Tuesday Bird Droppings: Where the trade deadline is approaching

Happy Tuesday, Camden Chatters! And how about those Orioles? They started off their four-game series with the Rays last night with a win, guaranteeing themselves a winning month of July. That makes two months in a row! The last time that happened was April and May of 2016! I know 2016 ended poorly, but all in all it wasn’t a bad year. I wouldn’t mind another crack at the wild card.

I don’t want to be too dramatic about this team that is in fact only at .500 and still in last place in the division, but also they now have 48 wins which is one more than they had in that very dismal year of 2018. That’s pretty fun!

The Orioles have six games remaining in July and they could lose them all and still finish July with a winning record. I would be really sad if they did that, though.

There was a briefly scary moment in last night’s game when Rays baserunner Luke Raley slid into Adley Rutschman’s ankle, causing him to trip and fall to the ground. He popped up rather quickly but Orioles fans were not amused. They booed Raley at the park and vented their frustrations onto social media.

Rutschman himself didn’t seem bothered and even motioned to the Rays’ dugout that it was all cool. It’s yet another way that he’s better than the rest of us.

And speaking of everyone’s newest favorite player, we once again got to bear witness to one of his amazing hugs. None of my coworkers ever treat me this way.

Links

Could the Yankees and Orioles strike a deal around Anthony Santander? - Pinstripe Alley
I sort of expect Santander to get traded, but my involuntary reaction to this story is "ew."

Five big bats Astros could target at the trade deadline - LMT Online
Could Trey Mancini be headed to Houston? I sure hope not. By the way you can find pretty much this same story about Mancini for a number of other clubs as we approach the trade deadline. It's the most wonderful time of the year?

Jordan Lyles with some props for the 'pen - MASN Sports
I am also giving some props to the bullpen!

Answering 25 MLB trade deadline questions on buyers, sellers and top targets - The Athletic
Jim Bowden trade chat! He says the Orioles should wait until August 1st to decide if they'll trade Mancini, and he says Mancini wants to stay in Baltimore. Then let him stay!

Breaking Down The 2nd Half Schedule - Baltimore Sports and Life
Spoiler: it's tough.

Birthdays and History

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have so many Orioles birthday buddies! I think the technical term actually is a buttload. Born on this day are: Paul Fry (30), Alex Burnett (35), Vidal Nuño (35), José Bautista (not that one - 58), Pete Ward (b. 1937, d. 2022), Lou Jackson (b. 1935, d. 1969), Norm Siebern (b. 1933, d. 2015), and Bill Miller (b. 1927, d. 2003).

Hey, I didn’t say they were very good birthday buddies. Just that there were a lot of them.

On this day in 1970, Boog Powell drove in six runs in an 11-1 Orioles in over the Twins. Boog did his damage with a bases loaded single and a grand slam.

In 1980, Steve Stone beat the Brewers for his 14th straight win.