I don't want to be Debbie Downer, but...

[Baldimore, hon]

Here is the scenario:

We are halfway through this next season and we are playing well, but maybe in 3rd or 4th place in the division (about 6 games back of second place), Bundy and Gausman are lighting it up in AA, with Gausman slightly better than Bundy. Hammel is pitching great, slightly better than last year and without the injuries.

Do you:

A) Trade Hammel for the best package you can get (if you choose this, please say what it would take for you to trade him AND whether or not you think that is reasonable, please provide evidence.)

B) Promote Gausman/Bundy or Both to try to stabilize the back end of the rotation.

C) Trade Bundy or Gausman for whatever you need that will help right now.

D) Stand pat and continue to see what you have.

[Dark Helmet]

Here is the scenario:

We are halfway through this next season and we are playing well, but maybe in 3rd or 4th place in the division (about 6 games back of second place), Bundy and Gausman are lighting it up in AA, with Gausman slightly better than Bundy. Hammel is pitching great, slightly better than last year and without the injuries.

Do you:

A) Trade Hammel for the best package you can get (if you choose this, please say what it would take for you to trade him AND whether or not you think that is reasonable, please provide evidence.)

B) Promote Gausman/Bundy or Both to try to stabilize the back end of the rotation.

C) Trade Bundy or Gausman for whatever you need that will help right now.

D) Stand pat and continue to see what you have.

How far out of first? The O's were like 10 back in august and caught the Yankees. Also depends on how close to the WC they are. If we're completely out of it, it's probably most likely due to the SP being poor. So I think you would see some changes. Maybe Gausman and Bundy. Too many variables to give an answer for me.

[El Gordo]

What's their record? Are they over .500? Why aren't they playing better? Offense? The other SP? RP? Can't make any decisions unless I know thes things.

[Icterus galbula]

As DH said, there are lots of variables. Promote Bundy/Gausman maybe.

[OriolesHash1]

Promote Bundy then Trade Hammel for a DH/1B

[JohnnyK27]

Why rush Bundy or Gausman....If the team is penny pinching it makes no sense. IMO Bundy should pitch all of next year at AA & AAA. Maybe just AA depending on the results. Gausman should pitch in the minors as well. Trade Hammel if were out of it by the break or deadline for futures ...Keep him if were still in it. How is that a downer?

The Orioles are the least improved team in the division and if they stand pat which remains to be seen they will certainly take steps back by the improvements of the other teams in the division. I dont think thats being a downer ...I just think its being realisitic. Rushing Bundy & Gausman to the majors is just silly ... and since the Orioles clearly want to give another shot to the Cavalry they need to give those guys a real chance ..not a few start audition.

[Crazysilver03]

Why rush Bundy or Gausman....If the team is penny pinching it makes no sense. IMO Bundy should pitch all of next year at AA & AAA. Maybe just AA depending on the results. Gausman should pitch in the minors as well. Trade Hammel if were out of it by the break or deadline for futures ...Keep him if were still in it. How is that a downer?

The Orioles are the least improved team in the division and if they stand pat which remains to be seen they will certainly take steps back by the improvements of the other teams in the division. I dont think thats being a downer ...I just think its being realisitic. Rushing Bundy & Gausman to the majors is just silly ... and since the Orioles clearly want to give another shot to the Cavalry they need to give those guys a real chance ..not a few start audition.

One could argue that the Yankees are the least improved team in the division since they brought back the majority of the free agents they had and haven't really added anyone.

[TonySoprano]

The O's were 60-51 without Machado; 33-18 with him. Now I'm not saying he was the only reason for the change, not close. However, he stabilized the infield defense. Similarly, I would not hesitate to bring up Bundy and/or Gausman in 2013, if the rotation is struggling.

[weams]

The O's were 60-51 without Machado; 33-18 with him. Now I'm not saying he was the only reason for the change, not close. However, he stabilized the infield defense. Similarly, I would not hesitate to bring up Bundy and/or Gausman in 2013, if the rotation is struggling.

Right with you Soprano.

[luismatos4prez]

One could argue that the Yankees are the least improved team in the division since they brought back the majority of the free agents they had and haven't really added anyone.

Youkilis <<<< Soriano + Swisher + Martin + Half of ARod + the little mobility Derek Jeter had left

[Frobby]

Any of options 1, 2 and 4 are possible depending on the exact situation. I'm not trading Bundy or Gausman in any realistic scenario.

[weams]

Youkilis <<<< Soriano + Swisher + Martin + Half of ARod + the little mobility Derek Jeter had left

They better be making some room at DH for the Jeets. That's all I have to say.

[isestrex]

As many have said, I need a lot more information on this "hypothetical situation" before casting my vote.

Frobby's answer was the best however. 1, 2, and 4 are options. #3 really isn't foreseeable unless one of the big 4 become available (Trout, Harper, McCutcheon, Braun).

This reminds me of this awesome scene from Little Big League.
http://youtu.be/0dfETcgUT9Y?t=6m11s

[SrMeowMeow]

Sacrifice the entire 40-man to the Elder Gods.

[andrewochs615]

Here is the scenario:

We are halfway through this next season and we are playing well, but maybe in 3rd or 4th place in the division (about 6 games back of second place), Bundy and Gausman are lighting it up in AA, with Gausman slightly better than Bundy. Hammel is pitching great, slightly better than last year and without the injuries.

Do you:

A) Trade Hammel for the best package you can get (if you choose this, please say what it would take for you to trade him AND whether or not you think that is reasonable, please provide evidence.)

B) Promote Gausman/Bundy or Both to try to stabilize the back end of the rotation.

C) Trade Bundy or Gausman for whatever you need that will help right now.

D) Stand pat and continue to see what you have.

I think the harder question is, what do they do if they are bombing?