Will a WS contender like the Dodgers really be willing to hand over a starting SS job to someone like Ortiz who has never spent a single day in the major leagues?
I think you're correct about looking long term. And if the O's are fighting for a playoff spot, I wouldn't be surprised to see Hall in the bullpen in September if he is pitching well and the O's starters are doing well. I remember the Rays doing that with David Price in the 2008 stretch run and playoffs. He was such a weapon for them.
I love that he's struggling at the plate, yet he's on base 1-2 times a game and has scored 12 runs.
Even if he hits .250-260 he's going to be a dangerous productive part of the lineup
I didn't think @DirtyBird offered "jaded snark" at all. He asked a legitimate question that related to the question @Roy Firestone posed.
My answer to the OP would be yes, it would be crazy to take Baumann out of a role in which he is doing well when he isn't really in the top 8-9 options for the rotation.
If the O's pitching doesn't turn around, Elias is going to have an opportunity at the deadline to acquire pitching. If that is the case, hopefully some of the position regulars are playing so well that we acquire studs and not also-rans