Could Ryan Flaherty be on his way out when Andino comes back?

[Matt P]

You never want to see anyone get hurt but this could be another blessing in disguise in the form of addition by subtraction. The team will be better off without Thome.

[mikezpen]

Andino's no more than a utility player; he just doesn't hit enough.Perhaps Quintanilla isn't a real answer at second either, but at least he's been hitting. And that's what the Orioles need.Leave him at second as long as he's swinging the bat as he is.If Thome comes back, let Chavez go.

Last nite's Quintanilla hit was absolutely huge, BTW.

[Rising O's]

He's been benched the entire season. He was platooning at 2B with Tolleson when Andino got hurt and was replaced by Quintanilla.

Flaherty's value is in his bat and his ability to play a few positions. When he got his 4 game hit streak, that was the opportunity to make sure he was in the game, instead he has 1 AB in over a week. That is not good managing.

[mikezpen]

They s/hang on to Flaherty the rest of the year though, and send him down next year.He seems to have a quick bat, and maybe he can be developed w/a year or two in the minors.