Winter Meetings Day 2 Recap
By: Roch Kubatko
December 12, 2017
Lake Buena Vista, FL - The Orioles swung a trade today and improved the starting rotation by acquiring lefty Patrick Corbin.
Corbin posted a 4.03 actual ERA in 2017. He also posted a career high 8.45 K/9 with a 2.89 BB/9. He strikes out almost a batter per inning, and he doesn’t walk very many. Corbin has also posted a GB% over 50% in each of the last two seasons. Keeping the ball on the ground projects well for Oriole Park.
Corbin joins right handers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman to form a respectable 1-2-3 in the rotation.
Going back to Arizona in the deal is outfielder Cedric Mullins. Mullins was the Orioles #9 prospect according to MLB.com.
The Orioles are not done looking for pitching. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Orioles are making a serious play for top starters Yu Darvish or Jake Arrietta. We have heard ownership is willing to spend money and wants to win.
Multiple teams are involved in discussions involving Manny Machado. There is a decent chance that he is dealt in the upcoming days. Sources say the reported asking price revolves around young pitching. The White Sox, Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, and Braves are among the teams that have checked in on Machado.
There have also been discussions about improving team speed and outfield defense. In today's media session manager Tim Bogar said they are contemplating moving Adam Jones over to right field and adding a center fielder.
Many defensive metrics viewed what he did unfavorable for the second straight season, with his -14.4 UZR/150 the worst of his career and the second straight negative season he's had in that category.
The Orioles front office is staying busy.
The Orioles are placing more emphasis on analytics this season and using them in how they construct the roster.
President of Baseball Operations Ray Montgomery and General Manager Shiraz Rehman are meeting individually with teams and agents with Vice President of Baseball Operations being the contact point for the rest of the front office. The three meet around 8pm and compare notes. This allows them to be twice as productive.