News item: The Orioles could close out the regular season Sunday with the second-biggest loss total in the history of the Baltimore franchise.
My take: I know you're all discouraged, but it could be worse. That could be Arrowhead Stadium on the other side of the parking lot.
News item: The Ravens are looking to improve their record to 4-0 Sunday when they take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
My take: The oddsmakers have posted the Pats as a slight favorite and - to be honest - I have to agree, but that'll be some very tasty crow if I'm wrong. The way the Red Sox have handled the Orioles up there, I'm sure a lot of Baltimore sports fans would love to see the Ravens put another divot in Tom Brady's chin.
News item: Two major sports Web sites moved the Ravens to No. 1 in their NFL Power Rankings after Sunday's lopsided victory over the Cleveland Browns.
My take: That might be premature considering that two of their three wins were over the beleaguered Chiefs and Browns, but there will be no room for argument if they pull off another big road win this weekend against a playoff-bound opponent.
News item: Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are on a big roll going into Monday's showdown with the Green Bay Packers.
My take: The Packers, by the way, have indicated they will not retire Favre's number when the Vikings play at Lambeau Field later this season, but maybe they'll change their mind.
News item: The recent travails of the Maryland football team have sparked questions about the job security of coach Ralph Friedgen.
My take: Let's not get carried away here. The Fridge era has largely been a happy one at College Park, and it will get a little happier when the Terps bounce back against Clemson.
News item: Nike reportedly has linked up with Michael Vick again, two years after the company distanced itself from him and his involvement in a cruel dogfighting operation, but the company insists that it only has an agreement to supply him with its products.
My take: Sounds to me like the company is floating a trial balloon for a new Vick promotional campaign. Possible slogan: Nike: Just don't do it anymore.
News item: Forbes is reporting that Tiger Woods has become the first athlete ever to amass $1 billion in combined earnings from golf, sponsorship deals and other business interests.
My take: For being the best in the world at rolling a little white ball into a hole. Yes, Candide, this truly is the best of all possible worlds.
