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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 moves Orioles should make

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Trade for Andres Blanco

The Philadelphia Phillies have a solid middle infielder named Andres Blanco. He’s a good fielder who has a slightly below average bat (97 OPS+ this season after two straight seasons of at least a 100 OPS+). The bench isn’t a huge need for the O’s, but upgrading over Ryan Flaherty certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Blanco, unlike Flaherty, is at least decent at the plate. He’s a contact hitter who doesn’t strike out that much. Though he has a .259 batting average, he still has a respectable .736 OPS. Blanco has proven his versatility by playing five different positions in 2016. He has played first base, second base, shortstop, third base, and left field for the Phillies this season. Blanco could allow the O’s to keep guys like Jonathan Schoop, JJ Hardy, and even Manny Machado fresh for a playoff run.

A straight swap of Flaherty for Blanco would likely require the O’s to add a little bit more, but Flaherty could be more valuable to a National League team than an American League team due to his positional versatility. The Phillies need to sell as many pieces as possible. Since Blanco will be a free agent after this season, the Phillies should explore trading him. He would make sense for the Orioles.

Next: 3. Trade for Boone Logan

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