It’s that time again where The Baltimore Battery answers questions provided by you, the fans. It’s time for another edition of Battery Q&A.
We have selected a few questions submitted by you all that we will give our perspective and insight on. Not to keep you waiting, let’s jump right in and see what you presented to us.
What outfielder is likely to be traded this offseason, assuming everyone stays healthy and in Baltimore this year? – @BirdforLife49 via Twitter
With the recent call-up of Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad inches away from the big leagues, it does appear that the Orioles’ outfield has become a bit crowded, to say the least.
Austin Hays has been having a career year and plays Camden Yards’ left field better than anyone. I see Anthony Santander getting more time in the DH spot, as well as first base, while Mullins continues to patrol center when he gets fully healthy. Plus, Aaron Hicks has become a solid backup option for the club.
If there is one player who has become the odd man out, it would appear that Kyle Stowers would be the one person to trade. Kjerstad is playing a lot of first base in the minors as well, so that can factor into the decision of if anyone at all is moved. As of right now, I do not foresee anyone being traded.
Will the Orioles be making a trade for a quality starting pitcher, or is it time to bring John Means back to the rotation? – Gene Stone Jr. via Facebook
Starting pitching was supposed to be the weak spot on the team this season, and surprisingly, it has been serviceable and not as big of a weakness as many expected.
With the emergence of Dean Kremer, Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish as reliable starters and Grayson Rodriguez showing glimpses of a star in the making, the O’s have a strong and young four to work with.
Depending on how Means recovers and if he pitches this season will go a long way towards deciding how the offseason shakes out. I see the Orioles trading for another pitcher, but I do not think a starter will be acquired this year.
With the expectation that Grayson Rodriguez will be up the rest of the season and John Means coming back at some point: 1) Where do you see them, in the rotation or pen? 2) Does that change trade targets, and if so, how? @TruFactz_IsReal via Twitter
Grayson Rodriguez has returned, and as expected, Cole Irvin was moved to the bullpen. There was not a point, I think, that Rodriguez was ever considered for the bullpen.
As for John Means, his recovery will decide a lot. But I do think, if he returns in the middle to the end of August, as expected, that the Orioles could move to a six-man rotation. If they go a different route, I could see Kyle Gibson shifting to the pen and piggy-backing Means as he works his way back up to form.
I don’t think that either of them alter the O’s trade blueprint. I don’t think the Orioles will be active in the trade market for a starting pitcher this season. Possibly the offseason, depending on availability and also how Means returns and progresses.
The 2014 A’s were in first place in the AL West and had a great team and great team culture. They ended up making a deadline move for Jon Lester, who was an ace at the time, but the cost was Yoenis Céspedes, who at the time was a top player on the team as a power-hitting Gold-Glove-level outfielder. Lester ended up looking great, but the A’s weren’t the same and ended up barely making the playoffs in a Wild Card and losing in the play in game. The question here is, if the Orioles traded Anthony Santander for a top starting pitcher (Bieber, Burnes, etc…), outside of trading players on the farm, would you do a Santander for Bieber trade? – @Nick_Ellingson via Twitter
Great point on the Lester for Céspedes trade, but I also think there is a different dynamic with the Orioles.
Céspedes was going to leave the A’s and was unhappy at the time. Santander still has another year of club control and the flexibility to play first base and designated hitter.
I honestly think if a straight trade of Santander for Bieber presented itself, I think it would be something that the Orioles would have to consider. While I would hope Mike Elias wouldn’t be the one to reach out to the Guardians, I think if they called and offered that trade, it would have to be mulled over and probably made.
Bieber does have a season of club control and is a proven top of the rotation starter, plus the log jam of outfielders in the system makes the trade easier to consider. However, one thing to note is that Bieber was recently placed on the injured list with elbow soreness, something to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season.
We at The Baltimore Battery would like to thank everyone who submitted questions to us. As we went through them and looked for the top questions, we hope you all enjoyed the answers provided.
We look forward to hearing from you with your thoughts and comments as well. Be sure to be on the lookout for our next go around, as Battery Q&A will return before long.
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