Saturday’s Bird Droppings: Where it’s Pedro Severino’s birthday

Good morning, Birdland!

OK, I will admit that I had a lot of fun watching the Orioles beat the Red Sox 11-2 last night. They hit a few massive home runs, Richie Martin put on a one-man show, John Means looked like an all-star again, the bullpen was impressive and, best of all, the Red Sox were terrible.

Another win today would make it three in-a-row and guarantee a series win over Boston. That would be pretty cool, and it would have the BoSox fans in a tizzy, as many of them were on Twitter last night.

Links

Núñez settles in as able O’s replacement for Machado at third - Baltimore Sun
Eh, I mean Renato Nunez has a nice bat but I’m not sure he can be considered a “replacement” if he isn’t yet able to provide serviceable defense. I’m not expecting Manny Machado out there, but I would love to see Nunez add reliable defense to his repertoire.

Orioles Re-Sign Jace Peterson - MLB Trade Rumors
This is a good deal for both sides. The Orioles need some sort of depth in the upper minors, and Jace Peterson is a known commodity. His versatility is helpful for a team that could have even more holes to fill come August.

Is it Smith’s turn to break out of slump? - School of Roch
Maybe, but I would just as soon like to see D.J. Stewart get another shot in the big leagues once he is fully healthy. Not to mention, Dwight Smith Jr. does have one option remaining, according to Roster Resource. It may not be something the O’s want to use, but it is available.

AL East: Nine Rising Prospect Stocks - FanGraphs
Right now, when the Orioles need pitching, they turn to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. Unfortunately, we have seen the result of that strategy this season. The cupboard is bare. However, that could change as soon as next season, when the likes of Dean Kremer and Michael Baumann may work their way into Norfolk and, shortly thereafter, Baltimore.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

O’s catcher Pedro Severino turns 26 years old today. Infielder Alexei Casilla, an O’s infielder between 2013 and ‘14 is 35. Former spring training MVP Jake Fox celebrates his 37th birthday. One half of the Johnson & Johnson battery, catcher Charles Johnson is 48 years old. And finally, it is the 55th birthday of Mark Lee, a relief pitcher for the O’s in 1995.

1993 - Ben McDonald tosses a one hit shutout as the Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0.

2001 - Orioles games at Camden Yards are still postponed due to a train derailment in the Howard Street Tunnel, which took place on July 18.