Trachsel Sent On His Way: DFA'ed This Afternoon...

Steve Trachsel has been designated for assignment by Baltimore; thus, it should be no big surprise to anyone who has been following the team at all in 2008.

Good guy, but I don't see him coming back to the majors unless someone really needs an emergency starter.

From the Baltimore Sun: Rather than continue to use Steve Trachsel in an unfamiliar relief role, the Orioles decided today to designate him for assignment, ending his second stint with the club. The move was made before tonight's game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

To replace Trachsel on the roster, the Orioles returned to a four-man bench by purchasing infielder Oscar Salazar's contract from Triple-A Norfolk.

Trachsel, 37, left the clubhouse before reporters were allowed inside and wasn't available for comment. He went 2-5 with an 8.39 ERA in 10 games this season, the first eight as a starter.

Trachsel didn't make it past the third inning in four of his starts. As a reliever, he allowed six runs (four earned) and eight hits in six innings, with five walks and no strikeouts.

Oscar Salazar has been called up from Norfolk and takes Steve Trachsel's roster spot.

O's Lose in Toronto; The End of the Road For Trachsel?

Well, the Orioles fought and fought yesterday; however, Doc Halladay and the Blue Jays bested the Orioles, 5-4, yesterday in Toronto. Former Oriole B.J. Ryan earned his 13th save of the season, and they were buoyed by Vernon Well’s big day — which included three hits — including a solo home run, and Marco Scutaro’s 2 RBIs.

Our Luke Scott had a pair of homers and three RBI for the Orioles and Radhames Liz went five innings and earned the no-decision as he gave up two runs on four hits. He also struck out three and walked three. Matt Albers (3-2) was tagged with the loss after being touched for three runs on two hits in one inning of work.

Despite the Orioles’ three game win streak being snapped, they have won five out of their past seven, and are still at the .500 mark after 62 games — a feat that most here probably didn’t think would happen at this point.

One change that I feel is coming is on the pitching front, as I think Steve Trachsel has pitched his last game in a Baltimore uniform. The veteran came into the game during the ninth inning with the Orioles up by 8; however, surrendered earned four runs (two earned) in his outing — he was hurt by two errors — but he looked very hittable and fidgety.

The writing may be on the wall for the erstwhile pitcher.

Trachsel allowed four runs (two earned) after entering in the eighth inning Saturday with the Orioles leading 9-1. He got out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth, but he was removed in the ninth without getting an out after allowing a two-run double to Kevin Mench and walking Brad Wilkerson. Trachsel stared at the manager for almost Trembley’s entire trip to the mound.

Trembley said before the game yesterday that he was adhering to the 24-hour rule before speaking to Trachsel about the incident.

“I would think that [pitching coach Rick Kranitz] and I will discuss it on the plane tonight going to Boston,” Trembley said. “We have to do what’s best for Steve Trachsel, but we also have to do what’s best for the team, quite honestly.”

Meanwhile, Trachsel said this:

Trachsel said yesterday that he is frustrated trying to adjust to the routine of a reliever. He also said he was surprised Trembley took him out when he did Saturday.

“I figure I should be able to throw two innings and save everybody from having to get up in the bullpen,” he said.

For a team whose offense could be hot, and cold the next, Trembley made the right move on Saturday to stop a potential wound from profusely bleeding on the field. Trachsel did not look good, and at this point, since he’s not part of the tangible future of the organization — he should probably be sent on his way and the spot should be given to someone else.

What do you feel about Trachsel?

Trachsel Traded

Steve Trachsel has been traded.

He's looked good in his past few starts, thus a contender needed an extra part, and Trax has been sent to the Cubs for prospects.

It kicks off the rebuilding of the Baltimore Orioles.

I guess we made our annual Chicago Trade after all...

A big tip of the hat to Ian of Sox and Dawgs for the quick note...

from Boston.com

The Orioles have traded RHP STEVE TRACHSEL to the Chicago Cubs for 3B SCOTT MOORE and RHP ROCKY CHERRY.

Trachsel, 36, went 6-8 with a 4.48 ERA (140.2IP, 70ER) in 25 starts for the Orioles this season. He allowed 3 earned runs or less in 17 of his 25 starts and missed 3 weeks while on the disabled list with a strained gluteus muscle. Trachsel was signed by the Orioles as a free agent on February 14, one day before pitchers and catchers reported to camp.

Moore, 23, has spent most of the season at AAA Iowa, batting .265 (85-321) with 19 home runs and 69 RBI. He appeared in 2 games for the Cubs this season, going 0-for-5. Moore also played 16 games for Chicago in 2006, batting .263 (10-36) with 2 home runs and 5 RBI.

Moore was originally selected by Detroit in the first round (8th overall) of the 2002 First Year Player Draft. He was traded to Chicago in 2005 and was selected to the Major League Future’s Game that season. He was named the Cubs’ 7th best prospect by Baseball America following the 2006 season.

Cherry, 28, has also spent most of the season at Iowa along with several stints with the Cubs. He went 2-0 with 7 saves and a 4.59 ERA (51.0IP, 26ER) in the minors, averaging 9.9 strikeouts per 9.0 innings. Cherry made 12 relief appearances for the Cubs this season, going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA (15.0IP, 5ER) while holding opponents to a .224 batting average.

Cherry was named to the Southern League All-Star team in 2006, going 4-1 with 2 saves and a 2.22 ERA for AA West Tennessee. He was originally selected by the Cubs in the 14th round of the 2002 First Year Player Draft.

Moore and Cherry will report to the Orioles this weekend and be added to the roster on September 1.