When I came back from my honeymoon, I bragged to Brett and Luis about my luck in missing the dreadful four-game sweep in Cincinnati. A little perk of missing a game here or there is that it doesn’t hurt as much if you weren’t watching. But it works the other way, too.
I have a bit of an issue with how this (the Orioles reputation as “methodical deal-makers”) is presented, unless I’m reading his tone incorrectly:
The overwhelming sentiment is that Baltimore will move Manny by the deadline. But does it matter who's leading on July 13 if the #Orioles don't move him for another two weeks? The O's have done nothing to this point to dispel their reputation as very methodical deal-makers.
Methodical? That’s what were calling the Orioles’ distinct inability to make any decision at all followed by their unique ability to convince themselves they’ve made the wrong decision, which turns into a worse decision (a la Zach Britton, for example (both with the Astros last offseason and arguably with the Cubs over the winter)), Dexter Fowler, and others?) Again, maybe Crasnick was making a similar joke. There’s honestly the tiniest part of me that still believes the Orioles will screw this up and not trade Machado until August via waivers or not at all.
And this isn’t really an isolated opinion. Jeff Passan just wrote an entire article about the frustration other teams have experienced dealing with Baltimore on Machado, and this is supposed to be the “evolved” Orioles who understand the mistakes of the past and have an obvious piece to move:
Just when it seems like the Baltimore Orioles are ready to move on a Manny Machado trade … then they aren’t. Column on the start-and-stop negotiations, what the Yankees’ calculus may be and how all of it ties into a putrid starting-pitcher market: https://t.co/6caUWTVEuIpic.twitter.com/0OEto7htkD
On a more specific note, Passan concludes that it’ll cost 1 top-100 type prospect plus two high-ceiling (but not top-100) types to get something done, which, frankly, is a very reasonable package in my opinion for a rental trade of this caliber. Obviously the quality of that top-100 type can swing things, but for what it’s worth, the reasonable rumors out there seem to put that player in the 30-50 range, which, again, I think is probably fair.
The other interesting thing about that – and I hate to open old wounds to prove a point, but I’m about to – is that Gleyber Torres was ranked precisely in that range (usually around #40) when the Cubs traded him for Aroldis Chapman (also a rental trade, but one that could provide unique value in the postseason). It wasn’t until after that deal did he take off and turn into a top prospect in baseball and eventually an AL All-Star. Sometimes top 40 guys turn into back-end 100 types and sometimes they turn into All-Stars, but it appears that still is the price of admission.
There’s one rumor going around that the Yankees want to deal rookie third baseman Miguel Andujar for a controllable starter, while simultaneously making a move for Machado. That would be a very go-for-it move on the surface, but if they believe they can convince Machado to re-sign in New York after playing and potentially winning there for a few months, it might be worth the risk. Of course, Machado seems adamant about his desire to stick at shortstop. The Cubs, for what it’s worth, could conceivably do something similar with Addison Russell, but I wouldn’t count on that until the offseason, if at all.
Bob Nightengale reports that the Giants have let the Yankees – who are looking for starting pitching – know that starter (and former Cub) Jeff Samardzija is available this deadline. Interesting. Samardizja, 33, is still owed $44M, and has been both terrible and injured this season (6.42 ERA over nine starts), but was nearly a 4.0-WAR pitcher last year. He’s probably still got something in the tank, but to take on that risk right now? Maybe if there were significant dollars eaten in the trade he’s a good depth addition for the right team, but I’m not sure the fit is there for a reunion with the Cubs at this point.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
MORE MACHADO:
Phillies are said to be making some progress in Manny talks with O’s. Machado is a great fit, and Phils people know MM best (after the Orioles). Plus, word is Phils owner Middleton is thought to want to “make a splash.”
According to Heyman, the Phillies are inching closer to “favorites,” but frankly, the Cubs, Brewers, Yankees, and now Phillies have all been called favorites at one point or another this season, so it’s hard to take it too seriously. Nonetheless, they’re getting aggressive after Machado and could also look to also pry away reliever Zach Britton, another potential Cubs target.
Ken Rosenthal throws gas on the Phillies/Orioles fire:
#Orioles have ramped up background work on #Phillies prospects, responding to Phils’ increased interest in Machado, sources tell The Athletic. Phils won’t move RHP Sixto Sanchez but are willing to trade from SP depth from Low A to AAA. RHP Adonis Medina of interest to O’s.
Back to Britton: Heyman has heard that the Phillies, Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, Dodgers, and Indians are involved, but one Orioles person believes he could potentially bring back as much as Machado. To that I say … eh. Maybe. Maybe at one point in time Britton could do that – if Chapman did, Britton could have – but I don’t think that’s the case anymore. After getting injured last season and then again over the winter, Britton has only made 13 appearances this year and has just a 4.26 ERA and 4.32 FIP to show for it. Do I believe he can turn it around and be a quality (or even dominant) reliever? Of course. But do I think it’s fair or realistic for the Orioles to expect to be paid as much as they would have a year ago, especially when you consider he’s making $12 million this year? No way.
To be clear, I want the Cubs to pursue Britton at the deadline, but also make sure they know that they’re pursuing 2018 Zach Britton, who’s one year older, two injuries up, one year of control down, and some pretty middling performances different than last deadline. That’s going to be a tough pill to swallow for the Orioles, but not trading Britton for SOME value would be a mistake.
The Cardinals are likely thinking long-term with their trades this winter, which, heh. “Ultimately we want to do what’s best for this organization, not just in the sense of a Band-Aid [but] long term,” John Mozeliak said. “If we thought there was sort of that one magic bullet to change the trajectory of the season, we might chase that.” But there’s not, because they’re not winning the division this year. Come at me, St. Louis.
Speaking of the long-term of the NL Central, All-Star Scooter Gennett wants to stay with the Reds for the long haul, he’s just not sure if the feeling is mutual. Gennett is a potential trade candidate, but he’s also just 28 years old and under control (via arbitration) for one more season. If the Reds saw a light at the end of the tunnel, they might consider extending Gennett, but we’ll see if they go that way.
And finally, the A’s Billy Beane sounds like he wants to make a splash this deadline: “The idea that we can sort of push off an opportunity because we think we’ll be better next year is just a bad approach from our standpoint,” Beane said. “We’ve got to do everything we can.” So … watch out for the A’s I guess. More buyers on the market is never a good thing if your team is also a buyer, but I don’t want the Cubs to be overly aggressive this deadline anyway. I genuinely believe their biggest contributions will come from within (Anthony Rizzo turning up, Yu Darvish returning, Brandon Morrow staying healthy) etc., so do what you must, Billy.
Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL.
In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy.
You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami
The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...
Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...
The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...
If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...
Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...
As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...
Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...
Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...
Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...
Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....
The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...
The Chicago Cubs (11-7) are set to take on the Miami Marlins (4-15) Friday at 2:20 PM ET, airing on BSFL. The Cubs are listed as -165 favorites by oddsmakers, while the underdog Marlins have +139 odds for the contest.Jameson...
In one of the 15 exciting matchups on the MLB schedule today, the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals take the field at Kauffman Stadium.MLB prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a...
The Miami Marlins (4-15) kick off a four-game series on Friday against the Chicago Cubs (11-7). The contest starts at 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field.The Cubs will give the ball to Jameson Taillon and the Marlins will turn to...
The Cincinnati Reds (9-9), led by Spencer Steer, host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the Cincinnati-Los Angeles...
The Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Kings are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 9:30 PM ET. The over/under...
The Blackhawks put the worst regular season of more than 70 games in the history of the franchise to bed on Thursday night in a manner that sums up the season fairly well. Connor Murphy was banged up and Nikita...
It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...
The NBA Playoffs are here, and the Eastern Conference first-round ignites with a clash of styles. The Indiana Pacers, boasting the league's top-scoring offense, bring their high-octane attack to Milwaukee to face the experienced Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's status adds further...
The Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8), led by Bryan Reynolds, host Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options...
NEWSLETTER
