The fans of Birdland got jostled a bit for the second time in several days -- almost like mild turbulence on an airplane -- as the ballclub they root for decided to take a couple steps backward this coming season in order to better position the club for the long climb back to respectability.
First, infielder Jonathan Villar, who was about to be non-tendered by the Orioles due to a possible $10-plus million arbitration price tag, was dealt to the Miami Marlins shortly before the non-tender deadline Dec. 2. Villar brought back young lefty Easton Lucas.
Then around 4 p.m. Dec. 4, the big shoe dropped. Right-hander Dylan Bundy was traded to the Los Angeles Angels for four right-handed pitching prospects: 24 year-old Isacc Mattson, 23-year-old Kyle Bradish, 22-year-old Kyle Brnovich and 21-year-old Zach Peek.
