Hundreds of Orioles fans will see two baseball games Monday for just $4. That's a tremendous deal. Actually, they may be able to do even better this week. How's a playoff-caliber atmosphere sound at a reasonable price of $0? Yes, in the final homestand of the 2012 season in a city where a team can lock in on a playoff spot, fans can see free baseball. And no, we're not talking about the bonus baseball these Orioles seem to enjoy playing after nine innings are complete. Check it out. The Orioles offer a deal for a free ticket to all fans as a birthday gift. You don't have to take it on your …

The calendar turns to September this week. The Orioles are in the thick of the playoff hunt. And no, your calendar does not read 1997. The Orioles (69-57 entering Monday's game) are within five games in the American League East race, and are tied for the American League's second wild card spot. The last time they were even this close was in '97—the Orioles' last playoff appearance following a season in which they led the American League East wire-to-wire. It's hard to believe anyone would stay on as a season ticket-holder after all that time. After all those managers. After all the front …