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CarGo could be match for Orioles' needs

Outfielder adds two more hits in Thursday's loss to Cardinals

ST. LOUIS -- Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez's loud bat is drowning what little noise there is leading up to today's 2 p.m. MT non-waiver Trade Deadline.

The Angels have made their big move for outfield bats, the Mets reportedly are pushing for Reds right fielder Jay Bruce and the Cardinals added left-handed-hitting help by trading with the Indians for Brandon Moss on Thursday. The only known rumor, reported by CBS Sports on Thursday, involves the Orioles, who have pitching prospects the Rockies may covet.

Gonzalez -- having seen the Rockies ship star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays, chiefly for pitching prospects -- continues to show he's the old "CarGo," even if it's possible he could be "CarGone." He went going 2-for-4 in Thursday night's 9-8 loss to the Cardinals, and since May 27 is hitting .335 (65-for-194) with 17 home runs and 34 RBIs.

"I will say that I'm handling this the best way possible," Gonzalez said. "Some players, it really affects the way they play. But for me, it's been really, really calm. I'm not paying attention to much of that stuff. Right now I'm going through a good moment playing the game.

"That's been my priority -- be a really good player for this club."

Gonzalez said a recent conversation with manager Walt Weiss has him thinking he'll be with the team past the Deadline. But CBS Sports noted that the Orioles need a player of Gonzalez's talents, and have a better shot at landing him than they do of getting San Diego's Justin Upton or Detroit's Yoenis Cespedes.

Orioles pitching prospects Hunter Harvey, a 2013 first-round Draft pick and son of one-time Rockies Minor League pitching coach Bryan Harvey, 2011 third-round pick Mike Wright and 2009 second-rounder Mychal Givens were names reported by CBS Sports to be possibilities for a deal.

Righty Kevin Gausman, a Denver-area native, would be a dream acquisition, but his role in the O's rotation makes that more likely a pipe dream. Zach Davies, a Triple-A starter, could find his way into the mix if talks become serious. The O's two best pitching prospects, Hunter Harvey and Dylan Bundy, are currently on the disabled list.

Gonzalez's $37 million salary over the 2016 and 2017 season was a concern for the Angels and the Mets and would be substantial for the Orioles; however, several large contracts come off Baltimore's payroll at season's end.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb, and like his Facebook page. Brittany Ghiroli contributed to this report.
Read More: Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, Carlos Gonzalez