masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgTime to take a look back at the last week of stories here. Yes, of course, there was much more talk and discussion about Manny Machado. This amid some reports that indicate the Orioles, while still open to dealing their star third baseman, won’t wait on offers forever. Probably time to make a deal if they are going to.
On Tuesday, we looked at how Machado might bring a return to include at least one major league ready starting pitcher. He may be about the only player they could trade that…

Time to take a look back at the last week of stories here. Yes, of course, there was much more talk and discussion about Manny Machado. This amid some reports that indicate the Orioles, while still open to dealing their star third baseman, won’t wait on offers forever. Probably time to make a deal if they are going to.

On Tuesday, we looked at how Machado might bring a return to include at least one major league ready starting pitcher. He may be about the only player they could trade that would truly do that. The club needs starting pitching. This is one way to get it. A tough way yes, but one way.

On Thursday, we looked at the slow-moving free agent market. Shohei Ohtani signed and Giancarlo Stanton got traded, the Winter Meetings arrived and still not much has happened so far. If this brings the price of pitching down, the Orioles and other teams could benefit from that. Jake Arrieta is still out there along with Yu Darvish, Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb to name four. Chris Tillman and Miguel González are still available.

Austin Hays swinging gray sidebar.jpgOn Friday, we took another look at Austin Hays’ power display on the farm this year. He hit 32 home runs, the most by an O’s minor leaguer since 2010. Four players in the minors hit 32 or more this year and three of those four played in the homer-happy Pacific Coast League. Only Hays did not among that group. He is a player worth getting excited about. A finalist for Baseball America’s national Player of the Year, Hays brings a lot more than just the longball to the field. He produced an excellent batting average at two levels, showed speed and solid defense with a plus arm. Not to mention some outstanding intensity and hustle. We got to see him in the majors in September.