The only thing we can say for sure is that the Baltimore Orioles open the second half of the season tonight in Texas. What happens from there remains to be seen. But certainly the Orioles are hoping that it’s a second half to remember – a second half PLUS a little more.
The O’s do have an advantage given that four core members are already in Texas following the All-Star game. So there’s that. But this is also an Oriole team that limped to the finish line in the first half. They were staring down a winless home stand and a six-game losing streak until they finally caught a break late in Sunday’s game against New York.
But the question remains whether that’s a harbinger for the second half, or a statistical anomaly. And thus just a tough stretch of the season. Unequivocally, we can’t say. However this roster has proven that they can dig themselves out of holes. They’ve proven that they’re resilient, and are capable of winning despite great odds.
The next big “thing” of course is the trade deadline at the end of the month. The Orioles have a litany of riches in the minor leagues, and if they want to be competitive come October, they’re going to have to put them to use eventually. Sometimes a prospect is worth more to you on the trade market than he is on the active roster.
There are rumors that the Orioles are interested in Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, who leads all pitchers in ERA and WAR. He’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball thus far. It’s also worth mentioning that the Birds have two series’ with Detroit in September. That would be potentially twice that they WOULDN’T have to face Skubal in a stretch run – if they traded for him.
Former Oriole reliever Tanner Scott has had an outstanding first half with the Miami Marlins as well. Might he be someone who could solidify the Oriole bullpen? The Birds are in Miami next week, for what that’s worth.
I get the yearn not to trade the farm. I do think you need to be careful in doing so. You don’t want to trade quality for garbage. And no matter what they do, there’ll be people who’ll say they made a mistake. And end of the day if they DON’T win the World Series, someone out there will point back to the deadline and play Monday Morning Quarterback. End of the day, they need to do something. Because standing pat isn’t an option for a World Series contender.
The second half’s first series begins in Texas tonight at Globe Life Field. Corbin Burnes gets the start for the O’s, and Texas is yet to decide a starter. Game time is set for just after 8 PM.
Birdland Crush 