If rumors are to be believed, July should be a busy month for Major League Baseball trades. In the second year of the expanded wild card format we are seeing close playoff races across both leagues, not just for the new wild cards, but also for division titles, which have become more important due to avoiding the first round wild card playoff game. With this backdrop, the contenders are looking to add that missing piece, the one extra hitter or pitcher who will seperate them from their rivals. The Baltimore Orioles took that approach today, kicking off what should be a busy month of trades until the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.
The Orioles acquired right-hander Scott Feldman and catcher Steve Clevenger for the Chicago Cubs in change for right-hander Pedro Strop, right-hander Jake Arrieta, and about $400,000 in international signing bonus slot amount.
Feldman signed a one year contract with the Cubs last November. In 15 games with Chicago the 30-year-old is 7-6 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He should be a valuable starter for the Orioles, and will make his first start with his new club on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox.
Clevenger is a 27-year-old catcher who was immediately optioned to Triple-A by the Orioles following the trade. He had played in 8 games for the Cubs this season, with one hit in eight at bats.
Arrieta was once a top prospect in the Orioles system, but has lost some luster in recent years. The 27-year-old starter was optioned to Triple-A for the Cubs. In five starts with the Orioles this year he is 1-2 with a 7.23 ERA and 1.77 WHIP.
Strop is a 28 -year-old reliever who throws hard but has major issues with his consistency and control. In 29 appearances this season for the Orioles, he is 0-3 with a 7.25 ERA and 1.70 WHIP.
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