After acquiring pitchers Scott Feldman and Francisco Rodriguez earlier in the month, the Baltimore Orioles are far from done with their trade deadline shopping. The team is focusing on adding a bat to their lineup, and is currently looking into many options for an upgrade at the designated hitter position.
The second Wild Card's impact on the trade deadline
One unexpected consequence of the second Wild Card may be more deals after the July 31st trade deadline. Here's how.Baltimore is one of the most active teams in trade talks for Phillies' third baseman Michael Young, according to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, who notes that Young would make most sense for the O's at designated hitter. Young has drawn significant interest from teams like the Red Sox, Yankees and Reds throughout July, but Philadelphia may still be reluctant to move him due to their refusal to sell key assets at the deadline.
According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, a reunion with the Rangers is not in the cards for Young as previously speculated. The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo notes that the Red Sox are expected to put together the best package in talks for Young, but that does not necessarily mean that Boston is the favorite to land him. The 36-year old has a full no-trade clause in his contract, but would likely be willing to accept a deal to a contender.
The Orioles have also had "preliminary talks" with the Twins about Justin Morneau, according to a report from Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. Baltimore sent a top scout to Seattle this week to watch the 32-year old, who is a free agent after the season. While Morneau may stay with the Twins at the deadline due to a relatively slow market for him, the Pirates, Yankees, Twins and Rays have all been linked to interest in the former MVP.
Mariners' outfielder Mike Morse, who is currently working his way back from injury, has drawn interest from the Orioles for years, according to Connolly. Seattle has not declared that they are selling veteran assets like Morse at the deadline, but Baltimore would likely inquire if he is made available. ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Orioles have also had internal discussions about Padres' outfielder Carlos Quentin, but his high price tag and San Diego's reluctance to trade him makes a deal unlikely.
More from MLB Daily Dish:
- Orioles acquire Francisco Rodriguez from Brewers
- Phillies willing to listen on Cliff Lee
- Phillies agree to sign Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez
- Red Sox "just kicking the tires" on Peavy
- Orioles acquire Alex Liddi from Mariners
