Reality: The Baltimore Orioles traded for left-handed pitcher Wade Miley.
Perception: The Orioles did what the Orioles needed to do…pick up a starting pitcher, and a lefty at that.
So why are Orioles fans all up in arms? Dan Duquette did exactly what he set out to do. Did you really think a pitcher like Chris Sale was coming to Baltimore? If you did, you need to do a bit more research on how things work. As we’ve said on this site many times before, the Orioles simply don’t have the parts needed to make a trade like that. What they do have it the minor league players to make a trade like they just did – for a #4 or #5 starter.
Some say Miley just isn’t good. Well, sure, his 4.98 ERA this season isn’t great, but in July he has a 3.45 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in 31 innings.
Also, guess what? His 4.98 ERA for the season is better than Ubaldo Jimenez, Mike Wright, Tyler Wilson and Yovani Gallardo. And it’s not much worse than Vance Worley and Dylan Bundy.
So, in the Orioles starting rotation, Miley would be fighting for the #3 spot. So the Orioles just traded for their #3 starter, AND his is left-handed, which is much needed for the O’s.
Reality: The Orioles gave up Ariel Mirando in their trade for Miley.
If Miley trade is for Ariel Miranda straight up, no complaints. Fringe prospect who is only two years younger than Miley. #orioles #mariners
— Paul Folkemer (@PaulWFolk) July 31, 2016
Perception: Baltimore fans were a bit nervous about what they would have to give up in a trade for a pitcher. Well, Miranda is a 27-year-old AAA pitcher. In 33 games, he is 10-10 in the minors with a 3.80 ERA. He pitched 2.0 innings in Baltimore this season and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits.
Plus, the Orioles received money from the Mariners to help offset the two players’ salaries.
Even if Miley doesn’t pitch great, he can’t be much worse than what they have been throwing out there every 4-5 games, and they didn’t give up much at all to get him.
Reality: The Orioles added a player as the Trade Deadline approached for the 5th straight year.
Duquette has critics but give him credit: all 5 yrs as @Orioles GM he's made deadline deals to add to contending team. Some have worked well
— Mark Viviano (@MarkWJZ) August 1, 2016
Perception: Within 24 hours of the trade deadline since Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter arrived in Baltimore, the Orioles have made moves. They picked up outfielder Gerardo Parra last year. In 2014, they got Andrew Miller. In 2013, they picked up Scott Feldman and Bud Norris. In 2012, they went and got Joe Saunders.
Of those, only the trade for Parra didn’t noticeably positively impact their run for October. I believe this year’s move will follow that trend. And I don’t think they are done. I would not be surprised to see another move made before today’s 4 pm EST deadline.
Reality: The Orioles start August in 1st place in the American League East.
As Buck said: We came here in 1st place and we're leaving that way" @Orioles
— BMore Opinionated (@BMOShowPod) July 31, 2016
Perception: Man, after two losses in Toronto, you would have thought we were back in the decade of darkness (2000-2010) in Baltimore. The sky was falling, according to most fans…but was it?
Heck no! The Orioles ended the month just like they started…in 1st place! So let’s all take a deep breath and realize that this team will be okay.
Baltimore has been an offensive powerhouse all season, but in July they hit just .235, which is 26th (out of 30) in MLB. But that doesn’t mean everything. Boston hit .291 in July, 2nd best in baseball, but they actually lost ground in the AL East that month.
August, obviously, is going to be an important month for the team. The offense will turn it around and I believe they will end August where they started the month: in 1st place.
