Draft mania -- UP -- Previously the domain of hopeless seamheads and Baseball America, this week's draft offers the Orioles four first-round selections -- the first team ever given such an opportunity -- and seven of the first 50 overall. Find out what 2004 will look like.

The X-Files -- DOWN -- Settling sore-shouldered Xavier Hernandez's grievance for $1.75 million does not enhance GM Frank Wren's position with ownership.

El Sid -- UP -- Before this season, Hall of Famer Jim Palmer likened freckle-faced, 22-year-old Sidney Ponson to, well, himself. Can there be higher praise? Just as impressive, Ponson has risen from fifth starter to de facto No. 2 within a year. Gotta love a guy who throws too many strikes.

Mike Bordick -- UP -- The industry once considered him overpaid at $3 million per season. Now he's the Orioles' best bargain.

'Sleepy' -- UP -- How sweet is Harold Baines' swing? The Orioles DH homered in consecutive games after missing five straight starts. Mo Vaughn shows up for early batting practice -- the Orioles' -- just to watch Baines hit. Smart man, Mo.

Time of game -- UP -- Last week's three-game series in Anaheim was baseball as it should be. Here it is, hit it. Scott Erickson vs. Omar Olivares. 2: 01. Delicious.

Pub Date: 5/30/99