Leading Off We’re joined by friend of the program, Avi Miller, to decide who is right, who is ridiculous, and what our bases of judgement should be. Drink of the Week Join us for the Drink of the Week, and let us know how you’re consoling yourself as you watch the O’s. Find us on Untappd * magn8606 * jakee4025 This Week on the Socials Me: didn’t you like how I showed no frustration in the car when we listened to the Orioles blow it?Spouse: you used the F-word several times?— Brendan Cantwell (@cantb.bsky.social) 2024-08-11T23:01:47.709Z #Orioles legend/ownership partner Cal Ripken Jr. is mic’d up on MASN. He said it’s been important for him to get out to games in new role this year, that he’s appreciated fan support when out in the community.“It’s been wonderful for me.” pic.twitter.com/wAWaniVdCY— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) August 14, 2024 Wow. The @orioles just got jobbed there.— Bruce McClure (@BruceMcClureNH) August 14, 2024 Around the Bases First Base: Which is it? Are the Orioles one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, or are they a team in complete free-fall?The Orioles are: * 20-20 in their last 40 games * 5-5 in their last 10 games * 10-10 in their last 20 games So look. Are we bad? Is this a bad team? I’ve rooted for bad teams – I know how to do that. Is this a bad team, or is this team simply not good enough? Second Base: OK, but what is going right? We “argue” over which is the best story, including: * Cedric Mullins has had a pretty good month (plus) * Anthony Santander is one of the better players in the league * Jackson Holliday’s return to the majors has been triumphant * Zach Eflin has been everything we had hoped he’d be Third Base: The noise surrounding Brandon Hyde This Brandon is not going to remove himself from the running – but does he deserve to be fired? Jake has strong opinions about not having opinions, and Avi weighs in on a one-sided debate. Home Plate: Stolen bases are a problem This is the age old question: is the hall of very very good, good enough for Orioles switch-hitting catchers? Adley has not been adept at throwing out runners this season.