Good guy Bordick deserved Gold Glove
I must have it all backward. It was my understanding that a Gold Glove was presented to the best defensive player at a particular position.
What's wrong with the managers and coaches of major-league baseball? Mike Bordick broke Cal Ripken's errorless-game streak, registered a .998 fielding average and committed only one error in 117 games played.
One would think a resume like that would all but guarantee recognition. Instead, a high-profile, overpaid player with hitting prowess and a great deal of exposure on ESPN is rewarded. Never mind the everyday player who gives his all day in and day out for the love of the game.
In the past several years, Bordick has provided a bright spot in an otherwise dismal stretch of losing seasons for the Orioles. His consistency, work ethic and willingness to share his knowledge with the younger players is almost unmatched among major-league ballplayers.
One of the few intelligent remarks uttered by Ray Miller in his short tenure as Orioles skipper stated that he tried to avoid giving Bordick days off, since the shortstop saw it as an opportunity to practice with twice his ordinary vigor.
It's not enough that we are seeing baseball's integrity disintegrate before our eyes with talks of contraction, threats of labor strikes and allegations of steroid use - now we can't even properly recognize one of the true heroes of the game.
Aaron Bernstein Baltimore
Snubbing of Bordick leaves taint on award
While trying to maintain objectivity as a local fan, I still cannot understand how Mike Bordick did not win the Gold Glove Award.
This was a slam dunk, more so than when Cal Ripken was denied the award during his three-error season.
As far as I'm concerned, this award is forever tainted.
Roy Phillips Forest Hill
Intentional walks part of game strategy
In response to the letter last week from Charles J Ripple Sr. about the intentional walks to Barry Bonds in the World Series ["Intentional walks cheated Bonds, fans"], I say that's the strategy of the game.
How ridiculous to criticize the Angels for doing all they could to win? Why stop at saying that they should pitch to Bonds every time? Why not suggest that the Angels should pitch every batter with belt-high fastballs so that every batter can be given a chance?
The intentional walk is all part of the strategy that makes baseball the great game that it is. While this move worked out for the Angels in this series, it just as easily could have backfired. Once Bonds is walked, the next batter has a unique opportunity to make the Angels pay for it by hitting him around.
Unfortunately for San Francisco, the rest of the Giants' lineup could not pull it off and they made the Anaheim coaching staff look like geniuses.
Carolyn M. Swartz Baltimore
Ravens rookie Reed let down team, fans
Ravens coach Brian Billick may have to change the pre-game routine for rookie Ed Reed. He should have him on the field when the "Raven Fan Credo" is on the jumbo screen.
Special note should be taken by Reed of the part that says, "Don't be a jerk."
Reed's actions after his interception against the Bengals last Sunday were as if he never had had a ball in his hands. He not only let the fans down, but also his team, which was fortunate it didn't end up needing those six points.
It would be a pleasant surprise to see the players act with some class.
Henry C. Preston Timonium
Angelos shows lack of baseball knowledge
In The Sun on Tuesday, Laura Vecsey quotes Peter Angelos as saying about Syd Thrift, "I think he's done an excellent job, and he's put together the nucleus of a team that will be a winner in the near future."
Taken at face value, this statement indicates Mr. Angelos' profound lack of knowledge of baseball talent.
Hopefully, Mr. Angelos will make his decision about a new general manager before we have to renew season tickets.
Ken Gelbard Baltimore