Why did Orioles keep Cowser over Stowers? | MAILBAG

Question: Why did the Orioles keep Colton Cowser instead of Kyle Stowers in the trade for Trevor Rogers? Or were Stowers and Connor Norby required for the deal? Yes, hindsight is great, but did O’s think Cowser was the better one to keep? From: Bob Stier

Answer: Bob, at the time of the trade, Cowser was playing regularly, and Stowers was at Norfolk. Cowser was judged by the Orioles to have more value, and he was a first-round draft choice, and the Orioles had an enormous investment in him.

Yes, it does matter that a player is a first-round draft pick. They’ll get more opportunities than other players, and Cowser had a much better year last year than he’s had this year.

It would have been nice for the Orioles to be able to have kept Stowers, but since Rogers has been pitching so well, I’ve been getting fewer complaints from readers.

Question: I have been curious as to why Luis Vázquez remains on the active roster. He doesn’t play very much. Unfortunately, he also doesn’t seem to have much batting success. From: Dorian Dowell

Answer: Dorian, the Orioles need a reserve infielder who can play each of the four infield positions, and Vázquez can do that. While he hasn’t hit well, he does field well, and that’s why he’s here.

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.