The acquisition of Scott Feldman will help the Orioles

Starting pitcher Scott Feldman #46 of the Chicago Cubs delivers during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on June 10, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.

This week, the Baltimore Orioles got an early start on the trade deadline period and did not wait until late July to make a deal.

Despite their 48-37 record as of this morning, the Orioles – as most know – like most teams have a need for starting pitching. They rank 29th in the majors with a 4.41 ERA and obviously if the Orioles want to make a run for the postseason, the pitching situation must improve.

The Orioles got some well-needed pitching help as they acquired right-hander Scott Feldman from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitchers Jake Arrieta, reliever Pedro Strop and international bonus money. They also received catcher and Baltimore native Steve Clevenger in the deal.

The struggles of Arrieta and Strop have been well-documented.

Arrieta was a starter who flamed out in Baltimore after umpteen opportunities and could never be a consistent pitcher; meanwhile, Strop, who played a huge role in the bullpen in 2012, never found his form again in 2013. Both pitchers may do better with the rebuilding Chicago Cubs and without the pressure of a pennant race.

As for Feldman, he was on a team that is probably going to struggle for the next few seasons. He is set to be a free agent after the season, and inevitably was going to be dealt in one way or another.

The number of top flight starters that will be available out on the market in the next few weeks may be slim based on how all the divisions in the majors are playing out.

Therefore, the Orioles had to make a move to bolster their rotation sooner or later.

Feldman, 30, is a pitcher that the Orioles tried to sign in the offseason. This year with the Cubs, he was 7-6 with a 3.46 ERA was having a good season.

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