For the first time since 2005 the Orioles are above .500 heading into July and will likely be “buyers” instead of “sellers” as the trade deadline approaches at the end of July. Many divisions have been won and many playoff spots have been clinched after teams have made moves at the deadline, but making the wrong move can prove devastating. There is a lot of speculation surrounding what the O’s will do and who they will bring in an effort to improve their playoff chances.
Here are my thoughts on the Orioles as the trade deadline approaches:
Don’t mortgage the future:
Let me preface thing by saying I am enjoying the winning and would like it to continue for the rest of the year, but the Orioles should not mortgage their future for a couple months of success. We have seen teams who were in first place or just behind make huge splashes, trading highly touted, major league ready prospects in order to make a playoff push. Just look at the Brewers trade for CC Sabathia a few years ago, but a move like that would not be in the Orioles best interest.
Winning is fun, but winning for the next 5 to 10 years would be even better. Every conversation the Orioles have where the names Bundy, Machado or Britton are mentioned should be a conversation that ends very abruptly. Making a move at the deadline that is designed for the short term that ends up not working could set this franchise back for the next decade, not something a lot of fans will be happy about.
Don’t make a move just to make it:
This is a bit of a continuation from the previous thought but just because people may want a move to be made, doesn’t mean that one should be made. Sometimes being inactive at the trade deadline can be as good as being active. Some of the names I am hearing being floated around as possibilities for the Orioles would not be worth bringing in. Bringing in a middle of the road pitcher like Joe Saunders would really not do anything for the team. They might be better off to keep a mid-level prospect and see if they develop them as opposed to bringing in a pitcher who’s better days are behind him and is struggling in the NL West, just to show your fans that you are making an “effort”. You never know what you will get from a prospect, but you know what you will get from Saunders or any other journeyman pitcher.
Come July 31st the Orioles will likely be in a place they have not been since 2005, contending, and will have the opportunity to improve a successful team. Everyone is already speculating and fans are putting scenarios together in their heads where the Orioles can get Josh Hamilton without having to give up Bundy, Britton or Machado, but nobody knows who will be available and who the O’s will be willing to give up.
Regardless of what happens it will be fun to be in a situation where the Orioles are looking to make a deal to make a playoff push. I just think fans need to realize that making a huge splash isn’t necessarily the answer, but smart deals can be just as effective.
That being said, I am leaving for Seattle July 20th to kidnap Felix Hernandez and bring him to Baltimore. Anyone want to join?
Ok that probably won’t happen but let the speculating begin.
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