News item: The Orioles entered Friday night's game on pace to win 66 games this season.
My take: I predicted 68 victories before the season started, so somebody's got to pay for this team's ridiculous underachievement.
News item: Michael Vick was 4-for-4 passing in his brief preseason debut for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
My take: It's bad enough the guy used to bankroll an illegal dogfighting ring. Now he's got to come back and out-debut Brett Favre?
Related news item: Vick got a standing ovation from the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field when he entered the game in the first quarter.
My take: Eagles fans were all set to boo him, but got confused when he wasn't dressed like Santa Claus.
News item: IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has yet to either confirm or deny rumors that she will pose nude in ESPN The Magazine's upcoming "Body Issue."
My take: I wish she would make up her mind. Those of us who only like auto racing for the crashes and the naked drivers would like to know for sure before plunking down $4.99 for The Mag in October.
News item: Former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott has reversed field after telling reporters Monday night that Rex Ryan was "the head coach of [the 2008 Ravens], whether you guys know it or not."
My take: I think a lot of people knew what Scott was trying to say after the preseason game between the Ravens and New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium, but the controversy was fun while it lasted. The New York tabloids are going to love this guy.
News item: The NFL will allow the Dallas Cowboys to play the 2009 season in their new stadium without modifications, even though the video boards hang low enough to obstruct some punts.
My take: So, basically, the Cowboys spent $1 billion to build the football equivalent of Tropicana Field.
News item: Manager Dave Trembley and third base coach Juan Samuel lashed out at the Orioles for their fundamental shortcomings in an article published Thursday in The Baltimore Sun. Samuel went so far as to say some of the players on the O's roster do not belong in the major leagues.
My take: Like that's some kind of revelation. Some of these guys were barely in the minor leagues long enough to unpack their bags.
News item: Harold Baines will be formally inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame on Saturday night at Camden Yards.
