Thank God the Orioles just lost three games in New York.
John Madden famously said “one knee equals two feet.” Similarly, I’m saying of the Orioles latest effort in New York “three losses equal a long term win.”
I’m going to go ahead and assume that the Yankees will move from undecided to buyers in the upcoming trade deadline excitement. That’s a very good thing for the Orioles and the rest of the AL East.
Why?
Just the other day I was watching MLB Network and they were doing a segment on the Yankees (doesn’t every 4th place team get a whole segment?) and they were discussing how the current situation is a temporary one for New York. The boys in pinstripes have quite a bit of young talent, but also some aging, less productive, high-dollar players about to come off payroll in the next year or two.
The reckless speculation about who the Yankees could have money enough to bring in and combine with younger players included Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson, among others. While there’s no doubt New York will have money to spend again, I’d like to see those guys have to do it without a solid mix of very good younger talent.
…see where I’m headed?
Hopefully New York takes their good week as a sign of things to come, and trades away some of their promising young talent in an effort to make a run this season. The rest of the AL East will surely thank them down the line.
Yes, I know the Red Sox are in first place and things look bleak. Still, I’ll take a couple days of darkness to ensure I get to see the sun at least once or twice in the next six years.
Where does this leave our beloved Birds? I’m a pretty pessimistic guy, so I’ll refer you to the previously ludicrous post suggesting the Orioles trade Mark Trumbo (It’s no longer a crazy notion). I still see the Mets as a good trade partner on several fronts. Whether the O’s are buyers or sellers at the deadline, I think they could peddle Pedro Alvarez to the Mets. The Mets need a decent bat that can play some 3rd base and he’s as solid an available option that could be out there. Give me the Cardinals and Astros as possible trade partners on Trumbo.
Before you punch the screen and curse the idea of “giving up” despite being only half a game out, ask yourself this: Is this team built to reach and win a World Series.
No, it’s not.
Are the O’s simply one starting pitcher away?
No, they are not and they currently don’t have the minor league system to make a trade for one that would have any type of true impact.
I like the Orioles moving forward after this season. They have money to spend and several young studs to build around. However, I don’t like them as much if the Yankees become sellers this year and become stocked with even more young talent. Make a run for it this year, Brian Cashman! We’re begging you…
