News item: The Orioles are 6-1 (plus an incomplete suspended game) in the eight starts this season by Daniel Cabrera, who pitched a three-hit complete game Thursday night in Kansas City.
My take: Can you believe that some idiot sports columnist wrote him off during spring training? Any fool can see the guy is bound for glory.
News item: Top Ravens draft choice Joe Flacco says he's out to prove he's the team's best quarterback.
My take: I hope he succeeds, but I'm sticking with my original prediction that Troy Smith will be the starter when the Ravens open the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
News item: Videotapes turned over to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly include evidence that the New England Patriots engaged in a long-running program to steal offensive and defensive signals from opponents.
My take: What a letdown. Everybody was hoping for footage of Bill Belichick kicking puppies.
News item: Ray Lewis said Friday that he's not concerned about his contract situation and insists it has never been and will never be a problem that affects the team.
My take: We'll see whether that's still the case if the Ravens put the franchise tag on him next year.
News item: Twelve horses are confirmed for the 133rd Preakness on Saturday, with a decision pending on undefeated Harlem Rocker.
My take: Preakness officials can only hope the Withers Stakes champ confirms, because it looks like a one-horse race right now.
News item: If you think the Preakness is just about horses, think again. Among the pre-race activities are a Preakness Frog Hop at War Memorial Plaza on Wednesday and a Preakness Crab Derby at Lexington Market on Thursday.
My take: Guess it's going to be a busy week for the animal-rights activists.
News item: Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden remains mum on his plans for next season, though he still appears likely to end his great career.
My take: That would be my guess, but the longer he goes without saying anything, the more you have to wonder.
News item: Miguel Tejada warmed hearts all over the baseball world when he promised an 8-year-old muscular dystrophy patient that he would hit a home run for him, then delivered during an MD fundraising promotion that night.
My take: It was a touching story, and Miggi certainly can use the positive publicity.
News item: Climbers carried an Olympic torch to the summit of Mount Everest on Thursday.
