When Chris Tillman steps on the mound, one of two things often happen: he is either extremely good, or he just flat out sucks.
His consistency has always been an issue throughout his Oriole tenure, but he has looked much better in his handful of starts in 2012; however, last night, the bad Chris Tillman returned for a while as he gave up five runs in the opening inning against the Yankees.
I had to avert my eyes from the TV for a bit, but his teammates would bail him in the second inning, as they scored seven runs to turn a night that started out with a lot disappointment to a laugher. The Oriole would end up bashing the Yankees, 11-5, as Tillman would eventually settle down – apparently, he was sick – and toss four more shutout innings for the win.
Ivan Nova, who started the game for New York took the loss. For the Orioles, Chris Davis hit a grand slam homer (his 18th) in the second inning to bolster the team, and Nick Markakis hit a two-run shot in the eighth (his 10th).
Wilson Betemit and Omar Quintanilla each drove in two runs apiece.
The Orioles have won three games in a row and are 55-49. They have chipped away at the Yankees’ divisional lead and are 5 ½ games behind and are 1 ½ games behind Oakland and the Los Angeles Angels in the wild card hunt.
With the nonwaiver deadline over as of Wednesday afternoon, the Orioles decided the best move to make right now is none.
I know some fans are disappointed, but the Orioles could not get an impact player without trading away a Dylan Bundy or Manny Machado. Everyone knew that was not happening.
Baltimore seemed engaged in talks with Philadelphia for Joe Blanton; however, there was an issue over money and what prospects would have been traded. As we all know, the Phillies are having a horrible season and are mired with quite a few expensive contracts, so they had the proverbial fire sale to get rid of guys.
In the end Blanton, in my opinion, would not be that much of an upgrade for Baltimore. He is really not that much better than the guys are already being trotted out night after night for the Orioles.
Once Jason Hammel comes back from injury, they will have an above average starting pitcher down the stretch (if the Orioles are in it).
The Orioles needed trade help, but there’s no sense trading away your future for a one game playoff spot.
Considering where the franchise is right now, they have no business doing so.
They need to keep continuing to build up their minor league system, keep their blue chip players, and use the prospects as fillers throughout the franchise, or utilize them in future deals.
