Darren O'Day, 2015 Topps Orioles Team Set #BO-6

I'm back from vacation, though I realize that I didn't mention I was leaving for a week. I'm back now, and I can't think of a better way to mark the occasion than by posting a card of 2015 All-Star Darren O'Day. Yep, three and a half years after the Orioles picked up the sidearming reliever on waivers from the Rangers, he's going to his first Midsummer Classic. O'Day (5-0, 1.14 ERA, 2 saves, 0.82 WHIP) and Zach Britton were both chosen for the American League squad by Royals manager Ned Yost. Meanwhile, Adam Jones and Manny Machado were voted in as reserves by their peers, giving the O's four representatives for next week's festivities in Cincinnati. It's been an uneven first half for the Birds, but a few of their standouts players are getting their just due.

Darren O'Day, 2014 Orioles Postcards

You know it's been a rough weekend at the office when Darren O'Day is the losing pitcher on back-to-back days. But maybe the flight back to Kansas City will dislodge the lucky horseshoe that has been jammed up the rear ends of the Royals. Even down 2-0, I'm not counting out the O's, especially after Jarrod Dyson went and stuck his foot in his mouth. As a wise man once said:

"What? Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough... the tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go!"

Forget it, he's rolling. I'll see you back in Baltimore on Friday night, Birds.