Reality: Steve Pearce is hitting .327 with 12 doubles, 10 HR, and two stolen bases in just 46 games.
Perception: Pearce has proven his worth. His first half would be solid for 81 games, though it’s just been 46.
Over his last 13 games, he is hitting over .375 with six homers. He had three home runs in his first six at-bats against the Rangers in this series.
It’s simply remarkable. I have a hard time putting my head around it. This is a guy who was DFA’d two months ago. Thankfully, he was a team player and came back to the Orioles when they needed him. Now, they can’t live without him. I’m not sure there is a debate anymore. He’s not a bench or role player. Pearce is now an everyday player; whether in Left Field or as DH – just get him in every day!
Reality: Chris Davis is hitting .205 with 13 home runs and 41 RBI, with 87 Ks in 68 games. He’s 0 for his last 19 and 7-for-62 over 18 games.
Perception: Davis is either a shell of his former self…or we’re seeing the “real” Davis. As good as Pearce has been is as bad as Davis has been. The mass amount of K’s along with the awful batting average really concern me. He is not comfortable at the plate at all.
Is this what the Rangers saw in him when he was in Texas? Is this why they gave up on him? He has always had the big power ability, but when he doesn’t hit a home run, he looks terrible. It’s all or nothing. Last year it was all. This year it appears to be nothing.
His current slump is worse than any other player on the Orioles roster.
As Zach Wilt asked earlier this week, does Davis need to go on the DL? Or maybe it’s time to give Davis some time off, and start Pearce at first base, Cruz in left field and Young at DH?
Reality: The Orioles have 10 days to trade, release, and place Nolan Reimold on waivers.
Perception: I can’t imagine that Reimold would clear waivers if placed on them. Too many teams are in need of a solid player (if he stays healthy). So that’s not an option. Does he hold any trade value? It really depends on the needs of other teams. If the league feels like there isn’t a big market for him, they won’t make any trade offers and will get him off waivers. But if they are desperate, then the O’s could make a trade. The problem is it won’t be for a player that will make any impact on this season’s pennant race.
Reality: Kevin Gausman will pitch for the Aberdeen IronBirds tonight.
Perception: The Orioles might be ruining the kid. Though he could be an option to start for the O’s on Sunday, they have him starting a game in short-season Single A? Really??
I really love the way that Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette work the Orioles roster. They move players in and out with such ease, filling holes when they need them. Buck works the bullpen like no one I’ve ever seen.
But the way that they have treated Gausman this season is killing me and it might be ruining The Gas Man. Call it rhythm or whatever you want, but even Gausman admitted the getting moved up and down had messed with him.
Orioles broadcaster Jim Palmer went off about it last night on MASN too. “I HATE that,” Palmer said. “I know they run this organization but…they better get Gausman up here on a regular plan.”
I think it’s time to just make a decision… is he a part of your rotation or not? Make your choice, Buck, and then let him stay there.
And if you are asking me, it’s time for him to stay in the big leagues. He is not worse than all five of our current starters. Give him a real chance every five days to prove it.
