masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles are adding wins and players while reducing their magic number. Guess it’s all good these days in Birdland.

Who remembers that series sweep in Wrigley Field now?

Last night’s win puts the Orioles a season-high 22 games over .500 at 78-56, and their lead atop the American League East is eight games.

The Orioles are 5-1 on this homestand and they are 20-6 in their last 26 home games.

They also made two trades last night, one during and one after the game.

The Orioles acquired…The Orioles are adding wins and players while reducing their magic number. Guess it’s all good these days in Birdland.

Who remembers that series sweep in Wrigley Field now?

Last night’s win puts the Orioles a season-high 22 games over .500 at 78-56, and their lead atop the American League East is eight games.

The Orioles are 5-1 on this homestand and they are 20-6 in their last 26 home games.

They also made two trades last night, one during and one after the game.

The Orioles acquired outfielder Alejandro De Aza from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitchers Mark Blackmar and Miguel Chalas.

The 30-year-old left-handed hitter can play all three outfield positions but left is his best spot. In 122 games this season, he is batting .243 with 19 doubles, five triples, five homers and 31 RBIs. He has 15 steals in 22 attempts.

While De Aza has just one hit in his last 15 at-bats, he is batting .270 since the All-Star break, .286 in August and .300 (24-for-80) over his last 23 games. He is arbitration eligible after this season and under team control through 2015.

He is a better career batter against right-handed pitchers hitting .275 with a .748 career OPS against right-handers.

He had a solid 2013 season when he batted .264 with 27 doubles, four triples, 17 homers, 20 steals and 62 RBIs.

They also acquired infielder Kelly Johnson and minor league infielder Michael Almanzar from Boston for minor league infielders Jemile Weeks and Ivan DeJesus.

Johnson and Jimmy Parades both add some depth at third base with Manny Machado out for the season.

De Aza probably has the best chance to help the team, and he could become a regular or play as part of a platoon in left field. He also adds more speed to a team that needs it.

By adding the players before midnight tonight, any of them could be on a playoff roster, and the Orioles have clearly given themselves some options to chose from there when the time comes.

What is your take on last night’s trades?