Closing argument on Orioles' deadline desires

The Orioles don’t need a closer at the trade deadline. And I mention it only to link to the title of this article.

The bullpen must get stronger, and not in the eighth and ninth innings. The club has prioritized middle-to-setup territory to shorten games for its rotation, which led to last night’s acquisition of Japanese right-hander Shintaro Fujinami from the Athletics. A plan steeped in logic.

Fujinami can audition over the 11-12 days or however many times he's told to get warm and pitch. The blazing fastball and the splitter could make him a weapon. The Orioles have a track record in this area. And it's low risk with Fujinami signed only through 2023.

Cole Irvin’s switch back to long relief could pay big dividends, at least judging by the four innings he covered Tuesday night against the Dodgers.

Austin Voth is trying to begin an injury rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League, but his start Tuesday was rained out and the club didn’t play yesterday. He also could provide length with a healthy elbow.

Mychal Givens hasn’t pitched since May 31. Dillon Tate hasn’t pitched since 2022. They’re down in Sarasota and shouldn’t be viewed with confidence as bullpen upgrades.

The same thinking applies to left-hander Keegan Akin, who is on the injured list after experiencing discomfort in his lower back. Cionel Pérez was reinstated from the IL Tuesday and allowed two runs with three walks later that night.

The bullpen doesn’t require an overhaul but there’s got to be more tinkering. And the cost in prospects is much lighter.

Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias also is checking the starter market, but it makes sense only if he gets a No. 1 type. The Orioles don’t need a guy who usually slots at the backend.

Which brings us to the Shohei Ohtani “rumors,” if that’s the right term.   

A report surfaces suggesting that the Orioles in theory and on paper would be a trade match with the Angels based only on the number of prospects in the system, and multiple outlets run with the idea until it grows wings.

We are asked, “Why not Ohtani?”

I, in turn, point to his two-month rental status - or a little longer if the Orioles play deep into October.

Ohtani isn’t re-signing with the Orioles if they trade for him. He wants to stay on the West Coast. The Orioles won’t come close to offering the type of contract that might change his mind. To think otherwise is to admit that you haven’t paid an ounce of attention, or you’re just giddy at the thought of it happening. And that’s fine. No one invited Buzz Killington to your party.

They look like a playoff team without him, moving percentage points ahead of the Rays for first place in the American League East. They’d have to win the World Series or it’s a bust.

They could go with a six-man rotation with Ohtani. They could drive a stake through a spinning designated hitter spot and give him exclusive use of it. They could pack Camden Yards for a while.

And then he’d leave. After a few months.

(Unless he’s tight with Fujinami. A brilliant strategy! But what if they don’t get along? Oh, never mind.)

As the first night of the draft approached, I challenged the Orioles to prove me wrong and select a pitcher in the first round. They didn’t do it. My hands weren’t raw from hanging on that limb.

I’ll go there again with the trade deadline.

Prove me wrong and send a bundle of prospects to the Angels for Ohtani. I’ll be happy to report it and admit that I underestimated them.

In the privacy of my home, where no one can see my shocked face.