Last week, I took a break from writing my weekly hot take article due to the fact that my fingertips were still recovering from typing that scorching column in which I suggested the Orioles trade Mark Trumbo, which, by the way, went over very well if you ignore all the comments including the words “stupid” or “idiot.” One person even suggested that I, the author, get traded for starting pitching. In theory, that’s not a bad idea, though I don’t think I have much value in this trade market, unfortunately.
Speaking of trade market value, let’s jump right into this week’s hot take. Remember Bud Norris?
The Orioles, in need of some starting pitching help after Jason Hammel landed on the disabled list, acquired Norris in a deadline deal with the Houston Astros in 2013. In the trade, the Orioles sent the Astros three different pieces. The first was outfielder L.J. Hoes, who is back with the O’s organization as a member of AAA Norfolk. The second was left-handed pitching prospect and local product Josh Hader, who is now with the Milwaukee Brewers organization and posted a 0.95 ERA in 57 innings this season with AA Biloxi before being promoted to AAA Colorado Springs. The third piece of the puzzle was a competitive balance pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. That pick was used on outfielder Derek Fisher, who is tearing his way through the minor leagues and will be part of the AA Texas League’s Home Run Derby and All Star Game on Tuesday.
Fun stuff.
Norris was an integral part of the 2014 American League East Champion Baltimore Orioles club, posting a 3.65 ERA, winning 15 games, and earning nicknames such as “Stud Norris” and “Bud the Stud.” His stellar performance in Game 3 of the ALDS helped give the Orioles a series sweep over the Detroit Tigers and a date with the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS.
Bud was a fan favorite until 2015, when the wheels seemingly fell off. His 6.79 ERA as a starter forced him out of the rotation and into a relief role, where he was no better. He was eventually designated for assignment on the two-year anniversary of his acquisition. Bud signed with the San Diego Padres and pitched out of the bullpen for the remainder of the year.
This season, Bud was given new life by the Atlanta Braves. He began the season in the starting rotation and, once again, was awful. His 8.74 ERA in April got him sent to the bullpen. In 18.1 innings out of the bullpen, Bud allowed just four earned runs (that’s an ERA just under 2.00), and was given yet another chance to start. Since his return to the rotation, Bud is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. In the month of June, he is fourth in the National League in fWAR, behind only Jose Fernandez, Clayton Kershaw, and Adam Wainwright. That’s some solid company.
One of my favorite baseball writers, Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs, posted a great article yesterday about Norris and his recent success. Check it out here, especially if you like being a total baseball nerd like I do.
I’m not going to try to convince you or myself that Bud Norris is a great pitcher again. I’m not even sure if I would call him good just yet. The sample size is rather small, after all, and there’s some quote about a blind squirrel finding a nut that belongs in here.
The Orioles, however, need starting pitching very badly and do not have much to offer in return. Chris Sale is a pipe dream. Sonny Gray will cost way too much. Drew Pomeranz probably won’t happen. All the good pitchers on the market will go to teams with deep farm systems and the Orioles are certainly not one of those teams.
[Related: The Rundown – Pomeranz Trade Would Be Risky]
This leaves Dan Duquette in a position where he must work his way out of his own mess and the only way to do that is by acquiring cheap talent – the classic “low-risk, high-reward” candidates. Norris fits the bill. The 31-year-old is making just $2.5 million this season (the O’s would owe between $1 and $1.5 million of that) and will not cost an awful lot to acquire. I think the Braves would take a mid-level prospect like Parker Bridwell or Joe Gunkel in exchange for Norris.
Best case scenario: Bud has figured something out and pitches well enough to keep Ubaldo Jimenez and/or Mike Wright out of the rotation.
Worst case scenario: Bud still sucks, he gets cut, and Ubaldo stays in the rotation, but at least we gave up next to nothing in order to give it a shot.
What do you think? Should the O’s consider bringing back Bud?
6 Responses
I’m included to agree. There’s a lot of upside there and if we could truly get him for a mid-level prospect, I’d be all for it. He’s a good chemistry guy as well and this team feeds on chemistry.
Norris in deed would be something the O’s could give a shot,if it works great if not move on to plan B.
Absolutely NO to Pomeranz,bad move.poo the O’s part and Doucette know’s it.
God I wish Harry Dalton were still alive.
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No! I’ve seen enough of Bud Norris.
The O’s should spend some money, pursuing Drew Pomerantz is he becomes available.
I wouldn’t mind giving Bud Norris another shot at being a starter….and if that doesn’t work out, then the O’s could always use another reliever out of the bp. But on the other hand, I don’t really believe that Norris is gonna last another 3-4 years…that leaves the O’s plenty of time to re-stock up starting pitchers.
You make a good argument but I think we should at least try for a good pitcher along with Bud if he makes it great and if not oh well, because anything is better then Jimenez
Dumpster Diving Dan must go at it again. Any SP that someone else might want will be out of range. DDD is even less likely now to give up potential given Jake A’s success. Ont the other hand, the window is only open for maybe two years. It makes sense to deal harvey/bundy/sisco for a real SP now, pay the price later.