Every weekday, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.
Question: The Orioles’ outfielders have really struggled this season offensively. Particularly the veterans — Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander. If they continue to struggle into the All-Star break do you think it’s a possibility the Orioles make a trade for a veteran outfielder to upgrade the offense? Or are they more likely to promote a prospect (Heston Kjerstad) and give him regular at-bats. And if so, what do you think happens with Hays/Mullins? From: Marty Ernest, Sparrows Point, Md.
Answer: Marty, I’m glad that you’re being realistic about the timetable. While the season is nearly a third over, they do need to give Hays, Mullins and Santander more time, but I’m sure if things aren’t better by July, they’ll make some moves.
I think trading for a veteran outfielder is possible, even if the regular outfielders perk up. I’m not sure they’ll promote Kjerstad unless the outlook was for more playing time. Lots of things will happen between now and July, so I can’t speculate on how the outfield will look then, although I think it might not look the way it does now.
Question: How much does Brandon Hyde rely on analytics in his decision-making? Is it used for setting the lineup, where to use pinch-hitters or what sequence to bring in relievers? Or does he make these decisions based on his experience? From: Fred Mraz
Answer: Fred, I posed your question directly to Brandon Hyde, and here’s his answer: “I think analytics does make numbers, matchups, predictive stats all part of decision-making and you also have to have a human element. I use information in every decision I make.”