Should Orioles make a trade for a pitcher now? / MAILBAG

Most weekdays I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.

Question: It appears the pitching has fallen apart the last few games. Is it time to pull the trigger on a trade or two?  If Elias waits until the deadline, it could be too late. From: Mark Steinhorn, Columbia, Maryland

Answer: Mark, in theory, you’re correct. It’s obvious the Orioles need an upgrade to their starters, and I’m sure that Mike Elias is surveying the market.

However, there are only a few teams — Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies — that are out of contention.

There are many others — Boston, Detroit, Houston, Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto in the American League, and Arizona, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, San Diego and San Francisco in the National League — that are in the hunt for a playoff spot.

The closer we get to the July 30^th deadline, the more teams decide they’re out of the race, and should sell, and there will be more pitchers available. Teams that are already out of the race may prefer to wait until closer to the deadline to trade their best players because the buyers will offer better packages.

I’m sure Elias would like to make a deal soon, but he may not be able to.

Question: When a play is challenged, what is the difference between the ruling that the call stands and that the call is confirmed? I assume it has to do with clear evidence. From: Barbara McCann

Answer: Right you are, Barbara. When a call is confirmed, that means there’s enough visual evidence that it is correct, and when there’s not enough to overturn it, the call stands.