Hot-hitting Paredes had long journey to Orioles (with other MLB notes)

Jimmy Paredes' eight-year journey to the Orioles, as well as a spot among the American League's batting leaders, has a Houston Astros connection to it.

The New York Yankees signed Paredes in 2004, and when the Yankees needed an experienced bat for their 2010 stretch run to the American League East title, they traded Paredes to the Astros in a deal that brought then designated hitter/first baseman Lance Berkman.

The Astros figured Paredes would be their second baseman, but when Jose Altuve came along in June 2011, that plan was scrapped and Paredes was moved to third base, and then the outfield. He had defensive issues, but the bottom line was that he didn't take advantage of his opportunity and hit .234 in 118 games for the Astros.

From there, he went to the Miami Marlins who, for some reason, didn't give him a big-league chance. Then, he went to the Orioles, the Royals and back to the Orioles.

The Royals had a DH in Billy Butler, and their infield defense was solid. So, Paredes wound up back with the Orioles.

Dan Duquette, the Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations, said the O's tried to work out a trade for Paredes when he was with the Astros, but the two teams couldn't work out a deal.

"He's getting an opportunity now and he's taking advantage,'' Duquette says. "Timing in life is everything, isn't it?''

- The Astros, leaders in the American League West, are the surprise story of the season, and the biggest reason they are winning is their improved bullpen.

The Astros' new closer is Luke Gregerson, but Pat Neshek and Will Harris have been key additions. The senior member of the bullpen is Chad Qualls, who was in the Astros' bullpen when they won the 2005 National League pennant.

Harris came from Arizona via a waiver claim. Astros manager A.J. Hinch says he throws a fastball-curve combo, "and that's not something you see a lot of the time (out of the bullpen).''

Hinch says his bullpen is versatile so his pitchers can be used in all situations. And, he says the strong bullpen gives his team confidence. He says the most demoralizing losses are those games when a team builds a lead and loses in the late innings.

"We feel like if we have a lead, we are going to win the game,'' Hinch says.

The Astros' biggest need is rotation help. Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh and Scott Feldman lead the rotation, but after that, there's Roberto Hernandez - the former Fausto Carmona - and Lance McCullers Jr., a 21-year-old pitching prospect.

Could it be that the Astros will be in the market for the Phillies' Cole Hamels? Don't rule it out.

- If the Astros are the surprise story of the season, then the Minnesota Twins are surprise 1A. The Twins finished a three-game home sweep of Boston on Wednesday to move to an American League-best 18-7 during May. The Twins are improved because their outfield defense is tighter, and their rotation gives up few walks and has the fifth-best ERA in the league. Closer Glen Perkins leads the majors in saves. ... Prospects Trevor May and Kyle Gibson are pitching well in the rotation. Ricky Nolasco appears to be healthy. Phil Hughes has been nasty, and Mike Pelfrey a pleasant surprise. ... Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy says that Hughes is one of the few right-handers that can throw a quality cutter from a strike on the inside and outside corners of the plate.

And, the Twins' rotation is rolling even though the team started 1-6 in a trip to Detroit and Chicago, getting outscored 35-12.

- After the Chicago, the Nationals will spend the weekend in Cincinnati, where things are not going well for the Reds.

Where do we begin?

The Reds lost their potential rotation ace, Homer Bailey, to a season-ending injury in spring training. Three of the four starters - Mike Leake, Anthony DeSclafani and Mike Lorenzen - each have more walks than strikeouts. And, Jason Marquis has a 7.00-plus ERA.

Brandon Phillips is the only consistent hitter in the lineup. Joey Votto had a strong April, but a slow May. Jay Bruce has been inconsistent. Billy Hamilton, the speed guy, can't get on base. Todd Frazier is average at best.