Camden Chat · Jan 11, 2017
Seth Smith is not the answer the Orioles are looking for
In a move that was seen as surprising by many the Orioles acquired Seth Smith for Yovani Gallardo this past Friday. The deal, on the face of it, is a great one for the Orioles. They shed Gallardo, his 2017 salary, and his 2018 buyout from their roster.
Gallardo was very bad last year with diminished velocity and a bum shoulder that spooked the Orioles during his initial physical. Gallardo posted a career high 5.42 ERA, his worst ground ball rate since 2010, and posted a career high walk rate. On the other hand, Seth Smith posted a 110 wRC+ and an 11 percent walk rate in 2016. He was a semi-useful player while Gallardo was of no use. Definitely a win for the Orioles.