Ryan Ripken

But I always keep that in mind, too.

I'm never as good or as big as people think I am.

And good.

And that keeps me motivated and driven.

It reminds me that...

You know, I kind of, damn, Rob, you bringing this up, I wish I had more of that when I played, but I'm sure as hell happy I have that now.

Yeah.

And it's just taught me a lot.

I mean, this is what it's about.

And whether you're in media or not...

You got to just keep getting up and figuring out how to solve the problem.

Well, first of all, I'll start with this.

I love the AL East.

I love what it is right now because every team is competitive now.

Every single one.

Even the Rays, where on paper right now, they would be the team that could be finishing last.

Ironically, that team last year, or the fourth place team in some places, was the Toronto Blue Jays, and they were

one uh play away from being world series champs last year right so uh i love the competitive spirit but what i also love is they ain't messing around this year and and you're right the off season it makes you feel good in the moment but it's going to be how you perform on the field but you do need to go out and make moves to improve your ball club so to start off with the orioles uh

2025 was a letdown.

That's an understatement.