Baltimore Orioles: Another national expert weighs in on the trade deadline

Again, a Baltimore Orioles rebuild was the subject of an interesting discussion with a national sports expert.

The Baltimore Orioles have issues that need to be addressed if the team is going to have a future and the national audience has recognized this.

The latest national voice to address the problem with the Orioles was Robert Flores, who shared his thoughts local sports radio hosts Vinny and Terry.

Flores – who has been in the national sports scene for over a decade working for ESPN, MLB Network, and NHL Network – provided his take on the Orioles. He told the hosts:

BALTIMORE, MD – JUNE 19: Members of the Baltimore Orioles look on from the dugout during the ninth inning of their 12-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 19, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

"“They are in what I think is the worst position right now in baseball, they aren’t a very good team and they’re not a terrible team. They’re just kind of in the middle. This is a team that needs a rebuild.”"

Flores then went on to suggest that the Orioles trade Manny Machado as a way to get the rebuild started.

So, is Flores right in his assessment of the Orioles?

He actually might have a kinder view of the team than what is showing up on paper. The team stats and current record show that the team is not really “in the middle.” In fact, the numbers put the team closer to the bottom than the middle.

With the 29th best pitching in the MLB, it is clear where the problem is. Something has to give in order to make an improvement. The Birds do have a few valuable commodities and not just Machado – at least right now. If he can return to his typical numbers, then trading him would be a different story, especially for $11.5 million.

Of course, the national media focuses on who they know and Machado is the face of the Orioles. But, he’s not the best player or the most valuable player on the team right now. The league is loaded with outstanding third basemen and Machado is not even the best one.