Establishing a genuine culture might turn the Orioles into contenders again

As the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline approaches, several insiders suggest that the Baltimore Orioles are well prepared to be sellers this summer. New York Post insider Jon Heyman reports that there is a 50 percent chance of the Orioles trading pitcher Zach Eflin. Heyman said there remains a chance the Birds may extend Eflin if the team turns their season around. Otherwise, trading the talented right-hander becomes more likely.

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer wrote about center fielder Cedric Mullins as one of the best players potentially available this summer. Mullins, according to Rymer, is a "quality defender," and would give teams a chance "to land a rarity in MLB for the stretch run and playoffs; a dual-threat center fielder."

Mullins had a great start to the season before being saddled by the injury bug. Through June 13, he has a .230 batting average, .321 on-base percentage, and .445 slugging percentage with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. He would make a significant contribution at the plate and in the field.

Both insiders make a strong case regarding the Orioles being sellers as the trade deadline approaches. Similarly, it appears that the Birds are caught in a proverbial run-down. Baltimore has a winning record since May 21. Baltimore's pitching staff has improved recently, and its starting lineup has also come alive.

The Orioles still have several players on the injured list, but it appears they have not given up on the season just yet, and for good reason. Making the playoffs as a wild-card team is plausible with another winning stretch.

What might the Orioles' organizational culture be?

Nevertheless, if the Orioles are going to make a playoff run this season, it is time for the organization to conduct some self-examination. One thing that remains true, whether it was during the reserve clause era or the current analytics era, is devising an identity that reflects the organization's culture.

In other words, the Orioles need to establish an identity that reflects how they conduct business in the front office, as well as the team's playing style on the field.

In what could best be described as the "Orioles Way," the organization should determine whether it is a team of powerful hitters supported by a solid pitching staff — the most ideal organizational culture — or if it is a club that emphasizes strong pitching, timely hitting, team speed, and solid defense.

Once they determine what the "Orioles Way" is, the decisions they make should reflect the type of players they select to fit the profile. Moreover, the "Orioles Way" should resonate throughout their minor league affiliates and the major league club. Otherwise, the old cliche will remain true: "If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there."

More Orioles news from Birds Watcher