The Birds have taken the first two from the Atlanta Braves and tonight they go for their first sweep since taking three from the Indians a month ago (man, those were the days, huh?). Let’s get right to the links today:
It’s Time for Chris Davis to Move Back to First Base
Yes! I couldn’t agree more with this piece, from Steve Damerell of Camden Chat. The other night, Davis was in RF, while Travis Snider was the designated hitter (LULZ), and Ryan Flaherty manned first. WTF is that about? If those three are playing, why isn’t Davis at first and Snider in the OF? Damerell argues (convincingly) that Davis should move back to first, and Nolan Reimold and David Lough should get the starts in RF. I’d argue for Reimold exclusively, but let’s not split hairs at the moment. Put Crush back where he belongs.
O’s Offense Could Use Hardy’s Power
Remember when J.J. Hardy hitting home runs was a thing? I sure do, and so does Matt Kremnitzer of Camden Depot, who this week used his guest column at MASN to lament the disappearance of Hardy’s power. It would be nice if J.J. could regain his power stroke for the stretch run, but is there anything to suggest that he might?
Orioles Should Both Buy & Sell at Deadline
Sell? Buy? What should the O’s do over the next couple days? Jesse Spector of The Sporting News says that they should actually do a little bit of both.
Dan Duquette Talks Trade Deadline
DD joined Norris & Davis on 105.7 yesterday morning, and he sure sounds like a guy that has no intention of selling (and maybe a little intention of buying?). The safe bet here seems to be to bank on the O’s doing little to nothing, neither committing to going for it all this year nor building for the future. A four-game (hopefully to be extended tonight) winning streak likely only solidifies DD’s resolve to try to buy, but I still seriously doubt anything big happens.
Phil Backert Joins Rob & Vinnie
Our own Phil Backert joined The Rob Long Show on 105.7 yesterday for his weekly segment, and discussed Nick Markakis’ return, Manny Machado’s recent struggles, and of course, the trading deadline. Give a listen!
