The All Star Break is over and we don't have to be subjected to Chris Berman for months.
That's about as good of a reason as any to open the bar today.
But there's another purpose, too. I want you to play barstool GM today. We won't get too complicated. In fact, we are making it quite simple.
I don't need names. I don't need specific trade scenarios. I'm just working with an elementary concept today.
The Orioles are 46-45 after their series win in Detroit this weekend. They now face the New York Yankees in the Bronx for three games, starting Tuesday. If they win them all, the Orioles are just one game out of first place. If they lose them all, they are seven games out.
Regardless, when the Yankees' series is over, there will be just a week remaining before baseball's nonwaiver trade deadline.
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette has said he expects to be a buyer; he thinks this team can make the playoffs with the right additions.
Of course, if the Orioles are seven or more games out of first by next week, maybe Duquette will see what he can get for some of the club's more high profile free agents: Chris Davis, Matt Wieters, Wei-Yin Chen and Darren O'Day all could bring back something solid (or better than solid) in return, I'd suppose. (The potential departure of Davis, Wieters and Chen could yield the Orioles' supplemental first-round draft picks next year if they aren't traded during the season).
Trade some or all of those guys, though, and you are saying goodbye to the club's 2015 playoff chances. But then maybe this team is better in 2016 if they trade for reinforcements now.
Personally, I still think it is premature to sell. But my mind could change by July 31. I'm not giving you that luxury. I'm buying you a shot and putting you on the spot.
Daily Think Special: Should the Orioles be buyers or sellers this month?