The second half of the season starts for the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
So far, it’s pretty obvious that 2011 in Birdland will more than likely be a big letdown start unless the Orioles can find some magic.
That may be hard to find.
Despite the struggles of the Orioles and possibilities heading into the trading period, there’s one man who has been receiving a lot of attention as of late: Baltimore’s current shortstop, J.J. Hardy.
I’m probably the thousandth person to talk about him, but I am going to do so anyway.
You also have to be amazed by the work J.J. Hardy has put in so far with the Orioles.
Although he missed some time to injury, you have got to wonder how good his level of production is right now at the plate. Most knew that Hardy is a quality shortstop from his track record, but as an Oriole, he has done everything expected of him – and more.
Hardy has filled in nicely at the leadoff spot with Brian Roberts on the disabled list. Furthermore, he’s fluid in the field, a gamer, and seems to be ready to go each and every contest.
At the moment, Hardy is looking like the player that he with the Milwaukee Brewers when his major league career took off. Although he’s slowed down after his hot June, Hardy is currently batting .278 with 13 homers and 33 RBI’s.
Right now, many fans are wondering if we should keep or trade him. It’s been a topic of some debate and the chatter has only intensified as the Orioles have gone into a real bad swoon.
One could say that Hardy’s value may never be as high as it now – considering he is a free agent at the end of the season; however, Hardy is probably one of the best all-around shortstops that Baltimore has had in several seasons.
As it is, Hardy cannot be sent packing from the Orioles at the trade deadline.
Looking back, considering all the gambles that Andy MacPhail took on free agents and veterans in the off-season to improve the Baltimore Orioles, he hit pay-dirt with Hardy. As fans, we can’t complain or dispute that notion.
Hardy — much like Adam Jones, Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis – should at this point play a role with the future of the organization.
I’m not sure what Hardy would bring back in exchange with a deal, but I don’t think it would be any prospects that could help the Orioles immediately.
Really, I do think that the Orioles should consider extending Hardy’s contract for two or three seasons. That would buy the organization some time at the major league level while Manny Machado is developing in the minor leagues.
Yes, there’s an inherent risk in signing or extending a player – case study: Brian Roberts – but the front office needs to take a risk and be proactive on Hardy for the sake of keeping a player that’s been actually productive during the 2011 season.
Hardy, in the end, should only be traded if he and the Orioles cannot come to a long term deal, or if he wants to be sent on his way to a winner. Then again, from reports I’ve read in the local media, Hardy is considering staying with the organization for much longer.
Let’s hope he does stay for the sake of the Orioles.
