Reports: Orioles in talks about Blanton
On the eve of the non-waiver trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles remained in talks for pitching help, according to multiple media reports.
On the field, the Orioles kept themselves neck-and-neck in the playoff hunt with a 5-4, series-opening win against the New York Yankees.
Staying in the race means the Orioles figure to be active at the trade deadline. To remain competitive after the deadline, Baltimore may need to have a fruitful July 31.
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton has been a reported target for the Orioles. The Baltimore Sun reported the Orioles and Phillies had been in trade discussions revolving around the veteran, but that a deal wasn't imminent late Monday. MASNsports.com reported the same, noting that the Orioles received Blanton's medical record from the Phillies.
Most clubs understand the Orioles are very unlikely to trade prized prospects Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado, so potential trade partners are asking for infielder Jonathan Schoop and pitcher Jake Arrieta, according to reports.
With that in mind, the Orioles may be poised to take on a sizeable salary that another team is trying to dump rather than giving up prospects in return for major league talent.
The front office understands the urgency to field a winner in Baltimore but also wants to improve the present while preserving the future.
