clip from Fox Sports Grimsley/Bautista

A head-scratcher in Baltimore
Several rival executives were puzzled that the Orioles traded Class AA
right-hander Denny Bautista, a 23-year-old prospect, for right-hander
Jason Grimsley, a 36-year-old reliever. The deal would have made more
sense if the Orioles were in contention, but the team entered
Tuesday's play tied for last place, 14 games out in the AL East.

Hello?

The Orioles considered it a coup when they acquired Bautista from the
Marlins last season in a trade for outfielder Jeff Conine. They
learned in spring training that Bautista was two years older than his
listed age, but still considered him one of their top young pitching
talents. Baird, the Royals' GM, sure likes him. He immediately named
Bautista a candidate for the team's 2005 rotation.

It's not inconceivable that the trade will work out for the Orioles,
who made the deal only after Grimsley, a potential free agent, agreed
to a $2 million contract for '05. Grimsley could provide quality
relief work for 1 1/2 seasons, while Bautista might never realize his
potential. Still, the trade is a sign of the Orioles' desperation.
They rank last in the AL in ERA after focusing on offense during their
off-season spending spree. Their owner, Peter Angelos, surely expected
more.