Baltimore Orioles have their eyes set on Michael Morse, Dan Johnson
By David Miniel
It looks as if the Baltimore Orioles are looking to add more pieces to their hopeful playoff puzzle being 6.5 games out of first place with a month left to go in the regular season.
Multiple sources have reported that the Orioles are looking to pick up both Michael Morse and Dan Johnson.
Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com reported that they are the possible favorite to sign Johnson. Johnson opted out of his minor league deal with the New York Yankees yesterday and could be joining Baltimore’s major league roster once signed.
Johnson hit .254/.379/.447 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI’s with the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate this season.
Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports’ reported that Baltimore is still trying to swing a deal for right fielder Michael Morse. They claimed Morse off waivers the other day and are midway through their 48 hour deadline to make a trade happen.
They were in talks with the Minnesota Twins for Josh Willingham but according to Kubatko, the Twins were asking for way too much. It makes sense they try for Morse as he will be cheaper than Willingham.
The 31 year old outfielder posted a .226/.283/.410 with 13 home runs over 76 games.
The Orioles trail the Oakland Athletics by 4 1/2 games for the second American League wild-card spot.
If Baltimore wants to acquire Morse and keep him on their post-season roster, a deal needs to be done by August 31st.
Source: #Orioles possible favorite to sign Dan Johnson, who just opted out of minor league deal with #Yankees. Would likely join ML roster.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 30, 2013
#Orioles still trying to swing deal with #Mariners for Morse. Willingham not happening at this point. Twins asking way too much per sources
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 30, 2013