Bob Haynie: The Future Is Now for The Orioles
On Tuesday, the Baltimore Orioles made another move that they hope will strengthen their chances of getting back to the playoffs.
The Birds acquired veteran right-handed reliever Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers for infield prospect Nick Delmonico.
By trading for Rodriguez and RHP Scott Feldman, both of whom will be free-agents after the season, Baltimore GM Dan Duquette is letting everyone know that the Orioles are in it to win it in 2013.
To get good veteran players, sometimes you have to sacrifice guys on the farm who have potential. Delmonico, who has yet to post gaudy numbers during his brief pro career, is considered to be one of the organization's top hitting prospects.
He may become a fine major leaguer one day.
But the Orioles are trying to win this year.
By adding Rodriguez, who once saved 62 games in a season, Duquette has bolstered the back-end of his bullpen in a big way.
Known as K-Rod, Rodriguez has pitched very well for the Brewers. He was 1-1 with 10 saves and a 1.09 ERA for a last-place team.
He brings plenty of experience that includes 26 postseason appearances.
Rodriguez joins Tommy Hunter and Darren O'Day to give the Orioles some potent right-handed relief to go along with closer Jim Johnson.
Time will tell if the Birds will regret trading Delmonico but, for now, this a move that makes them a better baseball club.
