A few more deadline reactions, Soto in a new environment, and McCann wants pitchers to get a grip.
Good morning Birdland,
The Orioles gave us a little overnight surprise to wake up to. According to MASN’s Roch Kubatko (and since confirmed by many others), Coby Mayo is on his way to join the Orioles in Cleveland. The top prospect is getting promoted!
Mayo’s performance in Triple-A this season has been impressive. He owns a .294/.370/.581 line with 20 home runs. The bat has never been a concern, although there has certainly been some maturing done there. It’s the glove where questions pop-up.
Back in 2020, Mayo was drafted as a third baseman in the fourth round out of Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. And although there have been worries about the 6-foot-5 slugger remaining at the hot corner, the Orioles have largely kept him there throughout his climb up the minor league level. Will that be the case in the majors?
Some analysts see him as a right fielder long term, but that won’t happen right now. The only other position that Mayo has played with any regularity in his professional career is first base. He has spent 20 games there this season in Norfolk, compared to 60 games at third base. However, over his last 11 games, seven of them have included time at first base.
The Orioles’ need right now is at third base. Jordan Westburg is going to be out for quite a while with a broken hand. Ramón Urías started at the hot corner on Thursday, a logical but uninspiring replacement. It would seem the O’s are hoping for better everyday production from the position than Urías can provided. That’s where Mayo comes in.
Mayo’s versatility is nice to have though. Ryan Mountcastle was not great in July (.697), so there could be a scenario in which Mayo moves to first base against a left-handed pitcher to give Mountcastle a day off and keep Ryan O’Hearn in reserve for the later in the game.
Something important to remember is that Mayo is, in fact, a rookie. He might stink for a little bit, just like Adley Rutschman did, just like Colton Cowser did, and just like Jackson Holliday has been. Patience is the key. Mayo will need some time to figure it out. But even so, the organization seems to think he gives them the best chance to win. Growing pains are likely baked into that expectation.
Links
5 things we learned from the Orioles’ week, including a B- trade deadline and Jackson Holliday’s sweet relief | The Baltimore Sun
I will agree that the Orioles’ trade deadline moves were not overwhelming, but neither was any other team in the league that “bought.” The reality was that the biggest chips didn’t get moved. Jack Flaherty and Tanner Scott were the two arms that may have the most impact down the stretch. They would also be re-treads for the Orioles. That’s not a bad thing. Players change. But given what we know about the players it doesn’t feel like they were true needle movers. The O’s opted for depth, something that had been a strength for them until injuries began piling up.
Gregory Soto finds “new environment” he sought before trade to Orioles | Roch Kubatko
The Zach Eflin trade was probably my favorite that the Orioles made, but this Soto deal is right behind it. He’s a lefty that is capable of striking batters out. It’s exactly what the Orioles needed, and he’s under team control for one more year if he performs.
Orioles’ James McCann wants MLB to help pitchers get a grip on the ball | The Baltimore Banner
I would probably feel the same way if I just got smacked in the face with a 95 mph pitch. That’s something that the league should try to prevent as much as possible, so I’m open to whatever the league and Players Association thinks is fair.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Parker Bridwell turns 33. The right-handed pitcher appeared in two games for the O’s in 2016 before he was dealt to the Angels the following offseason.
- Matt Riley is 45 today. He debuted as a 20-year-old in 1999, pitched in three games and then was not back in the majors until 2003. Between ‘03 and ‘04, the southpaw pitched in 16 games, almost all starts. But the performance was lacking, and the O’s eventually traded him to the Rangers.
This day in O’s history
1995 – The Orioles’ are one-hit by Blue Jays pitcher Paul Mehart, but they win 1-0 anyway. Harold Baines’ solo homer in the second inning was their lone knock. Mike Mussina tossed a complete game for the O’s to get the W.
2022 – On trade deadline day the Orioles send closer Jorge López to the Twins in exchange for four players, including Yennier Cano and Cade Povich.