The Maryland Sports Blog

UPDATE:  The two players headed to Philadelphia are minor league catcher Gabriel Lino and Single-A pitcher, Kyle Simon, reported by Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman respectively.  In a corresponding move, the Orioles designated pitcher Zach Phillips for assignment, according to Dan Connolly.

It has yet to approach July 31st and the Orioles made their first trade of the season.  Reported first by Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, O’s added some much needed pop to the lineup in Jim Thome.  Dan Connolly from the Baltimore Sun added that two Single-A prospects would be heading back to Philadelphia to complete the deal.  This deal was made after Nick Johnson hit the disabled list due to a wrist injury.  In 62 at bats this year, Thome has five home runs and 15 runs batted in.  Sources indicate that the announcement will officially come after the Orioles and Phillies games conclude.  The Orioles were in the middle of the pack when it came to first base production; and while it is not known if Thome will be a starter, this is a good acquisition for the team.  This move came together quite quickly, yet it was a great move for a veteran GM like Dan Duquette to improve the team.

The Orioles will once again give rookie Xavier Avery a shot at the starting lineup, called up today in place of Nick Johnson who was placed on the DL with a sprained wrist. The Orioles are hoping to have the same success the Nationals and Angels have had with rookie phenom’s Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Avery did have some struggles in his first stint with the team this year that ended with a 3 for 30 slump, some believed he had become impatient at the plate and couldn’t hit breaking pitches.

While it was hard to see Avery sent down after seeing the potential he has not only in the outfield but on the bases, it appears to have improved his performance at the plate. In his last 10 games he is batting .333 in 39 AB, 4 SB, 5 RBI. During his time in Baltimore this year Avery had a .217AVG mired by his slump and had 4 stolen bases in 15 games. While the Orioles bats have apparently gone silent recently Avery could present the spark that reignites the team’s offense. Since Trout’s call up the struggling Angels went from a 6-14 start to 42-33, it also sparked the emergence of A. Pujol’s bat. The Orioles management will be hoping that Avery can have the same impact.

The Orioles have a team AVG of .235 in the month of June with a total of 81 runs so far with three days left in the month, in May and June they had 134 runs. While the offensive woes have raised some concern relief could be close to returning, Nick Markakis has just been cleared for baseball activity and would provide some offensive consistency. The bullpen has continued to be lights out thanks to Showalter’s management of innings, the top five relief pitchers have pitched between 33-36 innings.

One interesting statistic, in games following a loss by the Orioles N.Reimbold had an AVG of .421 in 5 games, followed by A.Jones .313 in 32 games then N.Markakis at .291.  The Orioles take the field tonight at Camden against the Cleveland Indians (37-37) who have lost the last 5 games and will look to rebound against an Orioles team that has also been struggling losing six of the last eight. Don’t jump ship just yet, though the O’s have had some offensive struggles recently,however they still appear to be ‘buyers’ by the trade deadline and that could lean them more towards a ‘bat’ then another ‘arm’.

“It isn’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much can you take and keep moving forward? That’s how winning is done.”-Rocky Balboa. While it may seem corny the Orioles have already exceeded many expectations this season, but one fact remains, winning teams find ways to rebound from struggles. With 11 games left until the All-Star break, we will look to see if they can right the ship, “Why Not.”

Honorable Mention:

Lew Ford .341 AVG continues to shine in the minors but his only downside could be his age, the Minor league journeymen has played well this year and many fans wanted to see him brought up with the current lack of offense. While Ford has been hitting well Avery can provide explosive speed on the bases and the outfield and consistent defense in left field, something the Orioles needed more.

The Orioles go into tonight’s game with a starting pitching ERA of 4.47 Ranked 6th in the American League that has remained manageable thanks in part to Chen (3.38) and Hammel (2.61). Hammel and Chen have gone a combined 15-5 while the rest of the starters 11-22. Here’s a look at everyone behind Chen and Hammel and who we could see called up.

Current:

Hunter (5.70ERA) can not seem to avoid the long ball this year as he’s allowed (18)HR’s, he trails P.Hughes (19) and J.Vargas, SEA.(21). Before coming to Baltimore he posted a 13-4 record and a 3.73era and 3HR’s in 128.0 innings in 2010. Unfortunately these career high’s are not the ones the Orioles envisioned when signing him. The recent move to the bullpen has been a reflection of his struggles on the mound and we could see him DFA once Lindstrom returns from the DL.

Matusz (5.24ERA) continues to struggle with consistency and once again his 6th inning struggles continued, he has a 20.25 ERA in the 6th inning allowing 18 earned runs. It’s been hard to watch Matusz struggle,  hoping that he could return to his 2009 form in which he went 11-2 with a 1.91ERA. Orioles saw Matusz as a dominant southpaw but after last years struggles it sometimes appears that he is uncomfortable on the mound. While the leash on him as always appeared to be longer than others, we could soon see him optioned if he can’t provide consistency.

Arrieta (5.55) It finally appears Arrieta is finding some consistency after some recent changes on the mound, one that has him standing closer to the first base side of the rubber and a more relaxed approach. If Arrieta can build upon his recent momentum that will definitely help the Orioles remain in the playoff hunt, and fans would love to see him emerge as the ace he has shown glimpses of becoming. It appears that the temporary move to the bullpen has inspired him, with the exception of the Mets game, he has been lights out. I don’t see a return to the minors, but we could see him packaged in a trade, though the ladies of Baltimore would miss their heartthrob pitcher.

Farm:

Britton (5.74ERA) is a fan favorite to get the call up, rumors are that he has returned to full form and his velocity and command appear to be improving. In his last start he allowed two runs and four hits, while his ERA inflated with his first couple starts and getting readjusted, he appears to be settling in and definitely has the attention of Dan and Buck.

Berken (2.32ERA) was just selected to the Triple-A All-Star game in Buffalo, and is garnering attention, he’s 1-1 in 14 games this year and continues to show dominance at the triple-A level. Berken has had flashes in the past in the bullpen but appears to be adjusting to his new starting role. Berken and Britton’s recent success contributed to the release of Jamie Moyer.

Tillman (3.76ERA) appears to be finding his groove, one of the players that came over from Seattle with A. Jones, he’s only allowed one ER in his past two starts. The issue that has always plagued Tillman was command, which appears to be much improved. The recent changes the Orioles made with their pitching staff appears to be paying off, partnered with a new the mentality that Showalter brings, appears to be a winning formula.

Gonzalez (1.61ERA) has been remarkable, appearing almost out of nowhere he has made a good impression. He was sent down to Norfolk to be stretched out, after working primarily in relief and is up to around 80 pitches and could be a couple starts before consideration. Originally drafted by the Angels, then selected by Red Sox in Rule 5 Draft, was signed by the Orioles as a free agent in February.

Baltimore has endured a lot these last fourteen years and even with the success, fans are cautious that things will end similar to previous seasons such as 2005. It appears that the Orioles had  issues with enduring the ‘marathon’ that is the entire season, and were most likely seen as ‘sprinters’. While the Orioles have sustained injuries they have somehow managed to overcome these setbacks and have key performances by unlikely candidates. The management of the bullpen by Showalter has been incredible, though they lead the league in innings pitched, the innings have been dispersed evenly.

It’s been a nice change, the number of orange shirts seems to be on the rise and there seems to be something different in the air, some have even murmured the words “Why Not?.” It’s nice to know there is a lot to look forward to, the Orioles will be ‘buyers’ and could make a splash that makes for some exciting baseball come September and possibly October baseball in Baltimore. I might be a glass half-full kinda guy, but I think the Orioles can make a decent run at a postseason, what’s wrong with having a little hope.

Honorable Mention: 

Steve Johnson (2.82ERA) disregard that his Dad works for MASN, he’s a quality pitcher and wouldn’t of cleared waivers without getting picked up by another team. We will probably hear more about Johnson once other prospects have moved up to the majors, but he is a talented pitcher and could eventually help the Orioles.

While the Orioles sit back and enjoy the success they’ve had so far in 2012, the team is not without weaknesses.  The rotation has been decent this year, but plagued by inconsistency.  The bullpen is definitely the team’s strong suit, having shut the game down in the late innings.  What the Orioles REALLY need are two things; a number one starter and a power bat to stick in the middle of the lineup.  The way the team is currently constructed, that bat would be best suited for an outfield/DH spot.  There are definitely some bats on the market right now, and more that may join them as teams get a better glimpse of their postseason chances.  The pitching market is a bit more clearly defined as the trade deadline approaches on July 31st.

One team to watch in the coming weeks that may gut most of their core is the Chicago Cubs.  They are not going to sniff playoff contention this year, Theo Epstein’s first with the team.  I’ve heard varying thoughts about what players will be available from the team.  In my opinion, other than stud SS Starlin Castro, anyone on the Cubs can be on the move given the right package.  Chicago features not one but TWO starting pitchers that teams covet.  One of them has an excellent track record pitching in the AL East, Matt Garza.  Garza is only 28 years old, which means he could require a group of players with tons of upside.  The Cubs gave up a kings random for him when they acquired him from Tampa Bay.  While that package may not be matched, a comparable one will at least have to be discussed.  Ryan Dempster is the other pitcher that teams have interest in.  Dempster is a bit older at 35, and has some wear and tear on him.  With that all in mind, Dempster has been a consistent pitcher throughout his major league career, starting and in relief.  Any team that would make a play for Dempster or Garza may have to take on outfielder Alfonso Soriano, and some portion of the remainder of his infamous 8-year $136 million contract.  That could actually bode well if the Orioles acquired him since we have a desperate need for power.  Soriano could slide right in as a DH or situational corner outfielder until Nick Markakis gets back.

Other possible hitters that COULD be trade targets for the Orioles include: Carlos Lee of the Astros, Justin Morneau or Josh Willingham of the Twins, Carlos Quentin of the Padres, Jeff Francoeur of the Royals, Vernon Wells of the Angels, Justin Upton of the Diamondbacks, and Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies.  As far as the free agency market is concerned, Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez, and Derrek Lee  are all out there.  Realistically, I could see an acquisition in the form of a salary dump or marginal player.  That leaves Lee, Quentin, Francoeur, and Wells.  The Orioles simply do not have the minor league talent, beyond untouchables Manny Machado and Dylan Bundy, to acquire star power.

On the pitching front, aside from Garza and Dempster, there are some other starters that could be available.  This group would include former Oriole Erik Bedard, Cole Hamels, Wandy Rodriguez, Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum Rick Porcello, ex-Oriole Jeremy Guthrie, John Lannan, R.A. Dickey, Jason Vargas, Gavin Floyd, Kevin Correia, and A.J. Burnett.  My first inclination would be to dangle Mark Reynolds in any trade package, because teams always need home run power.  A club troubled offensively, like Pittsburgh, may be willing to trade from their wealth of pitching for a power threat like Reynolds.

With all those names, this year should prove to be another deadline full of rumors and hopefully some great trades going down.  It’s been forever since the Orioles have been looked at as buyers.  The landscape has changed  with the influx of the second wildcard in each league; more teams think they are on the cusp of a playoff push.  July 31st, is my absolute FAVORITE time of the year, aside from the baseball games themselves.  I’m one fan that hopes Dan Duquette and company in the Orioles front office make a big splash at the deadline.

Let’s here your opinions!  Who do YOU think the Orioles should try and acquire this year?  Is there a player I left off my lists?  I’d love to hear from all you fellow Birds fans!

Tonight, Brian Roberts will be leading off and playing 2B for the Baltimore Orioles.  Sounds like an everyday thing, right?  WRONG!  Roberts has been out of action since last season after getting a concussion sliding into second base on May 16, 2011.  Prior to that, Roberts had suffered one other concussion, but this one was MUCH more serious.  The post-concussion dizziness and headaches held Roberts out of action for more than a year.  As with any serious injury, the hope was for Brian to get back to living his life, but taking baby steps.

Baseball temporarily took a back seat to health.  Brian Roberts is one of those players that hates being off the field and out of the action.  He had also been a key cog at the top of the Orioles lineup ever since he became a regular in the major leagues.  Roberts, now 34, provides leadership on and off the field.  Ask any Orioles fan; they will tell you that Brian Roberts is the heart and soul of that team!  After a lengthy amount of time away, Roberts worked his way back into the swing of things at the minor league levels.  With all the hard work and dedication to get back into playing shape, Roberts managed to return to the lineup tonight; walking up to the plate with a standing ovation from the crowd!  So far, Roberts is 2 for 3, with an RBI and one strikeout.

With Roberts back, Steve Tolleson was optioned to the minor leagues.  Having Roberts now may be the offensive spark the Orioles needed, exploding for 8 runs so far against the first place Pittsburgh Pirates.  It’s really great to see how he was able to return after all this time.  Roberts still has some good years ahead of him and I wish him the best for the future.  He has the ability to REALLY impact this tight AL East race; especially with a second wild card spot added.  Only time will tell what happens, but I am stoked for the upcoming games!  Keep it here at THE MSB for more Orioles coverage!