masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWhile wondering where to get my “I Heart Shutdown Innings” tattoo …
The Orioles are off today after a grueling three-game series following the All-Star break. They must be exhausted. How’s a team supposed to catch its collective breath?
They also were off prior to the three-game series against the Nationals at Camden Yards that led into the break. That’s six open dates on the schedule within a 12-day period.
Manager Buck Showalter would prefer to have the off days spread out, but you play…

While wondering where to get my “I Heart Shutdown Innings” tattoo …

The Orioles are off today after a grueling three-game series following the All-Star break. They must be exhausted. How’s a team supposed to catch its collective breath?

They also were off prior to the three-game series against the Nationals at Camden Yards that led into the break. That’s six open dates on the schedule within a 12-day period.

Manager Buck Showalter would prefer to have the off days spread out, but you play the hand that you’re dealt.

But enough about the roster …

The Orioles won back-to-back road games for the fifth time this season and improved their record to 19-27 away from home. Still lots of room for improvement, but it’s a start.

parmelee-high-fives-in-dugout-gray-sidebar.jpgFans are asking which position player will come off the 25-man roster Wednesday to make room for Kevin Gausman. There’s no clear-cut answer. Chris Parmelee was 4-for-34 this month before yesterday’s double and two-run single. He continues to flash the leather at first base, and defense always counts. And if Showalter is determined to keep Chris Davis in right field, Parmelee serves a purpose as the first baseman against right-handers.

Is it enough to keep him in the organization?

Steve Pearce’s versatility and the pop he provides off the bench certainly work in his favor. David Lough has speed, though it doesn’t translate into stolen bases, and he plays all three outfield positions. Nolan Reimold has been reduced to working in a platoon, but he also plays all three outfield spots and has underrated speed and some important supporters in the organization.

Travis Snider is 3-for-4 with a double and home run against Ivan Nova, who starts Wednesday for the Yankees. He must stay on the roster that day.

OK, seriously, I have no idea what the Orioles are going to do, but executive vice president Dan Duquette would much rather work out a trade than lose a player on waivers.

Lots of folks are speculating that Davis continues to start in right field because the Orioles are showcasing his versatility for other teams in case they try to deal him. It’s not an absurd notion, though Parmelee’s defense at first base brings a certain appeal and Davis gives the Orioles a run producer in one of the corner outfield spots.

If Davis becomes the starter at third base, those suspicions will be confirmed.

FOXSports.com reported yesterday that the Orioles have expressed interest in Padres outfielder Justin Upton. They discussed him over the winter before the Braves traded him to San Diego, the talks never really growing serious.

Upton is making $14.5 million this season and he’s a pending free agent. What would the Padres want in return and what are the Orioles willing to give up for a potential rental?

FOXSports.com also reported that the Orioles have inquired about Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez, who can become a free agent following the 2016 season. He’s repped by Scott Boras.

Interest is one thing, but it doesn’t mean much if there’s no match. I just don’t envision the Orioles coming up with the most enticing package, considering the large number of buyers as the non-waiver deadline approaches. Again, what prospects are they willing to part with that other teams covet?

The Orioles are checking on lots of players. Names will continue to surface. All it really does is further confirm that they’re buyers.

That much should be obvious with the club in second place and four games behind the Yankees.

Courtesy of STATS and SABR Home Run Log, here are the youngest Orioles when hitting their 20th home run of the season:

1. Eddie Murray, Sept. 5, 1977, 21 years, 193 days
2. Boog Powell, Aug. 13, 1963, 21 years, 361 days
3. Cal Ripken Jr., Aug. 26, 1982, 22 years, 2 days
4. Curt Blefary, Sept. 5, 1965, 22 years, 62 days
5. Ron Hansen, Sept. 5, 1960, 22 years, 153 days
6. Eddie Murray, July 28, 1978, 22 years, 154 days
7. Boog Powell, June 27, 1964, 22 years, 315 days
8. Cal Ripken Jr., Aug. 29, 1983, 23 years, 5 days
9. Manny Machado, July 18, 2015, 23 years, 12 days
10. Curt Blefary, Sept. 5, 1966, 23 years, 62 days