Inside Access with Jason LaCanfora and Ken Weinman

Can the current rotation hold up until the trade deadline?

In the second hour of "Inside Access", Ken and Tim discuss if they think this rotation can survive the next few weeks before they make moves at the trade deadline. They also discuss how they think the Steelers offense will fare this season and are joined by Reeta Hubbard to discuss her recent trip to Houston.

Duration:: 1h 1m
Broadcast on:: 25 Jun 2024
Audio Format:: mp3

We all belong outside. We're drawn to nature, whether it's the recorded sounds of the ocean we doze off to, or the succulents that adorn our homes. Nature makes all of our lives, well, better. Despite all this, we often go about our busy lives removed from it. But the outdoors is closer than we realize. With all trails, you can discover trails nearby and explore confidently. With offline maps and on-trail navigation, download the free app today and make the most of your summer with all trails. This season Instacart has your back to school. As in, they've got your back to school lunch favorites, like snack packs and fresh fruit. And they've got your back to school supplies, like backpacks, binders, and pencils. And they've got your back. When your kid casually tells you, they have a huge school project due tomorrow. Let's face it, we were all that kid. So first, call your parents to say, "I'm sorry." And then download the Instacart app to get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes all school year long. Get a $0 delivery fee for your first three orders while supplies last. Minimum $10 per order additional term supply. Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet Smart Money Podcast. Ready to expand your financial game? NerdWallet can coach you on smart strategies, like choosing investments, finding your next credit card, and setting a budget that works for you. Score major points towards your summer vacation by learning expert tips for choosing a high-yield savings account, and how to build wealth by investing in index funds. Slide into summer with smarter decisions in 2024. Follow NerdWallet Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Future you will thank you. Hey Fantasy Football Fans, this is Zach from Upper Hand Fantasy. You don't want an embarrassing tattoo just because you lost a bet in your Fantasy Football League, right? If you do, I suggest I'm remade holding a football, but let's avoid that altogether. Bros and I are here to get you ready for your Fantasy Football Drafts with insights and advice from sleepers to busts we've got you covered to give you the Upper Hand on your friends. Start your Fantasy Football Prep now. Join us and stay ahead of the competition. Follow and listen to Upper Hand Fantasy on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Orioles lose 3-2 last night. They've lost four straight Orioles trying to end that streak tonight against the Guardians Baltimore baseball tonight. Is it 5-30 here on the fan? Before we get to the pitching and our confidence in this rotation holding up, I was thinking of something after we talked about the lineup. James McCann started Friday. Didn't play Saturday or Sunday, but then he started again last night and he's starting tonight. That's three times in five games for a guy that is not getting on base 20% of the time. Is there something? Could there be a minor ache in pain that Adley Rotchman's going through right now to give him back-to-back days off? Because wouldn't you have started Adley behind the plate last night and then had McCann start tonight? I mean, it's fair to wonder that. And if we were at Brandon Hyde's press conference, it's definitely worth an ask for him. But I asked you in the open, Ken, where they've had two off days since May 17th. I mean, that's really extreme. I don't know. Part of me says yes, but part of me thinks they've been deaching him a lot since the beginning of the season. This is something that really took place around the midway point last year where Jason to his credit was the first to find it, just the extreme splits in Adley's batting slash line when he catches as opposed to when he deaches. But it goes back to what Jason brought up weeks ago too. I mean, how much is Michael Eis maybe going to look for a backup catcher? Yeah, type of play time consists for James McCann. Yeah, but yeah, if this persists, you got to do something. But like, is there ever a scenario right now where you'd want James McCann playing three out of five games? No, I'd say no. And thank you for last year. Thank you for your work with the pitchers. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your service. But he's not hitting like in the bottom of this lineup. And I'm the might be the biggest Colton-Calzer guy there is. But Colton-Calzer has been really scuffling the last 50 games. And so your eight and nine hitters are now two guys that that do you have any confidence that these guys are going to get on base tonight? Not right now. I mean, we've seen a lot of non-competitive at bats from those two, you know, over an extended period. And look, the last three games have just not been pretty for the offense in general. Yeah, so let's get to the rotation. And we are five weeks away from the trade deadline. We're going to talk to Mark Feinstein coming up at five o'clock about the deadline. Can this rotation bone? Can it hold on? Can it can it hold up? Can it give them just enough until Michael is and I'm going to assume Michael is going to bring reinforcements and can they hold up until that? They don't have a choice. I mean, they don't have a choice. But look, you look at the upcoming schedule where you get guardians, you have the Rangers, then you have a West Coast trip, Mariners, A's, Cubs, Yankees, then the all-star break. And usually the all-star break, that's when things really start heating up in terms of the trade deadline, which is on July 30th, this year. Yes. Can they do enough? And can this offense bounce back to where they can carry them? I mean, you look at the last seven starts, Ken. The starting pitching has allowed 25 earned runs in 32 innings. That's not good. That is a 703 ERA. And to make matters worse, where we talk a lot about this bullpen and the fact that they need to add another high leverage armor too, they have only completed six innings once. And that was Corbin Burns, who went 7 innings for earned, which isn't even a quality start. So they have not had a quality start in their last seven. And I'm concerned, man, I mean, I'm concerned for the short term because I'm with you Ken, I'm going to be the glass half full with the trade deadline this year. I firmly expect Michael lies to be aggressive in trying to augment this roster. I firmly believe that. But in this short term, man, Suarez, I think that Lynn sanity runs over right now. I mean, I think he should be a bulk bullpen arm, bulk bullpen arm. I'm with you there. Corbin, we'll see what we get out of him tonight. But I'm very concerned with him moving forward. Grace and Rodriguez, he's still a young starting pitcher. So you're going to see, you know, outings like last Friday happen. It's going to happen. The only guy that you have a ton of confidence in right now is burn. Yeah. And Burns is coming off arguably his worst start as an oriole. And that's sure how good he is. Seven innings for earned first time all years, given up more than one home run. First time all year, he didn't have a quality start, but he did give him seven. I am confident that over the course of the season, this lineup with a couple minor tweaks is good enough. Absolutely. I am also confident that Michael Elias has no choice but to make moves because he chose not to make moves in the off season. And I was never in on like Jordan Montgomery. I personally don't think he was real as they're going to spend that way. And I've told you, Jason, I've had that argument. Lorenz was, but Lorenz was a guy I brought up many times, a guy like Seth Lugo. There were guys that that went for reasonable amounts that the Orioles could have brought in because here's what we do know. They knew Kyle Bradsh was hurt before we did. So at that point, you could have spent on a Lorenz and wouldn't have bought came in at that point, but Lugo would have you could have brought Lorenz in before the start of four and a half million. So they could have brought him more arms. They chose not to. Now they're at a point in a seller's market where they're going to have to make some moves. And I feel like they should be where the Texas Rangers were a year ago where you make multiple moves and it's not going to guarantee anything. They could make multiple moves and still not make the World Series, but they should do everything in their power to try to make the World Series because nothing lasts forever. And as good as you think you have it right now, it doesn't guarantee the way it's going to be tomorrow. Yeah, you can't, you can't just punt on this year because you've been crippled with injuries recently. You can't because Corbin Burns is a free agent at the end of the year. And that's a total mystery. It's got to be a big goal of Michael Elias during this trade deadline to acquire someone that is under control through 2025, because the rotation moving forward is is a huge question mark. But he has to acquire a guy for me. Can that's going to start game two? Well, I would say at the very least three three. Yeah, like, like, I am optimistic that Grayson Rodriguez can be your number two starter and what I love, like, but who is that guy that your game two starter that's out there? Yeah, like, like, you could make the argument, okay, if Justin Verlander gets healthy, but their GM just won an MLB network. So we're going to be buyers at the deadline. Like they they're playing good baseball right now. Who who is that game to starter? Like, you want to talk about going to get Jordan Montgomery? Well, the Arizona Diamondbacks are in the playoff hunt right now. Like, like, there's that guy, that's that he is a three. Yeah, that's the part that's really complicated. This deadline is the fact that the National League is a dumpster fire. And everyone is in it outside of two teams. Yeah, the mind the Marlins, all their pitchers are hurt. So good luck trying to trade for one of their arms. Yeah, the the extra wild card ordinarily keeps teams more alive than ever longer than ever. But especially so this year and last year, going back to the Rangers example, Ken, I mean, they went out and got Chapman early on in July, Ken Michael Iis maybe pull off a move like that with the white Sox, for example, perhaps. But I think with a lot of these nationally teams, they're not going to know until up up against it. Remember, they not only went and got Chapman early and they gave a call, Reagan's in that deal. He was one of the best young pitchers in baseball. But then they went and got Scherzer from the Mets. That didn't work out. But then they got Montgomery in another relief arm from the Cardinals. So they made three major moves before the deadline. They made three major moves. And you mentioned Reagan's, which, yeah, he's a stud, but they won it all. Yeah, it's worth it. It's worth it. It's worth it. It is worth it. Remember when Gleiber Torres was a thing and people were like, well, the Yankees got him for Chapman. Well, Chapman helped the Cubs win a World Series. So it's worth it. Exactly. If they're one year, he won a World Series, whatever you gave up to get him, it's worth it. And that's especially true. In the Orioles case, the team that hasn't won a World Series in 40 plus years. And we know how deep this farm system is. And we know how if Michael Iis wanted to get XYZ, he could. If he wanted to, now it's time to be aggressive. Now it's time to go back to what Jim Bolden was telling us a year ago around this time, Michael Iis making those penthouse moves. Here's about what guarantees are. Like, look at the San Diego Padres a few years back when they had the number one farm system in baseball and then they flipped that to get things. They have not made, they've not even made a World Series. And who knows where they are right now as a franchise. I feel, and I appreciate A.J. Preller. He goes toward every single year. He tries. They haven't gotten over the hump. I feel like you have to try though. Like you have to make that attempt. Nothing is guaranteed. Look at the Texas. Nobody thought the Texas Rangers were one of the World Series last year. And them and the Diamondbacks, two wildcard teams ended up playing each other in the World Series. Hey, coming up next, we said our piece. We want to hear from the people 410 583 1057. How are you feeling about this rotation? Can it hold up until reinforcements come in? Do you think reinforcements are coming in? Are you concerned about the line? Are you concerned at all about Adley Rochman? Jamie McCann got to start three of the last five games with the game tonight. He's in the lineup at catcher 410 583 1057. We hear from the people next here on the fan. We all belong outside. We're drawn to nature, whether it's the recorded sounds of the ocean we doze off to or the succulents that adorn our homes. Nature makes all of our lives. Well, better. Despite all this, we often go about our busy lives removed from it. But the outdoors is closer than we realize. With all trails, you can discover trails nearby and explore confidently with offline maps and on trail navigation. Download the free app today and make the most of your summer with all trails. This season Instacart has your back to school. As in, they've got your back to school lunch favorites, like snack packs and fresh fruit. And they've got your back to school supplies, like backpacks, binders and pencils. And they've got your back when your kid casually tells you they have a huge school project due tomorrow. Let's face it, we were all that kid. So first, call your parents to say, I'm sorry. And then download the Instacart app to get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes all school year long. Get a $0 delivery fee for your first three orders while supplies last. Minimum $10 per order additional terms apply. Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast. Ready to expand your financial game? NerdWallet can coach you on smart strategies, like choosing investments, finding your next credit card, and setting a budget that works for you. Score major points towards your summer vacation by learning expert tips for choosing a high-yield savings account and how to build wealth by investing in index funds. Slide into summer with smarter decisions in 2024. Follow NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Future you will thank you. Hey, fantasy football fans. This is Zach from Upper Hand Fantasy. You don't want an embarrassing tattoo just because you lost a bet in your fantasy football league, right? If you do, I suggest I'm remade holding a football, but let's avoid that altogether. Frost and I are here to get you ready for your fantasy football drafts with insights and advice from sleepers to busts we've got you covered to give you the upper hand on your friends. Start your fantasy football prep now. Join us and stay ahead of the competition. Follow and listen to Upper Hand Fantasy on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Well done, Ben Hall. Inside access here on Tuesday, Jason Adhill will be back tomorrow. Orioles lose last night three to two and trying to end a four-game losing streak tonight with Cole Ervin on the Mount. It's about all lefties. We've mentioned last segment, James McCannon line up for the second consecutive night and three at the last five. We're wondering if there's something minor going on with Adley Rochman because James McCannon should not be starting three out of five games. Anyway, one air from the people about the pitching. Can it hold up? Should they be making major moves? How are you feeling about this team right now for 1-0-5-8-3-1-0-5-7? Let's get things started with Matt and Delaware. Matt, you're on the fan. Hey, fellas. Good afternoon to you. Yes, sir. So on the call-in just a chime in on the Orioles. It's funny two years ago if you would have told me that they'd be 20 games over 500 and only two games back. Yeah, pretty much the halfway point. I would have signed up for it. But the expectations I think are a little bit different as of the last year or two. And so, yeah, I'm concerned. I'm not so much concerned about the playoffs as much as making it to a World Series, taking that next step. The rotation is concerning. I look at who they have in the minor leagues. There's not a lot of arms. There's a decent amount of bat that they could promote. Not a lot of major league arms that are ready. You look at some of the guys they have in the rotation now. You know, Cade Povich, the most innings he's ever thrown is 126. He's already at 78. Grayson Rodriguez, you know, he only threw 122 innings last year. He's had some shoulder soreness this year. He's at 75 already. So, you know, I'm expecting them. They're going to have to go out and add some starters because these guys are not going to be able to pitch for the rest of the year with the innings and protecting arms. But the big point I wanted to make and then I'll hang up and let you guys listen is the lineup. You know, you look at, you look at the way that the lineup is constructed and you made a point about this earlier about left-handed pitchers. You know, when there's a left-handed pitcher on the mound, it's like the lineup looks so much different and has to encourage that had, you know, he had two hits last night. I get it's one game. But, you know, just because he's left-handed, you're not even giving him the opportunity to hit against the left-handed pitcher. So, how do you ever get better hitting left-handed pitchers if you're not given the opportunity, you know, unless you're just content with just platooning guys. And that's kind of my frustration. I appreciate the call. Now, there's two ways to look at it. I can take the side. Hey, the Orioles won a World Series, platooning their left-fielders, low and Stein and Reneky, but he's right. Like Gunner, excuse me, uh, Heston, two hits last night and a fantastic at bat that ended in and out. And because there's a left in the mound, he ain't playing the night. Look, we've just seen Brandon Hyde. He's very much a traditionalist when it comes to Gunner Henderson didn't play against left-handed pitching for the start of his career until probably what June, July, last year until he was getting consistent at bats. I mean, we've just seen this organization do that. Yeah, I think it's an organizational thing too. Yeah, they, they, they, they, they throw into the supercomputer, it spits out. We need a righty against the lefty. Well, that tells me you need to get another right in a bat in here too. Exactly. Because James McCann, unless, unless there's something going on with Adley right now, James McCann in no world should be playing three out of five games. No, he shouldn't. He's not, he's not giving you any production. Tim's in false and Tim, you're on the fan. Hey, Kenny, thanks a lot, man. I'll be quick. I, I know, uh, I just want to say I grew up in the 70s. So I'm used to players playing every day. I'm used to players playing the same positions. We know who those guys were. I'm not going to go there, but here's my lineup. And I don't think I've seen this lineup. This was my opening day line. Of course, I had Mullins leading off when no, no more or a Mateo in center field leading off. I think he's earned a right to lead off. He's got this speed. If he gets on, he makes things happen. I'd give him the opportunity. Adley Rotchman catching switch hitting, getting him up in the first inning. Power RBI. Gunner Henderson at shortstop playing third, five tool guy. Power, doubles RBI. Anthony Santander, right field. Uh, he's not Frank Robinson, but he's a power guy. He's an RBI guy. He, he goes and slumps his average in that great, but he's number four. Ryan Matt Castle, first base, bat and fifth, gives you some average, give you some power. Six, Jordan Westbrook playing second base. He's earned a right to play every day. I want to see four or 500 bats out of him batting six numbers in the second playing set. Ryan O'Hern designated hitter, professional hitter, bat and seventh. And then, then like you guys just talked about in the eighth spot is your, is your platoon, is your low on Stein run. He got Austin Hayes right handed, Colton Calzer left handed. You got her, her, her, her stead. It just came up that they don't pay me enough to figure out which one, but if they want to, I'll tell you which one to play every night. And, and night is remote. You read it. Your third baseman, your Mark Belanger, your defensive guy. He gives you what, what he gives you offensively. And he plays a stellar third base. That's my line up. I've never seen that line up. I'd like to see that line up and see how it goes. What do you guys think? And I'll take your answer off. I appreciate the call. I don't know that they trust Mateo enough defensively to be their every day center fielder. I do like the speed aspect of it. Well, that, but does he get on base? And I just walk enough. Yeah. And, and look, where a Mateo has had a really good year and adjusting to that role. And it wasn't pretty at first. It's second base. He's been really, really good. But I guess that's my question. I don't mind base. I don't mind Westbrook down in the six hole, but yeah, but like hypothetically speaking, especially against a right in a pitcher, like you got to have a higher than seven. Absolutely. Uh, the platoon in left is what it is. I also feel like at some point, you know, it's a right handed bat. Kobe Mayo. He is. And he is scorching. Yes. Yes. Like at some point, you want to get another right handed bat up here? Kobe Mayo. Nine games since returning off the aisle back up at Norfolk, his slash line 394 47 909 slugging Ken. Nice. Five doubles for home runs. Yeah. Like, and did I mention he's a right handed bat? Yes. He did. Let's go to Jonathan and Baltimore. Jonathan, you're on the fan. That's up. What's going on, man? Yeah. Um, so I was talking over here about the star annotations. So I have a worry about that. But again, I'm worried about the back end because the listening, I want to go to playoffs and wants to go to the world series. Then they can't go to the world series with the closure that's given that missing face. They got, you got to get a more, a better closer. Well, they need, and Jonathan, appreciate the call. They need both. Yeah. They need, they need to. Quite frankly, I made the argument. Kimball's been better than their rotation has been over the last week or so. He's over four and one run six. He blew that save in New York. But prior to that, I think his last 11, 12 appearances were pretty, really, really sharp. And you also need to get to the closure, which, right now they're having trouble getting to the closure. They need high leverage, at least one, probably two high leverage. The losing Coulomb until September at best is just such a blow, because he was their best reliever, man. And he was a lefty. It also makes me wonder what that's going on, because reading up on, I'm no doctor, but like bone chips out of the arm, they feel like it shouldn't take as long as it is. So I'm wondering what exactly is going on there. That's that way above my head. Well, it should be like this six to eight weeks in September. I'll trust their sounds a little, a little weird. Let's go to Tom and Edgewater. Tom, you're on the fan. Hey, I started my call, fellas. What's up, man? Personally, there's only four guys that I am not trading at this time. And you took my son to with Mayo. I'm not getting rid of Mayo. I'm not getting rid of Jackson. And I'm not getting rid of the science. Now, I know you got to give up something to get something. Anybody explaining that or I'll help you out right now is in play, except Santander. And I really like her and I like him because it's the American League East. And I like him because of the short porches, right? We need starting pitching. We need a solid faith and not ending reliever. And you've got to give up, you've got to give up some stuff to get them. And I mean, I'll take your thoughts on what, what I just commented on and take it off here. I appreciate it. I talked to someone who's been involved in baseball for a long time, just to pick up this person's brain. And they said the guy that that that's person would trade in a major deal would be Bassio. He's like, he's his upside is so immense. And it's still a little unknown. But he he liked cursed dad and Mayo more than Bassio for what it's worth. Interesting. I he's not a touchable for me, but I will say him moving forward. If they are going to DH Adley as much as they are him, this organization having Bassio is definitely intriguing because, I mean, a nice one to bunch of catcher. And we know that Bassio can play first base as well. Jackson, everyone I'm talking I'm listening about everyone I'm listening. I'm not actively seeking to get rid of Jackson holiday. I would like to keep one of Kobe Mayo, Heston, cursed dad, you know, Bassio will see, but everyone else, I think you have to listen on all these. Yes, you're trying to win a world series. And the other thing is, you're you're we're still at the same point we were a year ago at this time where you have too much. And again, yeah, there's good at some point you got to make a trade that looks like a win win. Like you're like, they don't see as as good as Joey Ortiz has been for the Brewers. They don't see it that way because Joey Ortiz had no path to play here. You got to give up something to get something. You have to realize that some of these guys that you're going to deal away like a Joey Ortiz are going to flourish elsewhere. And that's fine. You know, if you're bringing in a guy that has a big impact for your big league club coming up next Orioles, they're trying to get off the snide. They've lost four in a row. How concerned is Rita Hubbard will also get her thoughts on going to Houston and seeing the Orioles lose to the Astros. Rita joins us next here on the fan. Orioles lose three to two yesterday back in action tonight against the Guardians Baltimore baseball tonight coming up in a little under two hours. That's Bob Haney Ryan Ripken live from Pickles and now let's talk some Orioles now with our friend Rita Hubbard, who joins us every Tuesday and Rita. Good afternoon. Thank you as always for joining us. Let's start here. How was your trip to Houston? Good. I mean, you know, Houston is a cool city. I really like it. The Astros ballpark is it's OK, but it I don't know if it's because it has like that retractable roof that includes, you know, part something about the aura there is just not the same. And I don't know if that means that because they've won, you know, multiple championships in recent years or whatever. But I think I tweeted like it was a Sunday service in there kind of quiet. And I'm just kind of used to I understand if these balls not football. So it's not like I was expecting rowdiness. I just think I was expecting more like crowd, just general crowd noise. And it was just you're really quiet in there to the point where like my girlfriend that came with us. She's not a fan of either team, but she likes baseball. She's like, yeah, this is different. I didn't like it. It was just very like stiff. And I was like, all right, so I'm not being biased here. She's like, no, and I'm like, OK, so I mean, you know, got it off my list. I heard it was a nice stadium. You know, at the time when I wanted to do the trip, I thought that the Astros would be better than they are. But even if even if they're not better than they are, I mean, they still found a way to sweep the Orioles. So I guess, you know, they show me, you know, enjoy my I enjoy my trip, though, you know, nonetheless. Well, those bats have been quiet over the last three. They've lost four straight. Is this just a blip on the radar, Rita? Are you concerned moving forward? I've always been concerned. It is a blip on the radar. I want to be clear that I think when you look at the schedule and they only have one day off, you do have to take into account of maybe some fatigue has set in, you know. And, you know, sometimes guys want to get back into their beds. And that could have been a part of it too. However, this is not the first, the second, third time that we've seen the bats be quiet. The problem is, is, and I'm not talking about last night because I think that COVID did as much as he could, right, when they, you know, before they got them out at the end of before the sixth inning. But I think that the problem in the other past is the confidence that we had with this pitching staff. And now, I think the reality is starting to set in that not only of the Orioles inconsistent with how they score runs, yes, I know what the metrics say in terms of them, like being a top scoring team. But if you watch them every night, you know that these are the games that they have quite regularly and it is quite concerning. And then now there's another aspect of the pitching now is not potentially going to be able to get you out of these bonds because we saw Rodriguez and we saw Burns kind of get touched up this weekend. So do I think it's a blip? Yes, because I think that it's almost, you know, also a break and guys are probably tired. It's getting hot outside. But also, I think that this is a consistent concern that many of us have. And we should be more concerned with the pitching staff not being as dominant as we thought that they would be due to injury. We're talking to Rita Harvard. It's inside access here on the fan. Last year at the deadline, they went and got Fuji and Jack Flaherty, neither worked out, neither arguably should have been on the postseason roster. And that's a miss when you're making moves at the deadline. Do you feel confident that the Orioles will make bigger moves this year by the deadline? They have to. Do you want to compete for World Series? And if the answer is yes, then you have to. The answer is you've got to. It ain't even like do you think it is who's going to be the person that you're going to trade for? I think that that's the case. But back to Flaherty, does anybody get really annoyed by the fact that he's doing so well? Oh, yeah. Yes. Big time. Why were what was the issue here? This was 18. I think 101 games. You did not want to be a part of a bit of that. It's so weird behavior. But anyway, he saw I had to get that. No, you're you're you're absolutely right. It is it's bizarre that he's now back to the guy he was a couple years ago or three years ago in St. Louis. Just very just odd, right? And like he it bombed really badly here. And we all laughed at him in that contract, but obviously it's worked out for everybody. And it's just weird. Anyway, so they have no choice. The answer is they have no choice because I know you don't think that you can go into a postseason with Burns Rodriguez who has while Rodriguez as good as he's been. He's also been as bad as he's been at times. Kramer, who I've always felt like Kramer's just he's there, right? He got. And then you got, you know, the Suarez is of the group, you know, the the K. Povett is of the group who is young. And then the co-ervens of the group who essentially is a book and armor to had no choice but to make a starter. So if the Orioles want to be serious about contention, if they want to take Burns's one year rental seriously, they're going to have to trade for a picture. They have no choice at this point. Well, Rita, let me ask you this. And let's you put yourself in Michael Iasis shoes to what length would you do it? I mean, is is anyone untouchable for you in terms of farm system? Like, would you trade a Jackson, Kobe Mayo, a cursed ad, etc? It's funny because I tweeted last night that I believe that curse that is up now because I think he's trade bait. I think they're kind of putting one display a little bit just so other teams can kind of get a glimpse of him on a major league level and, you know, to see if he's worth it. And for the most part, I think that they I had to guess guys, they have guys that they are willing to um, part with guys like Kyle Stowers, guys like a has been cursed and who I mean, everybody knows that I am a big cursed person. So while that I would be not happy about it, I just feel like, you know, they still partially like he's a guy that they can potentially find someone to do something with the Mayo and Kobe. I go back and forth from who I think that they prioritize. But one of those got to go to I think for them. So, you know, I wonder if if the solo is a guy that they just would like would even entertain. But the fact remains that you do have all of these prospects and you do need to figure out what it is that you want to do to make your team better and to what degree, right? Remember how we talked earlier in the year about Lazardo? But Lazardo had like what three years or something remaining? Yeah. And now he's heard. So. Right. Well, well, but I'm saying prior to that, right, the conversation was well, we don't you you don't want to go at the Lazardo because they're going to ask too much because he has too many years on the contract. Well, now you're kind of in a desperate situation, right? And obviously, Lazardo is not on that conversation. But depending on who else is available, what is it that you're willing to give up? Like how important is this is updating this pitching staff to you at this moment? Or do you just say, but we got three arms that we trust that will be 2025 starters. And so we're not going to be give up but so much. So I think that that's going to be the dynamic here. I mean, do you really feel like this is the winning all or bust year? Or do you feel like you still need to be, I guess, responsible quote unquote when in making a trade? Read it before I let you go. When are you and Glenn back? Tonight. Tonight. We're back tonight. We're going to have we're going to talk more about the victory coming up this weekend. All them elect is also going to join us. Lisa Leslie is going to join us. So yeah, should be should be good. We'll be having a good time this evening. Starting at six 30. Yes, sir. All right, Rita, thanks as always. We will chat next week. All right, guys, talk to you. So yep, coming up next. Well, it's a northern exposure. As we sit here in the off season, we start to look at things. And one of the things we're going to look at, that Steelers offense. What do we think of it? We'll tell you next year on the fan. Mike's stated on the record. Russ is in the poll position. It's a competition. Obviously, we get to the probe. I mean, certainly, I'm sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that when they however they were required and they got here. I think it's been pretty transparent. I know Mike said that on the record as well. That's new offensive coordinator. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Arthur Smith talking about the quarterback competition. He said Mike Tomlin's all said on the record. Russ has the pole position. But once they get to the probe, which is where they do their training camp, it will be a competition. And we'll see. It's Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Justin Fields, who a year ago through for 2562 yard, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions. He's got 40 career touchdowns, 30 career interceptions. I'm not a huge Justin Field fan at all. And he's an athlete. Yeah. Here's what I say. If Justin Fields can have this conversation with friends. Justin Fields is who people think Lamar Jackson is. Yes. Absolutely. Exactly. I was just about to say all the Steelers fans that are going to have a great time with all the smack they talk about Lamar Jackson watching Justin Fields every place. Yeah, I, but I will say this. And we've had on numerous, you know, whether it's local beat reporters on national guys and we all belong outside. We're drawn to nature, whether it's the recorded sounds of the ocean we doze off to or the succulents that adorn our homes. Nature makes all of our lives. Well, better. Despite all this, we often go about our busy lives removed from it. But the outdoors is closer than we realize. With all trails, you can discover trails nearby and explore confidently. With offline maps and on trail navigation, download the free app today and make the most of your summer with all trails. 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Find your next credit card or loan for a big purchase and invest in your next index fund. Make smarter decisions in 2024. Follow Nerd Wallet Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Hey fantasy football fans. This is Zach from Upper Hand Fantasy. You don't want an embarrassing tattoo just because you lost a bet in your fantasy football league, right? If you do, I suggest I'm remade holding a football, but let's avoid that all together. Bros and I are here to get you ready for your fantasy football drafts with insights and advice from sleepers to busts we've got you covered to give you the Upper Hand on your friends. Start your fantasy football prep now. Join us and stay ahead of the competition. Follow and listen to Upper Hand Fantasy on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Orioles lose three to two yesterday back in action tonight against the Guardians Baltimore baseball tonight coming up in a little under two hours. That's Bob Haney Ryan Ripken live from Pickles and now let's talk some Orioles now with our friend Rita Hubbard who joins us every Tuesday and Rita. Good afternoon. Thank you as always for joining us. Let's start here. How was your trip to Houston? Well, good. I mean, you know, Houston is a cool city. I really like it. The Astros ballpark is it's okay, but it I don't know if it's because it has like that retractable roof that includes, you know, part something about the aura there is just not the same. And I don't know if that big means that because they've won, you know, multiple championships in recent years or whatever. But I think I tweeted like it was a Sunday service in there kind of quiet. And I'm just kind of used to I understand if these balls not football. So it's not like I was expecting rowdiness. I just think I was expecting more like crowd, just general crowd noise. And it was just you're really quiet in there to the point where like my girlfriend that came with us. She's not a fan of either team, but she likes baseball. She's like, yeah, this is different. I didn't like it. It was just very like stiff. And I was like, all right. So I'm not being biased here. She's like, no, I'm like, okay. So, I mean, you know, got it off my list. I heard it was a nice stadium. You know, at the time when I wanted to do the trip, I thought that the Astros would be better than they are. But even if even though they're not better than they are, I mean, they still found a way to sweep the Orioles. So I guess, you know, they show me, you know, it's going much. I enjoy my trip, though, you know, nonetheless. Well, those bats have been quiet over the last three. They've lost four straight. Is this just a blip on the radar, Rita? Are you concerned moving forward? I've always been concerned. It is a blip on the radar. I want to be clear that I think when you look at the schedule and they only have one day off, you do have to take into account of maybe some fatigue at seven, you know, and you know, sometimes guys want to get back into their beds. And that could have been a part of it, too. However, this is not the first, the second, third time that we've seen the bats be quiet. The problem is, is, and I'm not talking about last night because I think that poets did as much as he could, right, when they, you know, before they got them out at the end of before the sixth inning. But I think that the problem in the other past is the confidence that we had with this pitching staff. And now, I think the reality is starting to set in that not only of the Orioles inconsistent with how the score runs. Yes, I know what the metrics say in terms of them, like being a top scoring team. But if you watch them every night, you know that these are the games that they have quite regularly. And it is quite concerning. And then now there's another aspect of the pitching now is not potentially going to be able to get you out of these bonds because we saw Rodriguez and we saw Burns kind of get touched up this weekend. So do I think it's a blip? Yes, because I think that it's almost, you know, also a break and guys are probably tired. It's getting hot outside. But also, I think that this is a consistent concern that many of us have. And we should be more concerned with the pitching staff not being as dominant as we thought that they would be due to injury. We're talking to Rita Hubbard. It's inside access here on the fan. Last year at the deadline, they went and got Fuji and Jack Flaherty, neither worked out, neither arguably should have been on the postseason roster. And that's a miss when you're making moves at the deadline. Do you feel confident that the Orioles will make bigger moves this year by the deadline? They have to. Do you want to compete for World Series? And if the answer is yes, then you have to. The answer is you've got to. It ain't even like do you think it is who's going to be the person that you're going to trade for? I think that that's the case. But back to Flaherty, does anybody get really annoyed by the fact that he's doing so well? Oh, yeah. Yes. Big time. Why were what was the issue here? This was 18. I think 101 games. You did not want to be a part of a bit of that. It's a weird behavior. But anyway, so I had to get that. No, you're you're you're absolutely right. It is bizarre that he's now back to the guy he was a couple years ago or three years ago in St. Louis. Just very just odd, right? And like he it bombed really badly here. And we all laughed at him in that contract, but obviously it's worked out for everybody. And it's just weird. Anyway, so they have no choice. The answer is they have no choice because I know you don't think that you can go into a postseason with Burns Rodriguez who has while Rodriguez as good as he's been. He's also been as bad as he's been at times. Kramer who I've always felt like Kramer's just he's there, right? He got high. And then you got, you know, the Suarez is of the group. You know, the K. Povett is of the group who is young. And then the co-ervens of the group, who essentially is a bullpen armor to head no choice but to make a starter. So if the Orioles want to be serious about contention, if they want to take Burns's one year rental seriously, they're going to have to trade for a pitcher. They have no choice at this point. Oh, Rita, let me ask you this. And let's you put yourself in Michael Issey shoes to what length would you do it? I mean, is anyone untouchable for you in terms of farm system? Like, would you trade a Jackson, Kobe Mayo, a cursed ad, et cetera? It's funny because I tweeted last night that I believe that curse that is up now because I think he's trade bait. I think they are kind of putting one display a little bit. Just so other teams can kind of get a glimpse of him on a major league level and, you know, to see if he's worth it. And for the most part, I think that they have, I had to guess, guys, they have guys that they are willing to part with guys like Kyle Stowers, guys like a Heston Kirsten who, I mean, everybody knows that I am a big cursed person. So while that I would be not happy about it, I just still like, you know, they still partially like he's a guy that they can potentially find someone to do something with. The Mayo and Kobe, I go back and forth from who I think that they'd prioritize, but one of those got to go to, I think, for them. So, you know, I wonder if the solo is a guy that they just would like would even entertain. But the fact remains that you do have all of these prospects and you do need to figure out what it is that you want to do to make your team better and to what degree, right? Remember how we talked earlier in the year about Lazaro? But Lazaro had like, what, three years or something remaining? And now he's heard, so. Right. Well, but I'm saying, prior to that, right, the conversation was, well, we don't, you don't want to go at the Lazaro because they're going to ask it too much because he has too many years on the contract. Well, now you're kind of in a desperate situation, right? And obviously, Lazaro is not on that conversation, but depending on who else is available, what is it that you're willing to give up? Like, how important is this is updating this pitching staff to you at this moment? Or do you just say, but we got three arms that we trust that'll be 2025 starters. And so we're not, we're not going to be give up but so much. So I think that that's going to be the dynamic here. I mean, do you really feel like this is the winning all or bust year? Or do you feel like you still need to be, I guess, responsible quote unquote, when in making a trade, right before I let you go. When are you and Glenn back? Tonight. Tonight. We're back tonight. We're going to have we're going to talk more about the victory coming up this weekend. Autumn elect is also going to join us. Lisa Leslie is going to join us. So yeah, should be should be good. We'll be having a good time this evening. Starting at six 30? Yes, sir. All right, Rita, thanks as always. We will chat next week. All right, guys, talk to you soon. Yep. Coming up next. Well, it's a northern exposure. As we sit here in the off season, we start to look at things. And one of the things we're going to look at, that Steelers offense. What do we think of it? We'll tell you next year on the fan. Mike's stated on the record. Russell's in the pole position. It's a competition. Obviously, we get to patrol. I mean, certainly, I'm sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that when they however they were required and they got here. I think it's been pretty transparent. I know Mike said that on the record as well. That's new offensive coordinator. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Arthur Smith talking about the quarterback competition. He said, Mike Tomlin's all said on the record, Russ has the pole position. But once they get to Latrobe, which is where they do their training camp, it will be a competition and we'll see it's Russell Wilson in Justin Fields. Justin Fields, who a year ago through for 2562 yard 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions, he's got 40 career touchdowns, 30 career interceptions. I'm not a huge Justin field fan at all. And he's an athlete. Yeah. Here's what I say. Justin Fields can have this conversation with friends. Justin Fields is who people think Lamar Jackson is. Yes. Absolutely. Exactly. I was just about to say all the Steelers fans that are going to have a great time with all the smack they talk about Lamar Jackson watching Justin Fields every place. Yeah. But I will say this and we've had on numerous, you know, whether it's local beat reporters on national guys and asking them the question where is Justin Fields going to win this job? And everyone's been steadfast about Russ. I have to think at some point this year, Justin Fields is going to be the starter. I mean, they didn't give up much to bring him in, but you want to see what you have. And they turned down his fifth year option. So both of those guys are entering their walk years. And I'm not breaking any news here, Ken, but Steelers are going to go as this quarterback position takes them. And the roster has been solid over the years, despite pretty poor quarterback play. And that includes the end of Ben Roethlisberger. And that's why they've been mid. They've been stuck in mediocrity. Yeah. The the corpse of Ben Roethlisberger, who basically quarterbacked the team the last two years of his career. And then Kenny Pickett, who was awful. Yes. And now it's going to be Ross, who frankly looks cooked. And Justin Fields, who like, like, no, I do like their running game. nausea, hair is Jalen Warren. I'm a huge Jalen Warren guy. And I've said since his rookie year that he's better than Naji and they turned down Naji's fifth year option. I think Warren could be really good. And this is a team that is really invested in their offensive line over the past couple of years. Broderick Jones was their first round pick a year ago that drafted Troy Fontenue, first rounder, Frazier, both those rookies are expected to start. And then they signed Isaac Somalo from the Eagles last off season. So how does that young offensive line hold up? And then there's the receiver position can where it stinks right now. Let's call space, but I like Pickens. I like Pickens. I like Pickens a lot as well. But outside of him, man, lots of be desired. You know what? It's funny. I think Roman Wilson could be decent. The kid out of Michigan, I wouldn't mind if the Ravens took him in the middle round. But like, I can't feel confidence going to do anything this year. But they they have in the past found guys. Oh my God. Steelers just they find him out of nowhere. It's frustrates the heck out of, you know, us at Baltimore, just the fact that the Steelers just pick up guys and they end up being studs. But I, there's been so much smoke in terms of the Steelers acquiring a wide receiver via trade where I'm with Jason at this point. I would be very surprised if it doesn't happen. Well, the crazy thing is so allegedly did, did, did Brandon I you go into his meeting with the 49ers with the rookie quarterback of the, the commanders who he's best friends with, like, like, that's, that's a weird sort of vibe to go into a meeting with the current team saying, I want to go to that team. Now if the commanders end up getting brandon, I you good on them, they want to pay him. But it seems like the Steelers have been targeting at least reading the tea leaves have been targeting an IU type for a while. Oh, for sure. I mean, it seems like it's been all off season long. And we've seen Omar Khan operate with a sense of urgency that quite frankly, we've never seen in Pittsburgh. I mean, going out and acquiring both of those quarterbacks, you know, just being aggressive in, in free agency in general, where you heard the owner at the end of last season saying we need to start winning in January. They have not want to play off game since 2016. That is a long time. I was in college, Ken. I mean, it has been a minute. I do it in 2016. I think probably here. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, we've seen I guess the start of it, I guess, was Blake. The snake boardles going in there and just taking the crap out of the Steelers. That was the beginning of the end there. Yeah. That was the year Jackson was should have like they had the lead on New England in the title game and then played not the, not the losing set of playing to win. And Tom, when got his contract extension, so that's not going to be a talking point anymore. And we'll get into their defense tomorrow. But it's about the quarterback position, man. And it's about, it's great. It's all fine and well. That Tom once never had a losing season, but they've had zero playoff success since 2017. Yeah. Can, can one of these guys, whether it be Russell Wilson or Justin Fields do more than what they've got now, the quarterback position essentially for four years and I think five years and I think maybe that's possible. I mean, I think both of those guys are an upgrade over Kenny Pickett, low bar, but are they an upgrade over end of Ben? I don't know. Are they an upgrade over end of Ben? I would maybe lean, yes, slightly, but at least Ben still had some clutch factor at the end. You know, he met a couple of comebacks against the Ravens his final year, but I don't know, man. I'm not high on either. No, either mine. Hey, coming up next, we'll get back to the Orioles and the lineup. And how do they juggle this lineup with Heston cursed that year? Or might you have tonight's lineup? Because that presents some issues as well. Well, Heston cursed that play almost every day. Because obviously looking at tonight's line, he's not playing every day, but we'll discuss next year on the fan. Mike's stated on the record. Russell's in the poll position. It's a competition. Obviously, we get to Latrobe. I mean, certainly, I'm sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that when they however they were acquired and they got here. I think it's been pretty transparent. I know Mike said that on the record as well. That's new offensive coordinator. The Pittsburgh Sealers Arthur Smith talking about the quarterback competition. He said Mike Tomlin's also on the record. Russ has the poll position. But once they get to Latrobe, which is where they do their training camp, it will be a competition and we'll see it's Russell Wilson in Justin Fields. Justin Fields. Who a year ago, threw for 2562 yard, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions. He's got 40 career touchdowns, 30 career interceptions. I'm not a huge Justin Field fan at all. And he's an athlete. Yeah. Here's what I say of Justin Fields, Kevin, to have this conversation with friends. Justin Fields is who people think Lamar Jackson is. Yes. Absolutely. I was just about to say, all the Steelers fans that are going to have a great time with all the smack they talk about Lamar Jackson watching Justin Fields every place. Yeah. But I will say this. And we've had on numerous, you know, whether it's local beat reporters on national guys and asking them the question where is Justin Fields going to win this job? And everyone's been steadfast about Russ. I have to think at some point this year, Justin Fields is going to be the starter. I mean, they didn't give up much to bring him in, but you want to see what you have. And they turned down his fifth year options. So both of those guys are entering their walk years. And I'm not breaking any news here, Ken, but Steelers are going to go as this quarterback position takes them. And the roster has been solid over the years, despite pretty poor quarterback play. And that includes the end of Ben Roethlisberger. And that's why they've been mid. They've been stuck in mediocrity. Yeah, the the corpse of Ben Roethlisberger, who basically quarterbacked the team the last two years of his career. And then Kenny Pickett, who was awful. Yes. And now it's going to be Ross, who frankly looks cooked and Justin Fields, who I like, like, now I do like their running game. Najee Harris, Jalen Warren. I'm a huge Jalen Warren guy. And I've said since his rookie year that he's better than Najee. And they turned down Najee's fifth year option. I think Warren could be really good. And this is a team that is really invested in their offensive line over the past couple of years. Broderick Jones was our first round pick a year ago that drafted Troy Fontenu, first rounder, Frazier, both those rookies are expected to start. And then they signed Isaac Somalo from the Eagles last off season. So how does that young offensive line hold up? And then there's the receiver position, Ken, where it stinks right now. Let's call Spade a spade. I like Pickens. I like Pickens. I like Pickens a lot as well. But outside of him, man, lot to be desired. You know what? It's funny. I think Roman Wilson could be decent. The kid out of Michigan, I wouldn't have minded the Ravens took him in the middle round, but like, I can't feel confident he's going to do anything this year. But they they have in the past found guys. The Steelers just they find him out of nowhere. It frustrates the heck out of us at Baltimore. It's just the fact that the Steelers just pick up guys and they end up being studs. But I there's been so much smoke in terms of the Steelers acquiring a wide receiver by a trade where I'm with Jason at this point. I would be very surprised if it doesn't happen. Well, the crazy thing is so allegedly did did Brandon, I you go into his meeting with the 49ers with the rookie quarterback of the the commanders who he's best friends with like like it. That's that's a weird sort of vibe to go into a meeting with the current team saying I want to go to that team. Now if the commanders end up getting Brandon, I you good on them, they want to pay him. But it seems like the Steelers have been targeting, at least reading the tea leaves have been targeting and are you type for a while? Oh, for sure. I mean, it seems like it's been all off season long and we've seen Omar Khan operate with a sense of urgency that quite frankly, we've never seen in Pittsburgh. I mean, going out and acquiring both of those quarterbacks, you know, just being aggressive in free agency in general where you heard the owner at the end of last season saying we need to start winning in January. They have not won a playoff game since 2016. That is a long time. I was in college, Ken. I mean, it has been a minute like doing in 2016. What do you think? Probably here. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, we've seen, I guess, the start of it, I guess, was Blake the snake portals going in there and just taking the crap out of the Steelers. That was the beginning of the end there. Yeah, that was the year Jackson was should have like they had the lead on the England and he has a title game and then played not the, not the losing instead of playing to win. And Tom, when got his contract extension, so that's not going to be a talking point anymore and we'll get into their defense tomorrow, but it's about the quarterback position, man. And it's about, it's great. It's all fine and well that Tom once never had a losing season, but they've had zero playoff success since 2017. Yeah. Can, can one of these guys, whether it be Russell Wilson or Justin Fields do more than what they've got now, the quarterback position, essentially for four years and I think five years and I think maybe that's possible. I mean, I think both of those guys are an upgrade over Kenny Pickett, low bar, but are they an upgrade over to end of Ben? I don't know. Are they an upgrade over end of Ben? I would maybe lean, yes, slightly, but at least Ben still had some clutch factor at the end. You know, he met a couple of comebacks against the Ravens his final year, but I don't know, man. I'm not high on either. No, either mine. Hey, coming up next, we'll get back to the Orioles and the lineup and how do they juggle this lineup with Heston cursed that year? Well, mind you of tonight's lineup because that presents some issues as well. Well, Heston cursed that play almost every day. Because obviously looking at tonight's line. He's not playing every day, but we'll discuss next year on the fan. Today's episode is sponsored by Nerd Wallet Smart Money Podcast ready to expand your financial game. Nerd Wallet can coach you on smart strategies like choosing investments, finding your next credit card and setting a budget that works for you. Score major points towards your summer vacation by learning expert tips for choosing a high yield savings account and how to build wealth by investing in index funds. Slide into summer with smarter decisions in 2024. Follow Nerd Wallet Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Future you will thank you. Trying to figure out what to eat for dinner yet again? With nor sides and bullion as you're not so secret ingredient, you can skip the drive through and do dinner at home. Nor taste combos provide a menu of delicious, affordable and well-balanced meals that you can prepare in 30 minutes or less. Visit nor.com to get quick and easy recipe ideas for your home cooked weeknight dinners. It's not fast food, but it's so good. Hey Fantasy Football fans, this is Zach from Upper Hand Fantasy. You don't want an embarrassing tattoo just because you lost a bet in your Fantasy Football League, right? If you do, I suggest I'm remade holding a football, but let's avoid that altogether. Fros and I are here to get you ready for your Fantasy Football Drafts with insights and advice from sleepers to busts we've got you covered to give you the Upper Hand on your friends. Start your Fantasy Football prep now, join us and stay ahead of the competition. Follow and listen to Upper Hand Fantasy on the free free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.