News item: The Orioles will hold a rally this month to introduce the team's new uniforms for the 2009 season. The road uniform is expected to have "Baltimore" on the front of the jersey.
My take: That's great, but when it's all said and done, I think fans are going to care more whether "Roberts" and "Teixeira" are on the back of a couple of them.
News item: The Ravens face the Browns today in Cleveland, and fans are eager to see whether offensive coordinator Cam Cameron breaks out the "Suggs Package" that features quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Troy Smith in the game at the same time.
My take: Been there. Done that. I want to see Haloti Ngata at fullback in the goal-line offense.
News item: The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series on Wednesday night after waiting 46 hours between the top of the sixth inning and the bottom.
My take: Honestly, it was a very entertaining 3 1/2 -inning game, and it ended early enough for school kids to actually watch the Phillies' celebration. That's important because most of those kids will probably be collecting Social Security the next time a team in Philadelphia wins a world title.
News item: The Orioles still have not firmed up their plans for a permanent spring training site. They're expected to be in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., next spring but have made no commitment to train anywhere in 2010. The most likely location still appears to be the Dodgertown complex in Vero Beach, Fla.
My take: In the most likely scenario, however, the Orioles will try to play Vero Beach off the soon-to-be-vacant complex in Sarasota, Fla., and end up without a permanent resolution to a situation that has been unsettled since - believe it or not - 1990.
Bonus my take: Based on conversations with several people who have attempted it, negotiating with Peter and John Angelos is like trying to eat soup with a fork.
News item: Chris McAlister will not be available for today's game against the Browns (and maybe not for the rest of the season) and Samari Rolle is doubtful, leaving the corners to be manned by Fabian Washington and Frank Walker for the third consecutive week.
My take: This will be a much bigger test than they faced against the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders, and their performance probably will determine the outcome of a pivotal game for the Ravens.
News item: Hank Steinbrenner said Friday that the New York Yankees are considering making a play for superstar Manny Ramirez.
