How important is this weekend for the Orioles' No. 5 prospect?
*Cover Photo Credit: The Baltimore Banner
Connor Norby was the Orioles' go-to after Jorge Mateo's hideous elbow injury during Tuesday's contest. Manager Brandon Hyde confirmed Norby's promotion after Wednesday's loss, and he added that he would be seeing regular time at second base for the time being.
Assuming that Mateo's injury is either lengthy or season-ending and assuming that Norby is not traded prior to the trade deadline next week, this could mean that Norby is the Orioles' starting second baseman for a while.
Let me re-iterrate: if he does not get traded before next week. Norby, the Orioles' No. 5 prospect, is a prized, sweet-swinging infielder that many teams could seek to snag in a package deal if the Orioles chase rotation or bullpen help. As a matter of fact, he has headlined the list of prospects that are most likely to be dealt the majority of the season. It may not matter what he does on the field this weekend if the Orioles are willing to part ways with him for someone on their wishlist.
About a month ago, it seemed difficult to blueprint a lineup where Norby saw regular time in the Orioles infield. Obviously, Gunnar Henderson had shortstop and will remain there, and Mateo, Ramon Urias, and Jordan Westburg did a great job rotating all around the other two positions. Then, there were infield prospects Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo knocking on the doors right alongside Norby.
So it would make sense that Norby's name would float around trade rumors back then. Obviously, his name will still float around out there but now, he may have an important role with Baltimore now that there is an open spot at second base until Mateo is healthy again.
So far, his second opportunity is off to a great start. In yesterday's gutsy 7-6 victory over the Miami Marlins, the 24-year-old returned with a 2-for-4 showing that included his second big league home run. He also made a tough but dazzling sliding play on a deep ground ball from speedy infielder Jazz Chissholm Jr.
It's not like he has anything to prove back in Triple-A Norfolk either. During his second stint with the Tides this season, he was a .316 hitter in 29 games with a .951 OPS, 7 home runs, 21 RBI, and 6 stolen bases. Lifetime at Triple-A, he is a .296 hitter with an .877 OPS, 41 home runs, 156 RBI and a .505 slugging percentage in 227 Triple-A games.
That should be the last time that we see Norby in the Minor Leagues for a long time, if ever. Whether he will wear Orioles across his chest or another team's stitching by next week, there is no reason for Norby to be in the Minors again. He patiently aced his test down there, he has played above expectations, and he is ready to be an everyday Major League contributor. Let's just hope that he does it with the Orioles.
This is Connor Norby's second chance.
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