Good morning, Birdland. The O’s narrowly avoided getting swept in the MASN Cup this season, losing just two of three in D.C. after getting swept by the Gnats at OPACY a few weeks ago. They’ll now head to Atlanta (where I’m waiting! See ya jerks soon!) for three against the Braves and old friend Nick Markakis. I had an awful day of traveling yesterday, so this week’s second set of links is getting pushed to Friday. My apologies – I know you’re going nuts without something to read about these friggin’ Orioles.
Get Cedric Mullins up here.
Cedric Mullins put a charge into this one Thursday, resulting in his second Triple-A home run. ????
Over his last 12 games, he's hit .298 (14-47) with 6 doubles, 2 home runs, 7 RBI, 3 stolen bases and a .353 OBP. #SeaTheGreen pic.twitter.com/ToiaBgrrjp
— Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) June 22, 2018
This Isn’t the Alex Cobb the Orioles Hoped They Were Getting
Alex Cobb will be on the bump in tonight’s opener in Atlanta. I was just driving by SunTrust Park on Cobb Drive, so maybe that bodes well! But probably not! Because Cobb has been crap! Camden Depot’s Matt Kremnitzer has the gory details.
(Also, ICYMI, earlier this week, Camden Depot head honcho Jon announced that he was retiring from writing about the O’s & baseball, and that CD will be shuttering its doors after the season. That sucks. There may be a silver lining for ESR fans though, but I won’t spill any beans just yet.)
Could Padres be Surprise Entrant in Machado Derby?
Jon Heyman hears that San Diego is suddenly kicking the tires on a potential trade for Manny Machado. That would be…weird. But hey, the more bidders, the merrier!
This, That, and the Other – Roch Notes
Apparently Chris Davis is expected to be in the lineup tonight, despite Atlanta starting a left-handed pitcher who holds lefties to a .167 batting average. Setting him up for success.
Ryan McKenna is Owning the Carolinas
Frederick Keys OF Ryan McKenna, a 2015 fourth-round selection, currently leads the Carolina league in batting average, runs, SLG, OBP, OPS, wOBA, and wRC+. Read more about him in David Laurila’s latest on FanGraphs.
Over on MLB Trade Rumors, Steve Adams examines Zach Britton and concludes that – surprise! – the Orioles really did miss the boat on trading him at anything resembling peak value. Rest assured that other clubs have noticed all the concerning peripherals that Adams points out here, and remember that when the return for ZB – much like the return for Manny Machado – is very meh.
Happy first weekend of summer. Maybe the Boys of Summer will finally show up?
