MLB Trade Rumors: Baltimore Orioles Interested in Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke is becoming quite the popular guy on the trade market these days.  He went from not even on the

block to one of the hottest trade targets this July.  Now, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are interested in the 28-year old righty.  Connolly says the Orioles are going hard at Greinke.

"An executive with another big-league club said the Orioles appear to be the most aggressive suitor currently for Greinke, the 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner who is a free-agent at the end of the season."

The Orioles would have to give up a young arm or top-level prospect and take on Greinke’s contract.  Neither seems to be a problem since General Manager Dan Duquette is going to do “everything it takes” to stay in contention.  Connolly says Duquette has said ownership has commitment themselves financially to winning this year so the money should not be an issue.

Baltimore’s pitching staff is in shambles, but, surprisingly, they are still in second place in the American League East and just 5.5 games back of the Yankees for first.  They are currently tied with the Los Angeles Angels for one of the two Wild Card spots.  It’s still early, but a pick-up like Greinke could propel the Orioles in to the postseason for the first time since 1997.

The Orioles have the 18th ranked team ERA in the league at 4.05.  Of the perceived competitors this year (I know it’s weird to say the Orioles and competitor in the same sentence), only Arizona, Boston, and Miami have higher team ERA’s.

With Greinke on the staff, and his Cy Young-calbier stuff, the Orioles will have a real shot at the postseason.  It would be a remarkable turnaround for a clubs that has not finished over .500 since that magical 98-win season in 1997.

Greinke is making $13.5 million this season which means the Orioles would likely be on the hook for about $6.75 should they trade for him.  Beyond that, Baltimore would have to give up some young talent.  According to numerous source Brian Matusz could be part of the deal.

For more on the Orioles, be sure to check out Birds Watcher.  

For more on the Brewers, be sure to check out Reviewing the Brew.  

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