As the trade deadline nears at 4 p.m. EST Thursday, we know the Astros are having plenty of trade talks. We also know that a deal is not a sure thing and that Houston is shopping it's starting pitchers (as a possible alternative to the high-priced likes of David Price, Cole Hamels and Jon Lester).
Both Evan Drellich and Jon Heyman have linked the Astros with the Orioles as trading partners.
Rival GM: Astros reluctant to move Keuchel Biggest key for Stros: figure out who’s at peak value. Talent evaluation http://t.co/3AvKRtGb3R
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) July 29, 2014
orioles didnt want to surrender elite prospect for rental star lester, may look at astros starters. http://t.co/YQAzRDqHVc
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 30, 2014
We know the Astros have done it with the Orioles in the past, as the Bud Norris-for-Josh Hader, L.J. Hoes and Derrick Fisher deal turned out pretty well. But, should they really be trading a guy like Dallas Keuchel to a system where they don't want to give up any of their top guys?
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We at TCB view the possibility of a re-trade with the O's as pretty unlikely. But, as we're debating possible trades, things got really silly. This quote perfectly sums up how nuts the trade deadline can be:
"give me bundy or give me death" - Ryan Dunsmore
In that spirit, let's discuss some completely outlandish trades that are technically possible with the Orioles and see what you think. Please, refrain from laughing or making fun of the author until after the article is finished. We need some fun, especially after that stinker of a game from last night.
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Trade 1: Dallas Keuchel and Mike Foltynewicz for Chris "Crush" Davis
After hitting 50 homers last season, Crush has fallen off hard in 2014. He's batting a Chris Carter-ian .199/.309/.391 with 17 home runs in 373 plate appearances. But, the former Ranger finished third in the American League MVP voting last season and, at 28, is in the prime of his career. He's also got a year left before hitting free agency, even if he's in line for another huge payday in his last year of arbitration this winter.
Houston also gives up two of its promising young(ish) pitchers but gets back a true middle-of-the-order bat. It accomplishes exactly what Luhnow said he wanted to do in a trade.
Two things make this trade ridiculous. One, the Orioles will never trade Davis, especially when they're in the playoff hunt. Two, the Astros would never trade for Davis. Can you imagine a lineup with Carter and Davis occupying prominent spots? Sure, the power would be impressive, but geez.
Moving on.
Photo credit: Greg Fiume
Trade 2: Dallas Keuchel and Jason Castro for Matt Wieters and Hunter Harvey
My most intriguing ridiculous trade of the group. Basically, Houston bets on Wieters coming back strong next season while giving away two of the older players from its current core. They also get back a very interesting young starter in Harvey who's got top of the rotation upside.
The Orioles don't really hurt their 2014 squad, since Wieters is out of the year. They have to give up some premium talent, but also get a good rotation guy and a good catcher to take Wieters place, both of whom can be around for a few years at reasonable prices.
Meanwhile, the Astros can see just how good their relationship with Scott Boras is. Can they get Wieters inked to an extension before he hits free agency? All reports indicate Boras plans on taking Wieters on the market, but Boras also seems to have a good rapport with Houston's front office. At least, it's better than the one they have with Casey Close.
I'd say this would guarantee another 100-loss campaign, but have you seen what Castro has done this season? Would a Corporan/Stassi platoon look any worse?
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Trade 3: Dallas Keuchel and Delino DeShields Jr. for Dylan Bundy and Mike Wright
Houston gets one of the best pitching prospects in the minors and a serviceable Triple-A arm while the Orioles don't really hurt their big league team (which currently sits atop the AL East). It's a win-win!
While Keuchel has more surplus value than you'd imagine (more on that later today), it still probably isn't enough to justify bringing back Bundy, even if the O's wanted to move him. DDJ then gives the Orioles a replacement for Markakis if they let him walk into free agency soon.
None of these are plausible, mind you. There's about a zero percent chance any of them happen, as these are all very risky propositions and, if you haven't heard, this FO isn't big on "risk." Still, they're fun to speculate about, right? I know some of you threw around Machado in deals yesterday. Any other outlandish Orioles deals worth mentioning?