masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgIs Mark Trumbo the new first baseman for the Orioles?
That is an assumption some are making tonight. It is probably too soon to know that. But the reported acquisition of Trumbo from Seattle for catcher Steve Clevenger brings a first baseman to the Orioles in the deal. Trumbo has averaged 26.2 homers per year over the last five years. From 2011-13, he averaged 32 homers per season.
The team that can hit a lot of homers added another home run hitter. So is this a key move for the Orioles or just…

Is Mark Trumbo the new first baseman for the Orioles?

That is an assumption some are making tonight. It is probably too soon to know that. But the reported acquisition of Trumbo from Seattle for catcher Steve Clevenger brings a first baseman to the Orioles in the deal. Trumbo has averaged 26.2 homers per year over the last five years. From 2011-13, he averaged 32 homers per season.

The team that can hit a lot of homers added another home run hitter. So is this a key move for the Orioles or just one of many moves still to come? That is another question left unanswered right now.

Chris Davis orange smile.pngDoes this pickup mean the O’s have realized that they can’t re-sign Chris Davis? Could Davis still wind up an Oriole, even one that plays right field with Trumbo at first? Is Trumbo, said to be a sub-par defender, going to be a DH for the Orioles?

Trumbo hit .262/.310/.449 last season between Arizona and Seattle, with 23 doubles, two triples, 22 homers and 64 RBIs. His career slash line is .250/.300/.458 with a .758 OPS. He is projected to earn $9.1 million in 2016 through arbitration.

In his career, Trumbo has a slash line of .267/.313/.511 with an OPS of .824 against left-handed pitchers. His numbers against right-handers are .243/.295/.436 with an OPS of .731.

It could turn out that the Orioles took on salary here since they are trading Clevenger, who is slated to make the league minimum. Or they saved if Trumbo is replacing Davis, who will make much more than $9.1 million next season.

Trumbo turns 30 in January and maybe he will be an Oriole only for one year. If he does turn out to be their first sacker next year, maybe he is holding the position for a year while Trey Mancini and Christian Walker get more minor league seasoning.

In adding Trumbo tonight, the Orioles added more thump to their lineup. Now we wait to find out the answers to several other questions this addition creates.