Is The Sheriff Returning To Town?

The Indians designated first baseman Mark Reynolds for assignment on August 8th; this means the team has 10 days to release, trade, or outright Reynolds.

Many Oriole fans jumped on the Sherriff bandwagon soon after they heard the news and support Reynolds returning to Baltimore.

But why?

Reynolds came out of the gates hot, opening the season with 13 home runs in April and May, but only has 2 since then, and hasn’t homered in 70 at bats. He also has only played in 8 of the Indians last 21 games and is batting .215 with 123 strikeouts on the year. Those aren’t the numbers you want to see when considering bringing in a player in the middle of a pennant race.

Reynolds did great things for the Orioles over the past years, but what would he bring to the team now? Yes made some nice plays in the field at first base last year, but can you really take the glove out of Chris Davis’ hand? Certainly he won’t be seeing any time at third base because of the human vacuum cleaner is over there.

He may only be good for a few home runs, which the Orioles have plenty of, and a few walks every now and then. His strikeouts will not be missed. Why add another 200 strike out a year threat? IF he was signed, and that’s a big if, it would remind me of the Jim Thome acquisition of last year, a great move for the clubhouse, but not much impact on the field.

The Orioles have great chemistry with the players they have now, and Reynolds is a very streaky hitter. I’m just not sure what his role would be. There is no certainty that he would be the player he was for the Orioles over the last two years.

Most likely Reynolds would be DH where the Orioles have had issues this year, but wouldn’t you rather have those at bats go to Henry Urrita, or possibly Jonathan Schoop?

The Orioles and Dan Duquette cannot comment on Mark Reynolds or contact him as of right now because he is still property of the Indians. It would be a surprise if they ever do.

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