For what seems like the first time all season, we’ve actually had some fun baseball to watch since the last time we spoke here. Definitely at least since the four-game set in the Bronx in early April, right? The Birds took three of four over three days against the Tampa Bay Rays, capped with a Mother’s Day Massacre of their own, a 17-1 thrashing on Sunday. After taking the final two against KC in the previous series, the O’s have now won five of their last six contests, something they hadn’t accomplished since last August.
Whether or not they can keep it rolling – and whether or not we should really hope that they do – remains to be seen. For now, at least, it was a very welcome change.
To the links!
Bird’s Eye View Episode 237: 5-6-7-8
As they do every May, Jake & Scott hand the mics over to their lovely wives for a segment this week. They also dip into the question I hinted at above, about a good week of baseball actually being bad for this organization.
David Hess was Fine, and that’s a Good Thing
David Hess made his MLB debut on Saturday, allowing a three-run home run in the first inning before setting down and shutting Tampa down over the remainder of his six innings. Camden Depot’s Matt Kremnitzer says that it sure would be nice if one of these number-five-ish type starting pitcher candidates could actually stick as such, instead of forcing a move to the bullpen with poor performance.
Gausman Prioritizing Precision Over Power in Early Season Success
Kevin Gausman has been really good, in case you haven’t noticed (you’d be forgiven if you haven’t. Most haven’t been paying close enough attention lately to notice anything except all the L’s piling up.) Tyler Young of Camden Chat goes into the way Kevin has eschewed being “The Gas Man,” in favor of being “The Off-Speed Man” (doesn’t quite roll off the tongue the same way, does it?) Unfortunately, all I can think is how this is upping his trade value, not how he’s finally becoming an Orioles Ace. Le sigh.
Bundy Feels He’s Found the Fix
Speaking of potential Orioles Aces. Dylan Bundy, huh? After a historically awful start against KC (that followed a string of several very bad and very un-Bundy starts), Dylan was back to Dealin’ against Tampa Bay on Sunday, throwing seven innings of shutout ball. What changed? He wouldn’t really go into specifics, but Jon Meoli has some quotes anyway.
It’s Time to Find Manny Machado a New Home
Sorry to end on a sour note, but here we are. Brandon Warne lists potential Manny suitors for Baltimore Sports & Life, and there are plenty. Listen – if you’re still wearing the thickest orange shades possible, and you really think the O’s have a shot at re-signing Machado, you should STILL want them to trade him in-season this year. He’ll be a free agent anyway. If he really wants to keep playing in Baltimore, and if the Orioles really think they can find the funds to pay him to do so, then he can put pen to paper and be a Bird in 2019 and beyond starting this winter. Wouldn’t he be more inclined to do so if the O’s farm system weren’t nearly as destitute as it currently is?
Trade the Manny. It’s time. Even though…
Will miss this. pic.twitter.com/f8hRfMpkTe
— Eutaw Street Report (@EutawStReport) May 14, 2018
Cue the Sarah McLaughlin…
