Randy Myers

On the field: Cal Ripken's double in the fifth inning was No. 503 in his career, tying him with Andre Dawson for 32nd on baseball's all-time list. It also was his 910th extra-base hit, moving him past Paul Waner for 35th all time.In the dugout: The trade for Geronimo Berroa was expected either to push Pete Incaviglia deeper on the bench or out the door, but manager Davey Johnson started him in right field last night against left-hander Matt Beech. Berroa, whose throwing is restricted by tendinitis in his right shoulder, again served as the DH, and Jeffrey Hammonds replaced Brady Anderson (sore right knee)

Orioles manager Davey Johnson had talked about the idea of using a bullpen by committee, a system he had run successfully in Cincinnati. But in the end, club officials convinced Johnson he simply would not have the bullpen depth with the Orioles that he had enjoyed in Cincinnati.In Cincinnati, he had solid pitchers such as Jeff Brantley, Mike Jackson and Hector Carrasco; here he had only Jesse Orosco and a lot of question marks.So, the Orioles decided to sign an established closer -- Randy Myers, who agreed to a two-year, $6.3 million deal yesterday.

No closer is perfect.Some have dabbled with perfection at times, like Dennis Eckersley in the late 1980s or Jose Mesa last year.But, inevitably they all make mistakes. Everyone gets hit hard at least a couple of times a year.Orioles closer Randy Myers' turn came last night.The Boston Red Sox clobbered Myers for three hits in two-thirds of an inning last night, the most painful of which was a three-run, game-winning homer by Mo Vaughn with two outs.Myers retired the first two batters he faced before walking weak-hitting Jeff Frye.

Ups and downsThe Orioles -- UP -- Wonder if the Indians and Braves are worried. Probably not yet.Roberto Alomar -- UP -- Need a clutch hit? He's the guy. Need a great defensive play? Call Robbie. Searching for a division title?Cal Ripken -- UP -- The consecutive-games record belongs to him, he's playing with Alomar on a good team, he's swinging the bat well. Life is good.Randy Myers -- UP -- So that was the problem with Doug Jones: No stun guns. No grenades. No stuff that would set off the Secret Service metal detectors.

Jeffrey HammondsHis projected role with the Orioles: Hammonds probably will open the season as the club's left fielder, batting ninth.Number crunching: Hammonds has put in just one full season of games over three years, playing 158 games. In those 158 games, he's batted .280, with 15 homers, 73 RBIs, 73 runs, and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts.Where he's been this off-season: Hammonds spent most of the winter in Baltimore, working out and rehabilitating the strained muscle in his neck and shoulder.

Statistics through ThursdayUps and downsGillick and Malone -- UP The Orioles' brain trust knows that another starter would have been nice, but Tuesday's grab for Harold Baines provides experience, balance and depth.Rick Krivda -- UP The 27-year-old left-hander took the long way home but has arrived in time to play an important role during the stretch drive.Roberto Alomar -- DOWN Was on a tear before suffering groin strain Tuesday night. How long he's gone is uncertain. The good news: His ankle is again healthy, and his left shoulder is close.

Seeing as how the Orioles switch closers even more often than managers, we've been there, done that, with virtually every variation in the breed.We've seen a brilliant young talent injure his arm and fade from glory (Gregg Olson).We've seen a crafty veteran defy his critics and add to his Hall of Fame credentials (Lee Smith).And we've seen an aging slop-baller change the course of a season by blowing a four-run lead (Doug Jones).That's quite a variety, in just three years' time.And still, we've never seen anyone like Randy Myers.

Boys' Latin responseAs a Boys' Latin alumnus, I was thrilled to witness the Lakers' recent MIAA Division A lacrosse championship victory over Loyola. However, the day before the contest, some disparaging remarks concerning Boys' Latin transfer students were made by Loyola coach Joe McFadden in The Sun. Those remarks require clarification. First, it should be noted that all private schools in the area accept transfer students. This past year, for instance, St. Paul's accepted several senior transfers who assisted them in winning MIAA championships in football and basketball.