The Bud Norris trade may be the funniest ever
It seemed like Houston Astros starting pitcher Bud Norris had almost been traded to at least 23 MLB teams this season. When a deal finally happened — sending Norris to the Baltimore Orioles shortly before Wednesday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver trade deadline — it became a joke for baseball's history book.
Not because it was a bad trade or anything, but because the names were awesome. The Orioles gave the Astros outfielder L.J. Hoes and pitcher Josh Hader in return for Norris, effectively trading bud for hoes. If only Hader's surname was one letter different, it could have been bud traded for hoes and a hater. It's nearly a rap song or a Dave Chappelle skit.
Needless to say, the jokes were aplenty:
Bud Selig wants to ban Alex Rodriguez for life because of PEDs, but he's OK with two teams trading Bud for Hoes. Priorities.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2013
I didn’t know a team could do that RT @pirateprospects: Bud Norris Traded to the Orioles For Hoes - http://t.co/YeAE9zcaTe — John (@jscritch23) July 31, 2013
The Orioles have traded LJ Hoes for Houston's Bud Norris. It's safe to say that Hoes will be in different area codes.
— Parker Hageman (@OverTheBaggy) July 31, 2013
Bud to the O's; Hoes to the 'Stros. #tradedeadlineraplyrics — Michael Rosenberg (@Rosenberg_Mike) July 31, 2013
Never thought I'd say this, but the Fister-for-Furbush trade is no longer the funniest ever. Bud for Hoes and a Hader: You are the winner.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2013
While the Orioles should be happy to add Norris and his 3.93 ERA to their pitching staff, Houston rappers ought to be happy to have Hoes in town. We're looking at you, Slim Thug.
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