Yard Work: Episode 12

Hey, Orioles fans. Welcome to the latest edition of Yard Work.

On this week's episode ...

We hope you enjoyed the All-Star festivities. While there weren't any representatives from Birdland in this year's Home Run Derby, Jonathan Schoop came through in the clutch for the American League in last Tuesday's All-Star Game.

His efforts helped the AL earn a 2-1 win over the NL. Too bad it doesn't mean anything this year, right? Steve Melewski and I will recap the All-Star events, including Chance Sisco's success in the Future's Game.

Meanwhile, the Orioles certainly needed to have a strong start out of the gate in the second half. And, unfortunately, it didn't happen.

The O's were swept by the Cubs in a three-game series that saw the Birds outscored 27-11. Did that series turn the Orioles into sellers as the trade deadline nears? Melewski and I will discuss.

And while things are looking a little bleak in Birdland, a few minor leaguers in the Orioles system continue to flourish. Austin Hays and Ryan Mountcastle are tremendous success stories down on the farm. But which one of them will end up taking home the award for Orioles Minor League Player of the Year? Check out who Melewski would choose if voting ended today.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at @masnSteve and @brianeller1 and subscribe to the Yard Work podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to discuss? Leave a comment below!

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!