The Orioles haven’t lived up to certain expectations so far this season and it’s no secret that in the month of May the problem has been a lack of offense.
May is a small sample size but it’s discouraging to see that the Orioles are only getting production from a couple of players in the lineup as of late.
Baltimore may choose to make a trade or two if they continue to lack in runs. Here are a few deals that could happen or makes sense:
Orioles Receive: IF Ben Zobrist
Athletics Receive: P Tommy Hunter, P Tim Berry
Many fans remember Zobrist from when he played with the Rays, where he always did quite a bit of damage against Orioles’ pitching. He’s now with the A’s and is in the final year of his contract. A’s GM Billy Beane has been known to make all sorts of trades, especially for players who are in contract seasons.
Zobrist can play just about any position in the field and is a contact hitter. He also has a bit of pop with three seasons of 20 or more home runs. He’d be a nice addition as he could be inserted into the top of the lineup.
The A’s have had mixed results from their bullpen this season and might be intrigued by Hunter. His stats are obviously not impressive but his high-heat fastball is something that can’t be ignored. Hunter is in a contract year as well so the Orioles will have to throw in a prospect, like Berry, to make the deal worthwhile. It might take something more, knowing how Beane works.
Orioles Receive: 1B Ryan Howard
Phillies Receive: P Mychal Givens, P Tim Berry
Tim Berry. – GulfBird Photo/Craig Landefeld
Boy, the Baltimore front office is probably kicking itself for not pulling the trigger on trading for Howard before the season started. He has a respectable .256 average right now and 10 home runs. Baltimore has lacked power lately in the lineup and could use a player like Howard to put up runs with one swing of the bat.
The Orioles would have competitors for Howard, especially the Cardinals, so they would have to give up two prospects. Givens has revived himself in the minors since becoming a pitcher and adding Berry could get a deal done. It all depends on how much the front office is willing to give up for an aging player with power, and how much of Howard’s remaining contract Philadelphia is willing to eat.
Orioles Receive: 2B/OF Alex Guerrero
Dodgers Receive: P Wei-Yin Chen, P Tommy Hunter
This is something that hasn’t been talked about but could be very beneficial for the Orioles. The team needs power in its lineup, which Guerrero has showed off this season. Guerrero is getting playing time right now for the Dodgers but could lose it when Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford come back, which makes him expendable.
Chen and Hunter are both in contract years but could provide serious value for the Dodgers. The team lacks rotation depth, outside of Clayton Kershaw and Zach Greinke, and could also use an arm late in games.
Guerrero can play just about any position and won’t be a free agent until 2021, according to spotrac.com. It’s just speculation but could be a smart move for the future of the Orioles.
Orioles Receive: 1B Wilin Rosario
Rockies Receive: P Parker Bridwell
Here’s a deal that could be a cheaper version of a Howard deal. Rosario has recently fallen out of favor in Colorado but could be a powerful bat as a designated hitter or off the bench for the Orioles. His most impressive stat is batting .370 against lefties this season, according to ESPN.com
Bridwell has been a workhorse in the minors for Baltimore but could struggle to get an opportunity with the team. Colorado needs all the starting pitching depth they can get and should be willing to part with Rosario for Bridwell.
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