Wednesday Bird Droppings: Where it’s trade deadline day

Good morning, Birdland!

The hot stove had been fairly tepid up until late Tuesday night, when the Reds, Padres and Indians pulled off a blockbuster trade involving a few high-profile big leaguers and several well-regarded youngsters. That deal may not be topped today, but the number of trades will surely increase.

The Orioles are in a position to make a couple of moves. Mychal Givens feels like the most likely member of the roster to be sent out, followed closely by Jonathan Villar. Trey Mancini appears to be more of a long shot, but if the right offer comes along he too could be on his way out of town.

Mike Elias isn’t showing any of his cards. There has been very little noise coming out of the warehouse this week. Why? Is this front office just really good at not leaking to the press? Or is there simply nothing going on? We will find out a few hours from now.

Links & Notes

Orioles Claim Jose Rondon - MLB Trade Rumors
This is not the most exciting of moves. Jose Rondon is a 25-year-old utility infielder with no options remaining and seemingly limited upside. The Orioles won’t bend over backwards to keep him on the roster, but as a waiver claim with no options, he needs to find a spot on the 25-man for now. That could indicate a trade is coming down the pike.

MLB trade deadline: 15 under-the-radar candidates to be moved - MLB Daily Dish
Our friends at MLB Daily Dish compiled a list of less-heralded names that could be dealt today. Mancini and Hanser Alberto both make the list. If I was a betting man, I would put my money on both of them staying put. I’m just not convinced that the offers for either one will be that huge, and the O’s could just as easily hold onto them and possibly trade them in the offseason without losing much, if any, value.

Trey Mancini on trade talk, plus other O’s notes - Steve Melewski
It would be a bummer to see Mancini go. He seems like such a genuine guy and he is the most marketable player on this team of misfit toys. He is saying all of the right things, and even his manager makes it pretty clear that he is a clubhouse favorite. Baseball is a business, and I will totally understand why the Orioles trade him if and when the time comes. But that doesn’t mean it’s gonna be fun.

2019 Trade Deadline Targets: RHP Mychal Givens, Orioles - Dodgers Digest
This Dodgers fan site puts forth two potential packages for Givens. They don’t feel terribly tempting to me. It doesn’t seem like many of the top tier relievers are going to be dealt. That could leave teams fighting for guys in the second tier, which is where Givens would fall. That doesn’t mean the O’s are about to get some huge haul, but they might be able to pull off something slightly more impressive than what this post is proposing.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

You can throw a party with 49-year-old Mike Figga, a catcher for 41 games on the 1999 Orioles, and 72-year-old Earl Stephenson, a southpaw hurler for three games between 1977-78. Rip Coleman (b. 1931, d. 2004) and Joe Durham (b. 1931, d. 2016) are two other former O’s that were born on this day.

1971 - Orioles pitcher Pat Dobson wins his 12th straight start with a 4-0 shutout over the Kansas City Royals.

1980 - Steve Stone falls two wins short of the AL record (16 wins) for consecutive victories on the mound as the Rangers beat the O’s 7-4.

2000 - Outfielder B.J. Surhoff and pitcher Gabe Molina are traded from the Orioles to the Braves in exchange for outfielder Trenidad Hubbard and two minor leaguers.

2000 - The Orioles also ship first baseman Will Clark to the St. Louis Cardinals for third baseman Jose Leon.

2013 - Bud Norris goes to the Orioles in a trade that lands L.J. Hoes and Josh Hader with the Astros.

2016 - Wade Miley becomes an Oriole as the Birds send fellow southpaw Ariel Miranda to the Seattle Mariners.

2018 - The Orioles have a busy deadline day, trading away Jonathan Schoop, Kevin Gausman and Darren O’Day in two deals. In return, they land Jonathan Villar, four prospects and some international slot money.