Shipping Up to Boston

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Today is one of the more exciting days during the MLB season. Today, July 31st, marks the 2014 MLB Trade Deadline. Rumors swirled yesterday about the Baltimore Orioles being close to trading for Jon Lester. Those rumors quieted down as it was reported Dan Duquette was shutting down prospect, Hunter Harvey for the rest of the season.

This morning began with a blockbuster trade made by the Red Sox and Athletics involving Lester, Jonny Gomes, and Yoenis Cespedes. Baltimore fans eagerly watched and waited to hear about an Orioles trade. As the hours flew by, many thought Duquette was complacent with the players he had and would not agree to a trade.

However, in the past hour, the Orioles’ bullpen went from good to great with the addition of Andrew Miller from Boston. It was rumored that the Tigers were going to get Miller but after that trade proposal fell through, Baltimore was sitting in prime position to snag the left-hander.

Packing his bags for Camden Yards, Miller has now gone from the bottom of the American League East with the Sox all the way to the top with the Orioles.

In 2014, Miller is having the best year of his career. He has pitched 42 1/3 innings of relief and has an impressive 2.34 ERA to show for it. He has also struck out 69 batters and only walked thirteen. Despite his 3-5 record, this left-hander will prove to be a great set-up pitcher coming out of the Orioles pen adding some much needed pitching depth.

Buck Showalter now has three great set-up pitchers to choose from in Darren O’Day, Tommy Hunter and Miller.

Duquette was adamant that he did not want to give up one of the Orioles’ top prospects which included Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausman, and Harvey. However, with this trade, the Orioles are “shipping up to Boston” their No. 3 prospect in Eduardo Rodriguez.

This season, Rodriguez has posted a 4.79 ERA in 16 starts with Double-A Bowie. Rodriguez also has a 2.38 SO/BB ratio.

Although it was unfortunate that the Orioles had to let go of one of their top pitching prospects, Baltimore has gotten a lot more than they have given up. Bullpen depth is what they needed and bullpen depth is what they got. Whether the Orioles try to make one more trade that could add another bat to Baltimore (Hint, hint: Emilio Bonifacio) remains to be seen.