He’s an absolute marvel to watch play, and I look forward to him assuming leadership within the team.

Brian Roberts, my favorite current Oriole, I am hoping remains with the team. He seems to always be on the cusp of trade talks, which make me edgy. I still believe that he is the heart and soul of the team, and I hope that he spends his entire career with the O’s

I could talk about the Orioles for hours, but I only have so much time to write. I am anxious to see how this year plays out, I am going to start off the season, like I do every season. Optimistic…. Only time will tell how 2009 is going to affect the team.

But that’s just my opinion… What do I know???