Peter Schmuck: Taking a leap of faith — at O's FanFest and into the Bay

If you're still up in the air about what you're going to do on Saturday to celebrate the first weekend without NFL football since August — and, no, I don't count the Pro Bowl — there are a couple of big events that you might want to choose between. The Orioles are holding their annual FanFest at the Baltimore Convention Center, so you could go there and warm up for spring training by rubbing elbows with most of the players on the 2011 roster. There's also going to be a big crowd down at Sandy Point State Park for the Annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, which benefits the Maryland Special Olympics.

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  Pictures: Setting up for Orioles FanFest 2011

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  The Sun's primer for Orioles FanFest Saturday

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  Chat wrap: Orioles talk with The Sun's Steve Gould

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  Connolly's Bar: Predictions – How many wins for O's?

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  Guerrero has O's offer, but don't expect to see him at FanFest

Pit bull's injuries recounted in court

On the first day of testimony in the trial against teen brothers accused of setting a pit bull on fire, a city detective choked up and jurors were brought to tears. The case is expected to be difficult for onlookers, who will hear over and over about Phoenix's sweet nature and the pain she endured until she was euthanized. And prosecutors may have a tough time: They acknowledge they have little physical evidence to present.

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  Animal advocates watch trial as witnesses for Phoenix

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  Unleashed: A pets blog

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  Teen accused of burning dog now charged in attempted murder

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  Jury selection set for dog burning case