Saying this a huge series for the Orioles might be the understatement of the year, but the next three games against the New York Yankees will go a long way in determining if the O’s are buyers or sellers in the next week as the trade deadline approaches. I hate overreacting to one series, especially with two full months left, but with the Orioles hovering around .500 and four games back from first place, I don’t think I am reaching when I say the team needs to find a way to win two games. It won’t get any easier after New York as the team then travels to Tampa Bay for a three-game set against the Rays. The timing of these two huge series couldn’t be any more perfect for the organization to determine which way they will decide to go as the end of July nears.
Birds Send Top Two Starters to the Hill
The schedule lined up to where the team will have their two best pitchers in Wei-Yin Chen and Ubaldo Jimenez throwing in New York. Joining them will be Kevin Gausman, who we know can be dominant any time he toes the rubber. Chen currently ranks in the top 10 of ERA in the American League with a 2.78 and Jimenez was among the leaders before allowing seven earned runs in his last start against the Detroit Tigers.
The rotation couldn’t have lined up any better. As long as those three guys throw the way they have throughout the season, the O’s will have a great chance of winning the series.
Upgrading a Team That Lacks Assets
We have talked about the black hole that is the Orioles corner outfield spots, but it will be very difficult for the team to make major upgrades with the lack of top tier talent in their minor leagues. There are plenty of outfielders who are rumored to be available – Justin Upton from the San Diego Padres, Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds, Carlos Gomez from the Milwaukee Brewers, and now Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers – but contract length and the correct trade chips will more than likely prevent the Orioles from being able to make a move of that caliber.
Don’t get your hopes up.
New Hitting Prospect Emerges
We all know about Dariel Alvarez, Christian Walker, Henry Urrutia and 2015 first round selection DJ Stewart, but first baseman Trey Mancini has taken a huge leap this season, and is now mentioned with the top hitting prospects in the Orioles system.
The 23-year-old was selected in the 8th round of the 2013 draft from Notre Dame and after starting the season with the Frederick Keys, Mancini was promoted to the Bowie Baysox. Between Single-A and Double-A, the 6’4 right-handed hitter has combined to bat .326 with 15 homeruns and 58 RBIs. He also fits right in as he has only walked 15 times this season. Mancini didn’t crack any prospect lists for the O’s this offseason, but that should change heading into the 2016 season.
