Orioles Rumors: Baltimore Eyeing Phillies OF Juan Pierre

With Nick Markakis’ broken thumb, the Baltimore Orioles are interested in Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Juan Pierre, reports Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com:

Markakis was their leadoff hitter. Pierre, who has 34 steals and a .346 on-base percentage for the Phillies, would give manager Buck Showalter another option to replace him.

Not surprisingly, the Orioles have some interest, according to sources. Perhaps surprisingly, the Phillies aren't yet jumping at the chance to trade him.

While Pierre was signed as a minor league free agent by the Phillies this winter, the team isn’t showing a sense of urgency to trade him. Over 349 at-bats this season, the 35-year-old has hit .304/.346/.364 with thirty-four stolen bases in forty attempts.

If the Orioles were able to pry Pierre from the Phillies, they would only be able to use him for the duration of the regular season, not into the playoffs were they to qualify.

Beyond the fact that Philadelphia stands to gain little in exchange for Pierre, the club still finds itself with an outside chance of making the playoffs this season. Though they’re seventeen games back in the National League East, Philadelphia is five out of the final Wild Card spot.

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Should the Phillies trade Pierre?

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