Yard Work podcast: Episode 3

Hey, O's fans, and welcome to the latest edition of Yard Work.

On this week's episode, Steve and I recap the Orioles' road trip, which has included a solid three-game series win against the Angels and a mystifying and frustrating three-game sweep at the hands of the Astros.

During the series in Houston, there were strikeouts aplenty, though the majority came from the Baltimore dugout. Is there any reason to panic? We'll discuss.

Also, we'll take a look back at the trade the Orioles made last week to send Brian Matusz and a draft pick to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for a pair of pitchers. Matusz has certainly struggled in 2016, and fans were clamoring for a change. Was it the right move for the Orioles? And what does giving up the 76th overall pick in the draft really mean?

Speaking of the right moves for the Orioles, we've seen the team's lineup shuffled around a bit over the past few days. Manager Buck Showalter is as wise as they come in the dugout, and seems to always have a plan when putting his batting order together. We've seen leadoff sensation Joey Rickard take a small step back at the plate over the past few weeks. Meanwhile, outfielders Nolan Reimold and Hyun Soo Kim have taken advantage of their infrequent opportunities at the plate. Is it time for a more permanent switch in the outfield?

We're talking all of that and more in the latest edition of Yard Work. Enjoy!

Note: The Yard Work podcast will be recorded each week; therefore, all Orioles records and statistics will be current at time of recording, but may be different when podcast is downloaded. Please don't hold that against us!