Baltimore Orioles: Further fallout from the Trumbo signing

The Baltimore Orioles’ boppers are back together with Mark Trumbo officially signing a three-year deal with the team. But, are the Orioles setting a dangerous precedent?

The Baltimore Orioles, as I thought they might, made their big splash before Fanfest, only a little earlier than expected.

As Roch Kubatko, Jerry Crasnick and others reported, ownership placed a high priority on bringing back the slugger. As happened in 2016 with Chris Davis, Peter Angelos and ownership got their wish.

So, the question becomes, is same ole’ same ole’ for the Baltimore Orioles’ ownership?

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Maybe yes, but mainly no. Let’s look it over.

It was evident this year that the Orioles wanted Trumbo, and that he wanted to stay in Baltimore. Both said as much.

However, the Orioles were not going to pay him some of the projected numbers (like four years, $80 million). They made an offer, and they stood firm on that offer until eventually pulling it off the table.

At no point did the Angelos family demand a deal was done. At no point was it said sign him at any cost.

Dan Duquette was able to do his job, something that even the most ardent DD-haters must admit, he is better at than other GMs the Orioles have had.

And so, the talks with Trumbo fell apart. Recently, Dan Duquette mentioned how much the Orioles liked the draft pick they would receive and how important that was to the team.

Boom.

With that, Trumbo’s agent called the Orioles, asking if they could work out a deal. The cards had been played.

The Orioles were no longer going to wait around for Trumbo. They were going to move on.

Trumbo and his agent saw the lack of a market, and his desire to stay in Baltimore, and knew they had to act.

Put it all together, and the Orioles got their man for about the same money that Dan Duquette offered much earlier this offseason, and at one less year as well.

But, my concern here is that ownership wanted these deals done, and eventually, they got done. Where does ownership stand on Manny Machado, Zach Britton, and Chris Tillman? Where does ownership stand on Brad Brach?

Does ownership want a team that mashes home runs but can’t pitch? A lot of questions, as you can see.

If the desire for power hitters is what the Angelos’ family wants, then eventually they are going to have another losing team, because they won’t be able to pitch.

But, if ownership is going to make it a focus to keep players who have performed in an Orioles’ uniform, then that is an excellent sign!

Now, we will see if the purse strings are mostly closed, or if there is enough money left to boost the team with the signing of a veteran pitcher and a left-handed hitting outfielder.

Next: The injury that caused Ravens' linebacker Zach Orr to retire

Time will tell, but the Angelos’ family and Oriole fans of the long ball got their wish.

Trumbombs are back for an encore and a few more after that in Baltimore.

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