The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards will be announced on a special ESPN2 telecast Tuesday night at 10 p.m. (EDT), so you should probably switch over from Parenthood or Body of Proof long enough to see if any Orioles are in the mix.

If I were a betting man – and somebody actually took bets on who would win the 18 Gold Gloves – I would put my entire Orioles bankroll on Matt Wieters to take home the hardware at his position. He had a terrific year behind the plate and (though it shouldn’t matter but does) had very solid offensive numbers for a catcher. He's a finalist alongside White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski and Detroit's Alex Avila.

Orioles fans can easily make a case for several more O’s, including terrific all-around shortstop J.J. Hardy, the too-long-ignored Nick Markakis and 2009 Gold Glove winner Adam Jones. It’ll be interesting to see how the rule change that now awards a Gold Glove to each outfield position (instead of honoring the top three outfielders in each league regardless of where exactly they play) will impact the voting, which is done by the managers and coaches.

I’m guessing that hurt Jones, who already is on the outside looking in. He was not listed among the finalists in a release that went out from ESPN about tomorrow night's broadcast. The old format tended to favor center fielders, so the change could possibly help Markakis for the same reason. He annually is among the leaders in assists and this year did not make an error in 157 games in right field. He's a finalist in right field along with Angels veteran Torii Hunter and Kansas City's Jeff Francoeur.

Right or wrong, big offensive numbers tend to impact the Gold Gloves, so Hunter may actually be the better bet to win the award in right field since he had the best all-around statistics and won nine Gold Gloves as a center fielder before moving to right.

It’s hard to imagine anybody being more deserving than Hardy at shortstop after a comeback season in which he hit 30 home runs and led American League shortstops in fielding percentage, but he's up against a couple of guys -- Erick Aybar and Asdrubal Cabrera -- who had big years for contending teams. Cabrera also had a terrific offensive season (25 homers, 92 RBI), but made 15 errors and had fewer total chances and assists than Hardy even though he played a full season and Hardy missed a several weeks with an injury.

The Gold Glove voting system is still open to question, since a lot of players over the years have gotten trophies based on factors that probably shouldn’t outweight their pure defensive performance, but they got it right with Brooks 16 straight times, so all is forgiven in advance.

Getty Images

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Toronto Blue Jays executive Tony LaCava is back in town today to meet with Orioles owner Peter Angelos,according to a team source, which is a pretty solid indication that he's the preferred candidate to replace Andy MacPhail as the Orioles head of baseball operations.

The Orioles are not expected to do a second round of interviews, so the fact that LaCava is back almost certainly means that he and the ownership component of the search committee are discussing the conditions of his employment. It doesn't mean, however, that he has been offered the job officially or will accept it.

It's a complicated dance, since any high-quality candidate for this type of management position is going to want to know the limits of his authority as well as the size and length of his contract. The outside candidates who were summoned to Baltimore to interview for the position all are highly prized by their current organizations, so it's not fair to assume any of them would automatically accept the job if offered.

It probably is fair to assume that if the Orioles schedule a news conference for tomorrow to announce the new VP or president of baseball operations, it will be LaCava, but there has been no indication yet that the process is moving along quite that quickly.

LaCava's presence in Baltimore today was first reported on FoxSports.com.

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

With the World Series over, baseball now turns its attention to free agency, which officially begins Thursday (although the Orioles still have their attention partially turned to their general manager search).

Don’t expect any big names to come off the board on Thursday, however. That’s not how this system works. A few solid players may sign in the next couple days after Thursday and a few others will sign before the winter meetings in early December. But the majority waits until the winter meetings or the two weeks leading up until Christmas.

Officially 148 players filed for free agency this weekend. The Orioles will be linked to about 142 of them before the end of January. And we’ll chase down about 140 of those rumors.

Here are two that the Orioles almost certainly won’t be pursuing: Their own, designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero and shortstop Cesar Izturis. Both Guerrero and Izturis were popular in the clubhouse and proved to be excellent teammates.

But the Orioles don’t want to be handcuffed with a designated hitter only this season – so you can figure Guerrero is gone. Izturis had a lost season in 2011 and really has no spot on this club next year. But if he has no spot in big-league baseball, the Orioles would love to have him back in the organization as a coach/instructor. Buck Showalter, among others, really admired the way Izturis handled himself and dealt with teammates, especially the Latin players.

The power in my house was out for over 24 hours this weekend. Crazy. Not having power in October, I felt like the Philadelphia Phillies (ba dump bump. Tip your waiters).

Speaking of the Phillies, I have been asked to predict the early favorite for the 2012 baseball season. And I am sticking with the Phillies. I understand they may lose several key players such as Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Madson, and Ryan Howard will start the season on the disabled list. But I look at that starting pitching and still see 90-plus wins. And the postseason is a crapshoot.

One quick mention on the Orioles’ GM search: When Jerry Dipoto decided to join the Los Angeles Angels, I wrote that that probably made Toronto’s Tony LaCava the favorite for the Orioles job.

Remember, I’m just handicapping these things, but I don’t know what the search committee is thinking. I clarify that because the assumption was made that the Orioles lost their No. 1 choice to the Angels, and some fans are hammering them for that.

But Dipoto being the favorite was simply speculation. I’ve been told by people who know a little better than I do, that although Dipoto was highly considered, he wasn’t necessarily the leader in the clubhouse for the job. In fact, I am getting the sense that it’s very possible LaCava – or maybe someone else – would be offered the position even if Dipoto were still available.

So if I led you astray on my speculation – sorry.

Here’s a bit more speculation: Take it for what it is worth, but I would be surprised if this job isn’t filled this week. I’ve learned over the years, however, that I shouldn’t put a timetable on the Orioles. Because I never speculate on that one correctly.

One last item: Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is now the brand ambassador for Five Four clothing line. Here is a link to his photo shoot: http://bit.ly/texmP4

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

This was an exceptionally enjoyable World Series between the newly crowned champion St. Louis Cardinals and the once-again runners-up Texas Rangers – you have to love it anytime a World Series goes seven games.

It was nice to see former homegrown Oriole Arthur Rhodes become a World Series champion at age 42. Rhodes made his debut with the Orioles at age 21 on Aug. 21, 1991, coincidentally against the Texas Rangers.

Todd Frohwirth, now an Orioles scout, got the win that day.

Rhodes, who was cut by the Rangers in August and picked up by the Cardinals, would have won a championship ring regardless. But, in his first Series in a 20-season career, he got it on the winning side.

Rhodes pitched in Game 7, and so did Texas reliever Michael Gonzalez, whom the Orioles traded in August for Pedro Strop. Gonzo retired the first three batters he faced but had to leave because of an injury while pitching against the fourth.

Koji Uehara wasn’t activated for the World Series, but he’ll likely get a full share of the playoff bonus as well.

Two other current Orioles certainly were paying attention to Game 7. Tommy Hunter and Chris Davis, who came to Baltimore in the Uehara trade, also were in line for playoff shares.

So you know, besides obvious loyalty to friends, those two were pulling for the Rangers and a larger bonus (the current roster decides who receives full and partial shares). They’ll still get a handsome paycheck even though they didn’t participate in the postseason.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

The Orioles will be sporting the cartoon bird on their hats for 2012 for the first time since 1988.

The return of the cartoon bird had been expected, and it, and other uniform changes, will be officially announced in November.

A club source confirmed, however, that the Orioles will sport the cartoon bird hat throughout the year except once a week – likely Fridays – when they will wear the alternate "O" hats and black jerseys as they did in 2011. The 2012 cartoon bird will be a combination of the 1970 logo and the 1983 one, but may resemble the older logo a bit more.

The jerseys will include a Camden Yards 20th anniversary patch on the right sleeve, and the “Baltimore” on the road jerseys will have a consistently sized script instead of tapering of the lettering, the source said.

MASNsports.com first detailed the changes.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)
        

The Orioles have made three moves to clean up their 40-man roster.

Backup catcher Craig Tatum was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.

Pitcher Chris Jakubauskas and catcher/infielder Jake Fox passed through waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Because they have prior outrights, they both can refuse the assignment and become free agents. That's procedural since they also could elect to become minor-league free agents in five days anyway.

It is expected that both will explore their options.

Jakubauskas, 32, was 2-2 with a 5.72 ERA (72.1IP, 46ER) in 33 games (six starts) for the Orioles in 2011.

Fox, 29, batted .246 (15-61) with two homers and six RBI in 27 games for the Orioles, while

Tatum, 28, batted .195 (17-87) with three doubles and seven RBI in 31 games.

The moves leave the Orioles with 36 players on their 40-man roster.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

According to a Fox Sports report, Jerry Dipoto will be named the new general manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

That means he won’t be the new GM of the Orioles.

And there is going to be some grousing about that among the Orioles’ fan base.

Dipoto, the senior vice president of the Arizona Diamondbacks, was the first candidate the Orioles interviewed last week, and I believe he was the favorite to get this job, slightly ahead of Toronto Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava.

I even wrote that I thought Dipoto might be more interested in the Orioles over the Angels, partially because I thought the Orioles were in a better position to make an offer quicker since the Angels were interviewing more clients. And Dipoto, who had been a finalist at other places, seemed ready to take the job in hand.

But the Orioles didn’t finish up their search faster. They are interviewing a fourth candidate, John Stockstill, now and may interview at least a fifth person.

Now, I’m not sure how close that race was between Dipoto and LaCava, so I can’t say for sure the Orioles lost their No. 1 guy (something many fans would say is typical). And we’ll never know for sure because certainly the team won’t spin it that way as they hire someone else.

LaCava may have crept into that top spot this week, so Dipoto's being off the board may not have mattered anyway. And I know the Orioles liked Los Angeles Dodgers assistant GM De Jon Watson as well.

LaCava is now obviously the favorite to be the new Orioles GM. But write that in pencil. I’ve learned over the years that nothing is official with the Orioles until it is official.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (29)
        

I’m not in the business of giving out free drinks – fake or not – to just anybody.

I don’t believe in the “sorta close” or the “woulda, coulda” campaigns. Normally, you’ve gotta be pretty shrewd to get something free from this stingy, Irish Catholic barkeep.

But not today. Tom from Bel Air and Mike get free rounds on the house for their "Monday Night Football" predictions. And they didn’t even pick the right winner.

But they both said Ravens-Jaguars would be an ugly contest, and, boy, were they right. That game was the Freddy Krueger of the NFL.

No one in the bar last week predicted a 12-7 Jaguars victory. No one predicted a Jacksonville win, period. But Tom had the Ravens 19-13 and Mike had it 21-20. So they at least knew it was going to be a close game.

So drink up fellas, but don’t feel good about it.

Let’s get to this week’s contest: versus Arizona at home.

I’m thinking rebound game, because it can’t really get much worse. But I am not getting crazy with the offense this time. I say 19-10 Ravens and Billy Cundiff redeems himself with four field goals.

Pick a score, winner and hero of the game.

To the Orioles. I enjoyed last week’s outlandish predictions, where you guys just threw nonsense against the wall. You now know what a brainstorming session with Schmuck and Jeff Z (remember him) was like.

We’re going to flip-side it now. I want your painful prediction for the 2012 Orioles. Basically, something that you don’t want to see happen, but you have the sinking sense it will.

It could be a step back for Robert Andino or Zach Britton. Or maybe no step forward for Brian Matusz or no step onto the field at all for Brian Roberts.

Just something in your gut.

Here’s mine: Matt Angle will start half of the Orioles' games in 2012. That’s not a slam on Angle, but if your fourth (maybe fifth) outfielder is playing every other day for the full season, that means someone you are counting on is hurt or woefully ineffective.

Your turn.

Daily Think Special: Prediction Friday: Ravens-Cardinals and your painful Orioles call

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

I am writing this at 12:45 a.m. Friday morning.

I just sent my 12-year-old son Alex back to bed.

I woke him up about five minutes earlier. He had been asleep for three-plus hours, but I couldn’t let him sleep.

Not when one of the greatest games in World Series history was playing out on our flat-screen in the living room. I’ve covered five World Series. But I’m home for this one, and wanted him to see this amazing game.

I battled the urge to wake him when the St. Louis Cardinals tied Game 6 in the ninth. And when the Texas Rangers took the lead in the 10th, and the Cardinals tied it again in the 10th. By the middle of the 11th – and after the prodding of many of my Twitter followers – I couldn’t handle it anymore.

Alex struggled out to the couch, sat up and moments later saw David Freese hit the walk-off homer to send the Series to Game 7.

I then sent him right back to bed, part excited, part confused. Completely tired. Doesn’t matter.

I had to do it. I’ll deal with his mom – who knows I am a nut – and his teachers – who don’t – Friday.

When I'll make sure he gets to see all of Game 7.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The Orioles are interviewing their fourth candidate for their open top executive spot, and he is the first from within the organization.

The club’s interviewing committee will meet Friday with John Stockstill, the Orioles’ player-development director.

Stockstill, 51, has been with the Orioles for nearly six years, holding various titles, including international scouting director. He originally joined the Orioles to oversee all scouting operations after spending his entire professional career – as a minor league player, scout and executive – in the Chicago Cubs organization.

He’ll be the fourth to interview, following the Arizona Diamondbacks' Jerry Dipoto, the Toronto Blue Jays' Tony LaCava and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ De Jon Watson.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

So the Orioles’ GM search is going on longer than we expected.

OK, maybe not longer than we really expected. These Orioles have always been thorough, and that comes with the tag “deliberate” or, if you prefer, painfully slow.

That’s not always a bad thing – in free agency, it is a terrible thing – especially with a front office position so important. All the preparation for the offseason has been done by others in the organization, so not having a GM in place does not make for a desperate situation right now. Three weeks from now? Sure. But not at this moment.

True, the Chicago Cubs filled their opening with a splash by hiring Theo Epstein, and Boston and San Diego quickly followed suit after the Theo dominoes fell.

But the Los Angeles Angels are also still interviewing people – and it seems like they have talked to half of the competent baseball world.

The Orioles have met with three candidates and are expected to speak to at least one more – and maybe two – before they are done.

If you can get past the potentially plodding timeline, there is something in this process that is worth mentioning for disgruntled Orioles fans: The men that have been interviewed are legitimate candidates. And not just for the Orioles, but throughout the game.

All three – Arizona’s Jerry Dipoto, Toronto’s Tony LaCava and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ De Jon Watson – are considered GMs in waiting. (For some perspective, MLBTradeRumors.com ranked potential GM candidates earlier this year, and Dipoto was listed as first, LaCava was sixth and Watson was 11th).

I’ve done my research on all three, and it’s hard to find anything negative about the trio. Industry-wide, they are all viewed as ready for the next step.

These aren’t people who have friends in high places in Baltimore baseball or have had 30-year relationships with some of the club’s decision-makers.

These are guys who have paid their dues and carved out a name in scouting, development or both. And all three interviewed well, apparently.

Initially, we all assumed the Orioles would get a 50s/60s veteran with strong ties to either manager Buck Showalter or to Baltimore.

None is a whiz kid – LaCava is 50, Watson is 45 and Dipoto 43 – but they aren’t fossils either. And, although all obviously know of Showalter, none have a direct past connection with him. And none has worked for the Orioles before.

In the past, the answer to this equation may have been different. But what the Orioles sought out this time were baseball men with strengths in the organization’s area of weakness, and that’s what they have found.

You can complain about the speed, but it is hard to criticize the quality so far.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts tells Jonathan Pitts of The Sun that he's feeling better than he has at any time in the past six months.

Roberts said last week that he has been free of concussion symptoms for the first time since suffering the concussion in May. For the past two weeks, he has been able to drive, ride an exercise bike and carry out other normal life activities without triggering any symptoms for the first time since being injured.

The two-time All-Star for the Orioles, who just turned 34, has been cleared to begin off-season workouts. His doctor expects Roberts’ health and conditioning to be normal by the start of spring training.

For the full story on Roberts' recovery, click here.

Posted by Ron Fritz at 2:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

News came out Tuesday that Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey will have elbow (Tommy John) surgery and likely miss all of 2012.

So, assuming he doesn’t pitch next year, Lackey will be 26-23 with a 5.26 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) in the first three seasons of a five-year, $82.5 million deal.

Five-year deals rarely end well for a free-agent pitcher, so it was years four and five that originally were a concern when Lackey, now 33, signed the big contract in December 2009. That’s not a good sign for his future in Boston.

I write this not to make a point about the dangers of long-term deals for free-agent pitchers; they are pitchers, we all get how fragile a commodity they are.

Here’s my point: Lackey is the perfect example of the advantage that haves, such as the Red Sox and the New York Yankees, possess over have-nots like the Orioles. It’s not a whine; just reality.

There are so many excuses made about payroll and how an $80-something-million team like the Orioles can’t compete with the free-spending big boys. And then a $40-million-something club like the Tampa Bay Rays comes along and shatters those theories.

If an organization operates efficiently, if it develops its own core and supplements that with shrewd moves, including free agency, it can be a consistent force. As much as people want to hammer the Yankees and Red Sox, many of their superstars during their postseason runs (Rivera, Jeter, Posada, Cano, Papelbon, Pedroia, Youkilis, Lester) were homegrown.

Where the Red Sox and Yankees have the true advantage is the immense margin for error their overall profits afford them.

A.J. Burnett, a $16.5 million-per-year man, can be mediocre for the Yankees; Lackey can be a complete disaster for the Red Sox. And yet those teams can absorb those blows. They can absorb several of them.

But if a club like the Orioles or Rays or Toronto Blue Jays makes such an investment – the Orioles have never paid a player as much as Lackey’s contract, by the way – and it crashes, it takes years to rebound (see Belle, Albert or Ryan, B.J. in Toronto) both on the field and at the free-agent negotiating table. Nothing causes free-agency cold feet like a huge, free-agent lemon.

Interestingly, in Boston, Lackey’s situation may be viewed as a blessing in disguise. It may force the Red Sox to be even more aggressive for pitching in free agency this offseason because they can’t hope for a Lackey resurgence in 2012 – which may have been foolish anyway.

So they lose a $15 million pitcher for next year, and it may actually spur them into further action. That’s the advantage of the big-money teams.

It’s not the overall payroll as much as it is the margin for error when injuries or ineffectiveness hit one of their big purchases.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

A quick update on the Orioles’ GM search, if you want to call this an update.

We know De Jon Watson is meeting with the interviewing committee Wednesday. And he might want to bring a pillow. The past two, I’ve been told, have been rather lengthy and exceptionally thorough – which is what you want, I assume, for such an important position.

Watson, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 45-year-old assistant general manager, will be the third to interview, following Arizona’s Jerry Dipoto and Toronto’s Tony LaCava.

I still expect that Watson will not be the last. My sense is there will be one, maybe two more candidates interviewed.

But, at this point, the Orioles have not asked permission from another club to speak to one of their employees.

Perhaps they are waiting for Northern Virginia native Thad Levine, the Texas Rangers’ assistant general manager, who will be done for the season by Thursday night.

Or maybe – and I hate this concept – they are considering someone we haven’t considered.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

On Monday I asked you which first baseman you’d rather sign to a long-term contract: Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder.

Many of you answered: A pitcher.

Just because I have been sniffing stale beer in this smoky joint for the past four years doesn’t mean my brain is so mushy that I can’t take a hint. (Plus, I want to give you guys something to chew on this morning with your terrible Ravens hangover).

So let’s talk free-agent pitching.

It is a much sought-after commodity. And it is often a painful temptress – how often has a big-money free agent failed to live up to expectations? Just ask Boston Red Sox fans.

That said, Monday’s Connolly’s patrons were right (although a little off-subject).

The Orioles need starting pitching help more than anything at this point. They need an ace. And, frankly, they need a No. 2. That would allow Jeremy Guthrie (if he isn’t dealt away in his final season before free agency) to be slated comfortably at No. 3.

Then Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton and Tommy Hunter can battle for the final two rotation spots and Brian Matusz can begin the season at Triple-A with no pressure.

That, of course, is a dreamier scenario than signing Fielder or Pujols.

Because there really is only one true ace possibly available on the free-agent market: CC Sabathia. And it’s not even guaranteed that he’ll be there. He is signed by the New York Yankees through 2015 at $23 million a year.

He can opt out this offseason, and there is a sense he may. But he’s not opting out so he can come to Baltimore. He’ll probably be looking at $25 million annually for the next five years – and maybe more – for a perennial winner.

The Orioles have never given a free-agent pitcher a deal beyond three years (Scott Erickson’s was an extension, and a disaster, by the way) and have never topped Miguel Tejada’s $72 million deal for an overall investment.

So Sabathia is out. The next up is the Texas Rangers’ C.J. Wilson, who has ties to Orioles manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Rick Adair. But he could be seeking a five-year deal as well. The Orioles likely would lose their second-round pick in the 2012 amateur draft (their first is protected) by signing Wilson; it would be surprising if the Rangers didn’t offer him arbitration.

The next most intriguing pitcher is 25-year-old Japanese phenom Yu Darvish, who may or may not play in the United States. If he does, it probably is a $100 million investment if you combine the posting fee (paid to Nippon so that a MLB team can negotiate with Darvish) and the actual contract.

After that, there are guys who don’t qualify as aces, but are still pretty good pitchers. On Monday, the Philadelphia Phillies declined a $16 million option on Roy Oswalt, preferring to pay him a $2 million buyout. So the 34-year-old is a free agent, but the Phillies would like to re-sign him to a lesser deal. (It would be a shock if he were offered arbitration, so the draft pick wouldn’t be an issue here.)

There’s also Chicago White Sox bulldog Mark Buehrle, St. Louis Cardinals enigma Edwin Jackson, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Hiroki Kuroda and two starters who had somewhat resurgent seasons in the Yankees’ Freddy Garcia and the Atlanta Braves' Javier Vazquez.

Beyond those guys, it’s a hodgepodge of has-beens, injury risks and roll-the-dicers.

But maybe you can find some hidden gold there.

Here’s a list (it’s a little old, but should work for our purposes) from that wonderful website Cot’s Baseball Contracts. I want you to tell me your top choices for the Orioles to snag in free agency. Try to be somewhat realistic (CC, C.J. and Yu is far-fetched for the Yankees, not to mention the Orioles).

Daily Think Special: Choose two or three free-agent starters you’d most like to see on the 2012 Orioles. Give me a reason why.

Mark Buehrle CWS
Bruce Chen KC
Aaron Cook COL *
Kyle Davies TOR
Ryan Dempster CHC *
Justin Duchscherer BAL
Zach Duke ARI *
Jeff Francis KC
Freddy Garcia NYY
Jon Garland LAD
Aaron Harang SD
Rich Harden OAK
Livan Hernandez WAS
Edwin Jackson STL
Kenshin Kawakami ATL
Scott Kazmir LAA
Hiroki Kuroda LAD
Rodrigo Lopez CHC
Paul Maholm PIT
John Maine COL
Jason Marquis WAS
Kevin Millwood NYY
Scott Olsen PIT *
Roy Oswalt PHI *
Brad Penny DET
Oliver Perez NYM
Joel Pineiro LAA
CC Sabathia NYY (may opt out)
Carlos Silva NYY
Javier Vazquez FLA
Adam Wainwright STL *
Tim Wakefield BOS
Chien-Ming Wang WAS
Brandon Webb ARI
C.J. Wilson TEX
Chris Young NYM
*Means there is a 2012 option involved

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (43)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Orioles will interview their third candidate for the open general manager’s spot Wednesday.

De Jon Watson, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 45-year-old assistant GM and player development director, will meet with the interview committee in Baltimore on Wednesday.

A California native and former minor leaguer in the Kansas City Royals organization, Watson has been both a scout and scouting director in his career and is given credit for the Dodgers’ successful foray into Venezuela. The Orioles’ system has never produced a Venezuelan major leaguer.

Watson also served as the Cleveland Indians' pro scouting director from 2004 to 2006 and the Cincinnati Reds' scouting director from 1998 to 2000. He drafted Adam Dunn, now with the Chicago White Sox, among others.

The club’s search committee has already interviewed Arizona senior vice president Jerry Dipoto and Toronto assistant general manager Tony LaCava. All three candidates are highly experienced, highly respected baseball men with backgrounds in scouting and development – which has become the obvious focus of the Orioles’ search.

It is expected Watson will not be the last to interview, though it’s unclear whether the Orioles have contacted any other club to seek permission.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

I’ve been saying all year that I just don’t see the St. Louis Cardinals allowing Albert Pujols to leave Missouri. He is that city’s Ripken, and we know what happened every time Ripken approached free agency.

After Saturday’s historic performance – most total bases in a World Series game and just the third person with three homers in one October Classic game – I really don’t see him going anywhere now.

As I tweeted Sunday, I think there is a better chance St. Louis becomes a dry town before it allows Pujols to move elsewhere.

And if he does leave, he isn’t coming to Baltimore. You don’t walk away from a World Series team for a consistent loser unless the money is unspeakable. And the money won’t be unspeakable here.

If the Orioles have a chance to land a top free agent at first base, it would be the Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder – and I don’t think there is a chance with that, either.

But let’s assume for a moment that the Orioles – all things being equal – could choose between Fielder and Pujols. Is it a slam-dunk for Pujols?

Yes, he is headed to the Hall of Fame and is nearly as good of a defender as he is an offensive force. He is one of the best baseball players of the past 50 years – and he might be able to make a case for one of the best ever.

But he’ll be 32 in January and has played in 150 games per season just three times in the past six seasons (but never fewer than 143 in that time). So, no matter how tough he is, he’s had to deal with slight injuries as he has aged (he played in 154 or more in each of his first five seasons).

Fielder, on the other hand, is a serviceable first baseman and isn’t anywhere near the physical specimen as Pujols, who is nicknamed “The Machine.”

But Fielder won’t be 28 until May and has played in 157 or more games in each of his first six full seasons. The big guy has missed just one game in the past three seasons.

Fielder also will come cheaper – not cheap, mind you – than Pujols if they each reach the open market.

So that’s probably something you need to take into consideration when you answer this question.

If you have a chance to sign Fielder or Pujols for the Orioles—and you can’t sign both – who would you take? The better but older player or the younger guy who may still be peaking?

Let's assume you have to sign each one to an eight-year deal.

I understand neither scenario will occur, but, hey, it’s October. Dream a little.

Daily Think Special: In your Orioles’ dream world: Pujols or Fielder?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Perhaps it was fitting that on the day Brooks Robinson was honored with a statue in Baltimore, one of the greatest World Series performances in history was turned in that night.

On Saturday evening, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols had more total bases (14) in a World Series game than anyone in baseball history. He also became the first player in a World Series to record hits in four consecutive innings and became the third player to have six RBIs and third to have three homers (joining Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth) in one World Series game.

I remember Jackson’s performance – three homers on three pitches – and Jack Morris’ gem. I was too young to see Brooksie’s defensive clinic in 1970 – and that was over a Series and not one game – but I have heard plenty about that.

One of my college friends who was from Philadelphia tried to bait my Baltimore-born-and-bred Dad once and asked him who was the best third baseman of all time: Brooks or Mike Schmidt?

My soft-spoken dad simply said: “Don’t ask me. Ask Johnny Bench.” Bench, of course, was one of the victims of the Human Vacuum Cleaner in that 1970 World Series.

So I ask you today, and I enlist the help of our old-timers, what’s the best World Series performance you have seen? I’m thinking single-game, but we’ll accept series-long as well.

Daily Think Special: What’s the best World Series performance you have seen?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Here’s a pretty cool – and fairly rare – opportunity for a baseball fan. And it’s for a good cause.

ESPN’s Buster Olney, a former Baltimore Sun baseball writer who grew up on a Vermont dairy farm, is raising funds for Vermont farmers who were devastated by Hurricane Irene flooding.

“Going to bat for Vermont Farmers” is running an on-line auction with tons of baseball memorabilia available to the highest bidder – and all proceeds will be distributed by the Vermont Community Foundation’s Farm Disaster Relief Fund.

Lots of interesting items, including many with a Boston Red Sox/New England flair.

Here’s one that has a distinctive Orioles’ angle.

Jamie Murphy, the player agent that represents Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis as well as big leaguers David Aardsma and Mark Ellis, spends his summers in Vermont.

And he has volunteered to donate a unique baseball package to the cause: Murphy is auctioning off a day with him: That includes lunch for two with Murphy, field passes to an Orioles-Red Sox game at Fenway Park next year and a meet-and-greet on the Fenway Park field with Markakis – which will include autographs from the O’s right fielder.

Murphy is one of the more accessible and friendly agents I have dealt with, so I am sure he’ll be willing to answer most of your questions – (even Bob L’s inquiries about the Markakis’ extension). If you get any scoops, let me know.

Could be a really cool experience for two fans, especially Markakis’ fans. It won’t be cheap, though. It was closing in on $1,000 the last I looked. But, again, it is for charity.

Here’s a link to the site: www.battingforvermont.com

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles have received permission from the Los Angeles Dodgers to interview De Jon Watson for the club’s vacant top front office job, according to an industry source.

Watson will be the third candidate to be interviewed, but likely not the last. The Orioles may talk to a few more people, but it’s believed they have not asked permission to interview anyone else at this time.

The Orioles are expected to interview Watson, the Dodgers 45-year-old assistant general manager and player development director, early next week, perhaps as early as Tuesday.

A California native and former minor leaguer in the Kansas City Royals organization, Watson has been both a scout and scouting director in his career and is given credit for the Dodgers’ successful foray into Venezuela. The Orioles’ system has never produced a Venezuelan major leaguer.

The Orioles have already interviewed Arizona senior vice president Jerry Dipoto and Toronto assistant general manager Tony LaCava, both highly experienced, highly respected baseball men with backgrounds in scouting and development.

Watson also fits that profile.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

On Saturday, the long-anticipated Brooks Robinson statue – depicting the Orioles’ Hall of Fame third baseman – will be unveiled during a ceremony that is expected to begin at noon.

The nine-foot, 1,500-plus-pound bronze statue of Robinson about to make a throw will be located directly across from the northwest side of Camden Yards.

A friend of Robinson’s, Henry A. Rosenberg Jr., has spent 30 years trying to make this happen, and it finally will. The statue will be gifted by Rosenberg and the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation to the City of Baltimore.

As cool as that is – and for a Baltimoron like myself, it is pretty cool – I’m sure some of you are grousing that the statue is not inside the actual baseball stadium.

Well, fear not, oh Orioles traditionalists.

Robinson and the other five Orioles Hall of Famers – Earl Weaver, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer and Eddie Murray – will be honored similarly at Camden Yards this year.

Apparently, the Orioles have been planning a special tribute – a statue or monument, not sure exactly what, but something inside the park – to the Hall of Famers for a while now. Instead of doing it this season, it was decided to unveil that project in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Camden Yards next season.

The specific plans will not be announced for a few weeks, but I’ve been assured that there will be a tribute of significance in 2012 at the ballpark.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

We have a luxury for Prediction Friday.

The Ravens don’t play until Monday night in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. So you get an extra day of drinking and thinking at Connolly’s before Game Day.

I still want your predictions – and your handsome tips – today, though. We have a tradition to uphold.

Last week, we had a less than stellar participation rate, but I’ll blame it on the fact that I dragged butt in getting the entry posted in the morning. Surely, it can’t be because you guys are taking Ravens’ wins for granted.

I was pretty close with last week’s call. I said the Ravens would beat the Texans, 27-10. The final was 29-14. Our winner of the free (and fake) drink tab is Roy, who had 31-13 Ravens. Congrats Roy, drink up.

Tony and George get drink chips for a 31-17 call.

I could see this coming contest being one of those trap games – on the road on Monday night after a convincing victory. But I just can’t picture a rookie quarterback, no matter how talented, making any headway against the Ravens’ defense.

So I’m going with 24-3 Ravens. Ray Rice gets those two TDs I’ve been predicting for a while and ends up as player of the game.

Now, it is your turn.

We’ll also do the daily double and turn our attention to the Orioles, who are knee deep in a general manager’s search. I’m sick of writing about that, so let’s turn our attention to the on-field product.

With four months to go before they play their first exhibition game of 2012, I want you to make an outlandish prediction about next year’s Orioles.

It can be optimistic: that the Orioles win 90-plus games. Or pessimistic: that the Orioles lose 105. You can predict that Brian Roberts leads the league in stolen bases or that Nolan Reimold leads the Orioles in homers or Brian Matusz posts a sub 3.00 ERA or Jeremy Guthrie wins 16 games in the National League. Or how about Prince Fielder wins the AL homer title as an Oriole or C.J. Wilson leads the league in losses as an Oriole?

You can get as wacky as you like, but staying reality based – with something that could potentially happen, though it’d be a real stretch – is what I’m really looking for.

Here’s mine: Kevin Gregg saves 35 games, blows three.

Daily Think Special: Prediction Friday: Ravens-Jaguars

Bonus Think Special: Give me an outlandish prediction for the 2012 Orioles.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (42)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Not a ton to update.

An industry source says the Orioles are expected to ask the Los Angeles Dodgers for permission Friday to interview assistant general manager De Jon Watson.

No interviews will be conducted Friday, so likely they won't have another interview until next week. It's believed they have not asked permission to talk to anyone else at this time.

It's expected the Orioles will interview at least four candidates before they finish the process. They have already talked to two: Arizona's Jerry Dipoto and Toronto's Tony LaCava.

Watson, 45, is in charge of Dodgers’ player development and was instrumental in the organization’s successful foray into Venezuela. He has scouted with the Florida Marlins and was a scouting director with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. He interviewed last year for the Diamondbacks’ GM job – so it wouldn’t be the first time the Dodgers have allowed him to seek a promotion elsewhere.

The club learned officially Wednesday evening that permission had been denied by the Florida Marlins to talk to assistant general manager Dan Jennings. It was the fourth time that Jennings, who signed an eight-year extension with the Marlins four years ago, has been denied permission to talk with another club about a GM opening.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles have interviewed two candidates so far for the position vacated this month by president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

Jerry Dipoto, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ senior vice president of scouting and player development, met with the interviewing committee Tuesday, and Tony LaCava, the Toronto Blue Jays’ assistant general manager and director of player personnel, met with the group Wednesday.

It’s been expected that the Orioles will interview a couple more, but you can basically take Florida Marlins assistant general manager Dan Jennings out of the conversation. The Marlins have pretty much denied permission to talk to him, though perhaps not formally yet.

Thad Levine, the Texas Rangers’ assistant general manager and a Northern Virginia native, could get an interview, but he’s obviously a little busy right now with his Rangers and the World Series.

No matter who else comes in -- if anyone -- I think it will likely come down to Dipoto and LaCava. Both are well-respected and highly coveted options – MLBTradeRumors.com ranked Dipoto as No. 1 and LaCava as No. 6 in its prospective GMs list – and both have interviewed for other GM jobs in the past.

The Orioles couldn’t go wrong with either. Both are originally East Coast guys: Dipoto is from New Jersey, and LaCava is from, and still lives in, Pittsburgh. Both have backgrounds in scouting and development, which the Orioles could desperately use.

And both seemingly want this job, with its warts and all. There are only 30 such positions in baseball, and both of these guys have waited their turns and desire an opportunity to implement their own policies and strategies in hopes of turning around a once-proud franchise.

Dipoto probably gets the edge, though, because he is a former big leaguer and has previously held a GM position, albeit on an interim basis. During his two-month stint last year, he made a couple of gutsy trades that helped Arizona land pitchers Daniel Hudson (for Edwin Jackson) and Joe Saunders and top prospect Tyler Skaggs (in a package for Dan Haren).

Although he’s never worked with Showalter, Dipoto played against Showalter-led teams in New York and Arizona while he was with the Colorado Rockies, New York Mets and Cleveland Indians. They didn’t overlap with the Diamondbacks, but they have mutual friends who did. So each should have a good idea what makes the other tick.

Dipoto also will be interviewed by the Los Angeles Angels for their vacant GM job, but – and this will sound strange to Orioles fans – it’s conceivable that Dipoto would prefer this one. Yes, the Angels are better and aren’t in the American League East.

But they, too, have an owner and a manager with strong personalities and a farm system that has been depleted. They have a larger payroll but also are stuck with some bad contracts. Certainly, they are much closer to winning, but that may not be as appealing to a first-time GM like Dipoto (or LaCava) as you’d imagine. Unlike managers and players, GMs like implementing their own visions – and that’s much easier to do with a club in need of a true rebuild. And, let’s face it, the Orioles need to undergo a fairly extensive rebuilding effort, especially in the minors.

And here is something that can’t be discounted: The Angels are rumored to be interviewing a boatload of top candidates. The process could take a while and, just by sheer numbers, Dipoto has a lesser chance of landing that one. The Orioles right now are at two candidates, likely won’t go much higher than that, and have shown a willingness to get this done sooner than later. So Dipoto, conceivably, could have an offer in hand from the Orioles while waiting on the Angels’ next move. And it’s often better to have an Oriole in hand …

I know you’ve heard that “sooner than later” nonsense before. And the Orioles rarely do anything swiftly. But, remember, when the club hired MacPhail, it was done by Peter Angelos in a clandestine weekend.

Plus, there’s a PR slant to this for a team that could wear bridesmaid uniforms on the field for its legion of near misses. How bad would it look if the Orioles truly want Dipoto, drag their feet and then he goes to the Angels? Have you seen that movie before?

So I wouldn’t be surprised if the Orioles made a move quickly. Maybe even agreeing to a contract with someone before the World Series ends – even if the announcement came later.

And I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if that person is Dipoto.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

For the second straight day, the Orioles conducted a lengthy interview with a well-respected front office official in hopes of replacing president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, who stepped down this month.

On Wednesday, it was Toronto Blue Jays assistant general manager and director of player personnel Tony LaCava. It came on the heels of Tuesday's marathon meeting with Arizona Diamondbacks senior vice president of scouting and player development Jerry Dipoto.

Dipoto, who also is expected to interview with the Los Angeles Angels for their vacant GM job, is considered the favorite for the Orioles' post, but LaCava is also highly regarded. The Orioles originally planned to interview at least four candidates, but their request to talk to Florida Marlins assistant GM Dan Jennings is expected to be denied.

Most others who have been bandied about as candidates — including Los Angeles Dodgers assistant GMs De Jon Watson and Logan White and New York Mets special assistant J.P. Ricciardi — had not been contacted by the Orioles as of Wednesday, according to industry sources.

That leaves Dipoto and LaCava, although one industry source said it would be surprising if it were only those two to interview.

LaCava, 50, is a longtime scout and baseball lifer who has been considered a potential GM for years, having been rumored, in the past, to be joining the Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals, among others.

He has instead remained in Toronto for nearly a decade, creating a reputation for having a keen eye for talent at the big league level and in the international and amateur ranks.

A Pittsburgh native, LaCava spent 10 years as a scout in the Angels' system and also worked for the Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos and Cleveland Indians before joining the Blue Jays nine years ago.

Along with the assistant GM title, he is considered the director of player personnel. But within the game, he receives the most credit for the Blue Jays' strong international program, which has helped the organization create one of the top farm systems in baseball.

It's an area where the Orioles feel he could help improve them.

A former minor league infielder, LaCava also stands out among many peers because he embraces advanced statistical analysis and has used those metrics to formulate opinions on players. Yet he also has 20-plus years of scouting to draw from — a combination somewhat rare in today's game, in which scouting and statistical analysis often comprise separate camps.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

As the Rangers and Cardinals prepare to open the World Series tonight in St. Louis, The Sun's sports staff predicts the winner.

Peter Schmuck has already registered his opinion, writing that the combination of home-field advantage, the fight they showed in clawing their way into the postseason as a wild card, strong veteran leadership and pitching will send the Cardinals to victory. Here's what others have to say:

THE PICKS
* Peter Schmuck: If you want the short form, I picked the Cardinals in six games because I think wild-card teams have some extra mojo in the postseason.

* Dan Connolly: I'll say Cardinals in six. Reason? I have continually underestimated the Rangers and their pitching staff for the past two years, so I might as well stay consistent.

* Steve Gould: Matt Holliday, Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman are about as potent a three-headed monster as there is in baseball, but the Rangers are tough outs, one through nine (or one through eight when they play in St. Louis). Texas' offense continues to rake, and the pitching staff does enough to send the Rangers to their first World Series title in five games.

* Matt Vensel: The Rays over the Phillies. Wait, that was my pick three weeks ago? Ugh. I think the Rangers will win this one in six games, so count on a victory parade for Albert Pujols and the Cardinals.

* Ron Fritz: Rangers in six games. Texas has too much firepower for the Cardinals. If the Rangers get any pitching, it could be over faster than six games.

Posted by Steve Gould at 6:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

One of the things that most irks baseball writers is when people ask us what we do during the offseason. Our sarcastic answer: The same thing we do during the season – report on baseball – just without the travel.

This “offseason” so far has been like the past three. Nonstop phone calls since the season’s final game – this time trying to track down info regarding the GM/president position and its relation to Andy MacPhail, Buck Showalter, Jerry Dipoto, Tony LaCava, etc.

One thing a lot of baseball writers try to do in the “offseason” is try to get into a little better shape (from apple to pear to maybe chunky banana) after seven/eight months of late nights, little exercise and eating on the go.

I ended this season looking like Haloti Ngata without the strength, height, footwork or Tongan ancestry. I gave a new, terrible meaning to the phrase “run stuffer.”

Anyway, I am trying to train for a Thanksgiving 5K, primarily because my 12-year-old son ran cross country for the first time this season and is pushing me to run with him. For the first time in our lives, he can beat me in an athletic endeavor – and that’s a real sharp blow to a dad’s ego. Luckily, I can still kick his scrawny butt (for at least a couple of more years).

Based on the past week, I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle 3.2 miles – which is practically a warm-up for my son now – in less than seven hours and 21 minutes. Though I am holding out hope for seven hours and 19 minutes. You have to have goals, right?

For those of you in a little better shape – and that means basically everyone in the Mid-Atlantic region not named Schmuck – the Orioles, Buck Showalter and his wife, Angela, have an event for you.

The Showalters are teaming up with nonprofit KidsPeace to host the second annual KidsPeace Trick-or-Trot 5K run/1M walk Saturday, Oct. 29, in Canton. This family event is open to all ages and features Halloween activities in addition to the race.

Not sure Buck is running in this based on how often he tells us about the pain in his balky knees, but I wouldn’t put it past Angela to show who the true athlete in the Showalter family is.

Here is the remainder of the press release if you are interested in a pre-Halloween family shindig with the Showalters.

The entry fee for individuals participating in the run is $35, which includes an Under Armour t-shirt for the first 400 registered runners. Families who plan to walk the one mile together will pay just $20 and are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes. Pets are also invited and are welcome to dress for Halloween as well. Foster families and children walk at no charge.

Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race will begin at 9:00 a.m. The course goes through the Canton and Patterson Park neighborhoods, beginning and ending at O’Donnell Square in Canton.

The top three registered teams who raise the most money will be eligible to win gift certificates, a complimentary wine tasting, 2012 Orioles tickets and more. In addition, there will be prizes for top runners, age group winners and most creative Halloween costumes for adults, children and pets.

After the completion of the race, participants can join the Showalters, the Oriole Bird and the Chik-fil-A Cow for light fare and Halloween fun in O’Donnell Square.

In addition to race day, on Friday, October 28 from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. there will be a Pre-Race Party at O’Donnell Square. Participants may pick up their race packets, listen to live music, enjoy a discounted dinner at one of the race sponsors’ restaurants and browse the shops on the square.

The Showalters are enthusiastic supporters of KidsPeace, a private charity dedicated to serving the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families and communities. All proceeds from this event benefit KidsPeace Foster Care and Community Programs of Maryland.

To register online, visit www.kidspeace.org. For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Gina Seyfried, 410-964-9329 or gina.seyfried@kidspeace.org.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Looks like the Alfredo Simon saga in the Dominican Republic isn’t over just yet.

According to a representative of the newspaper "Hoy," Simon’s court hearing Tuesday was again postponed because witnesses did not show. That’s the second time this has happened.

It has now been rescheduled for November 8.

Simon’s side is pushing to get the big right-hander’s name completely cleared in the Jan. 1 fatal shooting of his cousin during a New Year’s Day celebration.

I talked to Simon the day before the season ended and he told me he thought he’d be done with this by Oct. 18. He said it would be the last step for him to be able to get on with his future.

But that won’t happen yet.

Simon has not been formally charged with a crime but was imprisoned for nearly two months as the lead suspect in the case.

He did not leave the Dominican until the end of March and didn’t pitch for the Orioles until May 24. He was 4-9 with a 4.90 ERA in 23 games (16 starts) this season.

His plan was to spend most of this winter in Florida or with his friend, former Oriole reliever Michael Gonzalez, in Texas.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The first interviewee for the Orioles’ top executive job is the type of candidate who can fit into all kinds of baseball circles.

Jerry Dipoto, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ senior vice president of scouting and player development, met Tuesday with the Orioles’ interviewing committee, the first of several candidates for the spot recently vacated by president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

Dipoto, 43, has done a little bit of everything in his career. He was a third-round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians out of Virginia Commonwealth University in 1989. A right-handed reliever, the New Jersey native spent eight seasons in the majors with the Indians, New York Mets and Colorado Rockies. He appeared in 390 big league games, compiling 49 saves and a 4.05 ERA.

He began scouting for the Boston Red Sox in 2003 and joined the Rockies in 2005 as player personnel director. He followed Josh Byrnes to the Diamondbacks the following season to run their pro scouting department. He now oversees both scouting and development.

For two months last year — after Byrnes was fired and before veteran general manager Kevin Towers was hired — Dipoto was the Diamondbacks’ interim GM and made two key trades. He dealt All-Star right-hander Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels for four pitchers, including veteran Joe Saunders and minor league prospect Tyler Skaggs.

He also landed one of the better young pitchers in the game in July 2010, when he sent starter Edwin Jackson to the Chicago White Sox for Daniel Hudson and a minor leaguer.

Dipoto is considered one of the top GM candidates in baseball — MLBTradeRumors.com ranked him No. 1 — because of his combination of old-school scouting experience and affinity for advanced statistical analysis. Being an ex-player certainly doesn’t hurt his cause.

He is a candidate for the vacant Angels GM job and has interviewed in the past for similar positions with the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners.

Dipoto also has overcome personal adversity. In 1994, he had his cancerous thyroid removed and continued to pitch in the big leagues through 2000.

Toronto Blue Jays assistant general manager Tony LaCava will interview Wednesday for the Orioles’ job.

In other news, the Florida Marlins have not formally denied permission for the Orioles to interview Florida assistant general manager Dan Jennings, although it appears to be leaning that way, according to an industry source. It would be the fourth time the Marlins have denied another team permission to talk to Jennings, who signed an eight-year extension four years ago.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

I mentioned this week that player development director John Stockstill was in Japan to scout players, including Hokkaido Nippon’s ballyhooed 25-year-old right-hander Yu Darvish.

Darvish was scratched from his final start Tuesday because the Nippon-Ham Fighters (just love writing that) have already made the playoffs. And, I guess in a sense, it seems that the trip for Stockstill will fall short.

But missing Darvish this time is not a big deal, I’ve been told. Orioles representatives – whether it was international scouts Brett Ward and Mike Snyder or international director David Stockstill or his brother – have seen Darvish pitch 20 or more times in recent years, including several starts in 2011.

They have plenty on this guy, and, let’s face it, he is no mystery. He’s 6 feet 5, has a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and throws several plus pitches for strikes. He is projected as a No. 2 or 3 starter in the majors – maybe higher, but you never know how a Japanese pitcher will make the adjustment to MLB – and every team in the majors would like a shot at him.

He’s also several years from free agency and will only be available if he is “posted” – his club would accept the highest bid for the negotiation rights for him – and that’s not a certainty. Plus, Darvish will pitch in the playoffs, which begin Oct. 29. The Orioles likely will have someone back in Japan for the postseason.

Stockstill’s purpose in Japan goes beyond Darvish. He is solidifying contacts and gathering information on whether certain players will be available this offseason – Japanese players and those with previous MLB connections.

He’s also scouting players. He’s been there since Friday and has seen four days of games. I spoke to him briefly, and he said there are probably 15 players of interest with “seven to 10” whom the Orioles ultimately could consider further if the situation presents itself. Not surprisingly, that list is basically comprised of pitchers and infielders – ones who could serve in a utility role or play second base if Brian Roberts is unavailable and Robert Andino is needed elsewhere.

Stockstill was at the Tokyo Dome on Saturday night to watch several players, including Chunichi Dragons 26-year-old lefty Chen Wei-Yin start. On Sunday, Stockstill was in Seibu scouting, among others, Lions shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima.

The tricky part here is that the reports will be filed, but it will be up to the club’s new general manager to decide whether it’s worth considering – and buying – Japanese pro players. That’s a real unknown right now.

Stockstill was responsible for the Orioles' first foray into Japan, when they signed pitcher Koji Uehara before the 2009 season. Since then, Stockstill’s title has changed, and he’s no longer in charge of international scouting, which is now his brother’s domain.

So why is John Stockstill in Japan? Good question.

Since he’s been with the Orioles, he’s done plenty of special assignment stuff, no matter what his title has been, including last year’s reconnaissance mission in the Dominican to glean information on the Alfredo Simon shooting investigation. So this is another special assignment, I suppose, and one in which he has experience and contacts.

But, no, he’s not switching titles again with his brother, who also has scouted in Japan this year and also is staying with the organization in 2012.

Remember, these are the Orioles, whose titles never really seem to define things anyway (my favorite was when there was an executive vice president and a vice president that shared GM duties supposedly equally).

Stockstill, by the way, will be back in the states Wednesday.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

The Orioles will begin interviewing for their vacant top executive position on Tuesday with Arizona’s senior vice president Jerry Dipoto meeting with the Orioles’ search committee.

On Wednesday the group will interview Toronto Blue Jays’ assistant general manager Tony LaCava.

The Orioles are still waiting on word from the Florida Marlins on whether they’ll be able to interview assistant general manager Dan Jennings.

The club has not yet asked permission from the Los Angeles Dodgers to talk to assistant GMs Logan White or De Jon Watson or from the Los Angeles Angels to interview special assistant Tony Reagins.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles are beginning the interviewing process for their new general manager this week.

Arizona’s Jerry Dipoto and Toronto’ Tony LaCava are definitely interviewing, though the schedule has not been released yet.

The Orioles are still waiting to hear whether Florida’s Dan Jennings will be granted permission to interview.

Four to six candidates are supposed to meet with the Orioles’ interviewing committee, which is expected to include Peter and Lou Angelos, general counsel H. Russell Smouse, manager Buck Showalter and baseball operations director Matt Klentak.

You are not on that list.

But if you were what question would you really want to ask those interviewing for the job. (I know some wise guys are going to say, “Why would you want this job?” and I can’t stop that. But how about adding a second one with a little thought behind it?)

Daily Think Special: What question would you ask the Orioles’ GM candidates?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

With the departure of third base coach Willie Randolph, the Orioles now have two open spots on manager Buck Showalter’s staff.

The club used a revolving door of bullpen coaches after Rick Adair was moved to pitching coach in June when Mark Connor resigned.

Among those who held the bullpen coach position was former Orioles starting pitcher/Single-A pitching coach Scott McGregor, who would love to be back in a big league uniform for a full season.

Randolph wasn’t just the third base coach – actually, he was the bench coach before John Russell was sent to the bench – he also coached the infielders.

One of the organization’s primary infield coaches this year has been former Oriole Mike Bordick.

You probably know what I am getting at here. In 2011, the Orioles didn’t have a coach who once played for the team – something exceptionally unusual for the big league club.

I want to know if you think it’s necessary – or if you care – that the Orioles’ coaching staff includes an ex-Oriole.

My thought is that they get the best instructors, period. No matter their background. And if that happens to be ex-Orioles, then that is a bonus.

But I’m from here. I get the parochial vibe and the connection to the club’s rich history (especially given its pathetic recent history).

McGregor or Bordick would be easy adds. Or maybe there are better ex-Oriole options (Please don’t say Cal Ripken Jr. If he returns, it will be in a front office capacity) you can suggest.

I want to know your thoughts.

Daily Think Special: Should Buck Showalter add an ex-Oriole to his 2012 staff?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (50)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Orioles third base/infielders coach Willie Randolph acknowledged he was “a little disappointed” when he learned Thursday night in a telephone conversation with Orioles manager Buck Showalter that he would not be back with the club next season, “but I am always going to move forward.”

Randolph, 57, a six-time All-Star second baseman and former New York Mets manager, signed a one-year deal to be Showalter’s bench coach last year. But he was forced into duty as third base coach because of the health and ineffectiveness of John Russell, who assumed bench coach duties midseason.

Randolph, who aspires to manage again and hopes to link up with another club in a coaching or managing capacity, said he was particularly proud of his work with the Orioles’ infielders this season.

“I love teaching and enjoy working with players,” Randolph said. “And it was very, very gratifying and satisfying to be back with J.J. Hardy and seeing him have a tremendous year. I was very proud of him. And to see a young Robert Andino ... I felt he could be an everyday player, and I’m glad he finally realized that.”

Randolph said he felt he also made strong connections with outfielders Nick Markakis and Adam Jones, and will miss interacting with them.

Not renewing Randolph did not come as a surprise to club observers – and, in fact, was expected to be the primary change to Showalter’s coaching staff this offseason. Randolph was one of only two coaches to receive a one-year deal – along with Russell – last year, and his switch from bench coach to third base coach was a demotion for him and promotion for Russell, though the club attempted to spin it otherwise.

Regardless, the longtime New York Yankee said he enjoyed his time in an Orioles uniform.

“Everyone knows I want a chance to manage again, but that doesn’t change what I love to do the most, and that’s to teach winning baseball. In that way, it was enjoyable,” Randolph said. “We didn’t win as many games as we would’ve liked, but I had a chance to work with and help some young talent, and I feel like I did that.”

Showalter now has two openings on his staff: The club never permanently replaced bullpen coach Rick Adair when he moved to pitching coach.

MLB.com first reported that Randolph's leaving was official.

Other notes: Right-hander Jeremy Guthrie will be part of a major league team that will play five games against Chinese Taipei in Taiwan in November. … Orioles development director John Stockstill left Friday for Japan to scout several players, including Nippon’s Yu Darvish, who would be one this winter’s most coveted free-agent pitchers if he is made available.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
        

We know, according to an industry source, that the Orioles will be interviewing both Toronto Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava and Arizona Diamondbacks senior vice president Jerry Dipoto next week for the club’s vacant general manager/president position.

We also know the Orioles are hoping to talk to Florida Marlins assistant GM Dan Jennings. According to another industry source, the Orioles are waiting on a response from Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, who is out of the country and not immediately available.

We also know the Orioles have interest in the Detroit Tigers' Al Avila, the assistant GM of a club in the American League Championship Series.

Avila’s and Jennings’ situations are complicated.

Both have signed long-term extensions with their clubs through 2015, and so the respective clubs can – and may – deny permission.

In Jennings’ case, the Marlins already have. Three times, in fact, in the past. This one could be different though because Jennings is now halfway through his eight-year extension and his opportunities to be a general manager could be waning. The sense is Loria may permit it this time.

Avila, who had interviewed with the Orioles when Jim Duquette was hired, is in high demand, especially with the Tigers on their current playoff run. The Orioles probably wouldn’t attempt to get permission for him until after Detroit’s season ends.

But it likely won’t matter. Avila signed a four-year extension this year that extends him through 2015. The contract allows the Tigers to refuse permission for him to speak to another club. And if that language was inserted there, it’s hard to believe they’d allow him to talk to the Orioles – or the reportedly interested Los Angeles Angels – so soon.

Now, in each case, it’s possible the Orioles could work out a deal with the opposing club, offering compensation in the form of players or cash if they really wanted one of those two men. But with other attractive candidates, it’s doubtful they’d go that far.

All clubs can deny permission, but the protocol is that if someone in your organization has a chance for a promotion, you let him or her go for it. But that’s not always the case when an executive has a long-term contract.

To recap, Jennings or Avila would be a complicated buy, but Jennings is a little more likely than Avila.

One last question: Why would a promising GM candidate agree to a long-term deal that would perhaps limit his ceiling?

Simple: Good money and security in one of the country’s most volatile industries.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The Orioles are continuing with their pursuit of a general manager, though interviews are not expected to begin until next week.

The club has asked for and received permission from the Toronto Blue Jays to interview assistant general manager Tony LaCava, according to an industry source.

LaCava is expected to meet with the Orioles’ interview committee sometime next week.

The Orioles also have received permission from the Arizona Diamondbacks to interview assistant GM Jerry Dipoto. He also is expected to interview in Baltimore early next week.

The source said a time or day for both has not yet been set up.

The Orioles have also asked permission to interview Florida's Dan Jennings, but have not heard back from Florida's owner Jeffrey Loria, who is out of the country. Things get a little dicey with Jennings, because of his contract. More on that later.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Well, the bar is opening a little later today – so we’ll make sure the Bloody Marys are extra strong.

You’ve made it to Friday. I am proud of you.

You know what that means at Connolly’s: Prediction Friday.

Let’s get the easy one out of the way first: The Ravens beat the banged-up Houston Texas, 27-10, on Sunday. Ray Rice is the hero, with two TDs and 150-plus all-purpose yards. I know there is no such thing as a betting lock in the NFL, but the Ravens at home, coming off a bye week against a team missing two of its star players looks pretty good.

Yep, just jinxed it for you. Sorry. Now it’s your time to jinx. Give me your winner, score and hero of the game and winners get all the fake drinks they can fake consume next week.

Now, let’s switch to the Orioles. They are knee-deep in a general manager/president search. We have thrown some names at you: Arizona’s Jerry Dipoto, Toronto’s Tony LaCava, Florida’s Dan Jennings, Detroit’s Al Avila, De Jon Watson and Logan White of the Dodgers, and the Angels’ Tony Reagins, among others.

I’ve been asked about the favorite, and, frankly, I am not sure there is one yet. I think the Orioles would like to hire a former big leaguer, because that’s not existent in their front office. And Dipoto is the only one on the above list who qualifies. He is expected to be the first interviewee.

LaCava and Avila have extensive international backgrounds, and that’s big for this position. Jennings’ name is always kicked around, but the Marlins have denied permission to three other teams that wanted to talk to him in the past.

So there may not be a favorite, but that doesn’t stop you from making a call on Prediction Friday.

Daily Think Special: Ravens-Texans

Bonus Think Special: Who is the Orioles' next GM?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Everyone seems to agree that the Orioles need to waste no time in their hunt for a new general manager/VP of baseball operations, so it should come as no surprise that a subgroup of the eight-candidate list has been determined and calls have gone out to several teams for permission to contact current employees.

No one is revealing who has been contacted, but a source indicated that the first face-to-face interview could take place in Baltimore as soon as this weekend. It is not known whether the order of the interviews is going to be a significant indicator of priority, but there is some reason to believe one of the first interviewees could be Arizona Diamondbacks vice president for scouting and player development Jerry Dipoto.

Keep in mind that it is not as simple as just picking someone off the list and offering that person the job. Most of the candidates on the Orioles' wish list are highly prized by their current organizations, so some names could come off the list if the original team creates added incentive to stay put. There are also contractual restrictions that could cause candidates to refuse an interview.

Dipoto is a 43-year-old former major league pitcher whose front office career began as a scout for the Boston Red Sox in 2003. He was hired to be director of scouting for the Colorado Rockies in 2005, then joined Josh Byrnes in the front office of the Diamondbacks as director of scouting and player development. When Byrnes was fired, Dipoto was appointed interim GM until the D-backs hired Kevin Towers, then returned to his former position with the team.

Through a process of elimination, it's probably fair to conclude that the Orioles are focused on an initial group that includes DiPoto, Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine and Tigers assistant GM Al Avila, since no contact had been made as of Thursday afternoon to the other five names on the Orioles' eight-candidate search list.

Those other potential candidates include Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava, Marlins assistant GM Dan Jennings, Dodgers execs De Jon Watson and Logan White, and former Angels GM Tony Reagins.

If Avila and Levine are among the top three candidates, that would explain why DiPoto, below, might come in first, since the Avila's Tigers and Levine's Rangers are playing in the American League Championship Series.

US Presswire photo 2010

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

The next few days should produce some intrigue as the Orioles continue the process of getting permission to speak to the candidates on their list to replace departed president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. Depending on the law office schedule of owner Peter Angelos, the interviews could start pretty quickly.

Manager Buck Showalter certainly has reason to want the ball to get rolling, since he's back in town to help in the search and work on the composition of next year's coaching staff. He's got a couple of slots to fill but might hold off on making any final announcement on the 2012 staff until the team is closer to having a new head of baseball operations. It appears most of his current coaches will remain in place.

The GM search obviously will supersede pretty much anything else on the club's offseason schedule, and judging from the reaction to the departure of Joe Jordan, you have to believe that any significant front office decision is on hold until the new guy gets to weigh in on it. Club officials stressed Wednesday that -- while they likely would have encouraged Jordan to stay if the front office situation had remained unchanged -- his departure may help convince a top-quality candidate to take the baseball operations post, since the new guy will have the ability to construct the player development department in his own image.

That might not bode well for player-development execs John and David Stockstill. They are under contract through the 2012 season but appear likely to be re-assigned under the new regime.

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles manager Buck Showalter was back in town today for a meeting at the Law Office with Peter Angelos, Matt Klentak and, presumably, some other ownership personnel to discuss the search for a new general manager/VP of baseball operations. No one is saying just how much was accomplished, but the meeting allowed Angelos to get more information on the various possibilities and positioned the club to request permission to speak to a handful of potential candidates.

That process could start as early as this afternoon and go on for several days. Showalter is expected to stay in town for the rest of the week to work on finalizing the 2012 coaching staff, which might have a couple of new faces but is not expected to see dramatic turnover.

The departure of Joe Jordan was not welcomed by club officials. He was well-liked by Andy MacPhail and Showalter -- and might have stayed if there had been more certainty in the Orioles' front office -- but the fact that his job has opened could make it easier to lure a top-name GM candidate, since incoming executives generally prefer to hire their own lieutenants.

The list of GM candidates is a fluid thing, as club officials exchange ideas and look for the right fit for both Showalter and Angelos. Right now, the outside execs believed to be on the short list include Jerry DiPoto, Thad Levine, Tony LaCava, Dan Jennings, DeJon Watson, Al Avila, Tony Reagins and Logan White.

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Orioles director of amateur scouting Joe Jordan confirmed by text message this morning that he has accepted the position of director of player development with the Philadelphia Phillies. He leaves after seven years as the guy in charge of stocking the Orioles' system with draft prospects.

Jordan joined the Orioles in 2004, replacing Tony DeMacio. He was responsible for drafting catcher Matt Wieters and starters Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta and Zach Britton. He also missed on some players but obviously is well-regarded around the major leagues.

Read Dan Connolly's full story right here.

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

A month or so ago, when the conjecture really began that Andy MacPhail may be gone as president of baseball operations, I heard two common questions.

1. Who will take his place?
2. Who would want that job?

We’re going to hear a lot of speculation about No. 1 in the next few weeks. Orioles manager Buck Showalter and owner Peter Angelos are meeting today, and they’ll be narrowing down their respective candidate lists and deciding who will be sitting in on the interviews.

I printed a list of names days ago, and I assume several – such as Toronto’s Tony LaCava and the New York Mets’ J.P. Ricciardi – will get calls and will come interview. The Orioles will have to ask permission to talk to candidates who are currently with other teams, and that hasn’t happened yet. But it will soon.

The Orioles’ committee will probably conduct three to five interviews. The club would love to have somebody in place by around the end of the World Series.

OK, now let’s go to question No. 2. Who would want this job?

Answer: A whole lot of people. In fact, most people who aspire to be a general manager would want this job.

Why?

Because there are only 30 big league general manager positions available in this world. And most are spoken for.

Yes, this post has its own set of challenges/issues: The Orioles have lost 14 consecutive seasons, have a thin farm system, little international presence and are buried in the American League East. And throw in the fact that the manager and the owner are strong-willed men and it may not look to be the most desirable landing spot.

But as one potential candidate told me this week, if a GM job is open, that means there are some issues there regardless. Someone just got fired or left.

So don’t think the Orioles couldn’t get a big name here (within reason). Or a hot rising assistant. The truth is anyone who wants to be a GM is either confident enough or crazy enough to think he or she can succeed anywhere. No matter the obstacles.

There may be one or two who are biding their time waiting for that plum job. But most understand the reality of the situation.

I always go back to a conversation I had in 2002 with then-Orioles manager Mike Hargrove, who probably could have sat out for a year after being fired from Cleveland when the 1999 Indians didn’t advance far enough in the playoffs.

He knew the Orioles were on a downward trajectory, but he took the job anyway. So, in the middle of his tenure, I asked him why he took it when surely he would have been a candidate for other jobs in the near future. He looked me in the eye and said: “I want to manage, and there are only 30 chances. And, in my case, now only 29.”

I think we’ll see some of that as this search progresses. There are only 30 GM jobs. Only a handful will be available this offseason. And the Orioles are one of them – and, contrary to popular belief, that makes it a coveted job.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (28)
        

Orioles amateur scouting director Joe Jordan interviewed this week with the Philadelphia Phillies for their vacant director of player-development position, according to an industry source.

The Phillies asked for and were granted permission to interview Jordan. According to baseball protocol, they have a short window to decide whether they want to hire Jordan.

Jordan declined to comment when reached by The Baltimore Sun ton Tuesday.

Jordan, 49, was hired by the Orioles in November 2004, replacing Tony DeMacio. He is responsible for drafting several of the players who make up the Orioles’ young nucleus, including catcher Matt Wieters and starters Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta and Zach Britton.

Shortstop Manny Machado, whom Jordan selected out of Brito High in Miami with the third overall pick in 2010, is considered one of the game’s best prospects. Right-handed starter Dylan Bundy, whom Jordan took fourth overall in June out of an Oklahoma high school, then signed to a $6.25 million major league deal, was viewed by some as the most talented player in the 2011 draft.

However, Jordan, who has been the subject of more and more criticism because of the organization’s alarming lack of depth and dearth of position prospects, has also had his share of high-profile misses, none bigger than the selection of New Jersey prep infielder Billy Rowell with the ninth overall pick in 2006.

Jordan’s contract with the Orioles expires in December, and there is uncertainty in the front office now that Andy MacPhail has stepped down as president of baseball operations.

If Jordan is hired, he would be the second executive to leave for Philadelphia in recent years. Scott Proefrock, the Orioles' baseball administration director, left for the Phillies before the 2009 season to become assistant general manager. Proefrock is considered a potential candidate for the Orioles’ vacant GM/president job.

The Phillies have been looking to fill the player-development position since assistant general manager for development Chuck LaMar resigned last month.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

The Orioles have taken right-handed reliever Jeremy Accardo off their 40-man roster. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk.

Because of service time, he can refuse the assignment and elect free agency.

Since he spent most of the season in the minors, it wouldn’t be surprising if he looked elsewhere for a 40-man spot.

Accardo, 29, had two stints with the Orioles this season, going 3-3 with a 5.73 ERA in 31 games. He has spent parts of seven seasons in the majors. The Orioles signed him last offseason when he wasn’t tendered a contract by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Orioles' 40-man roster is currently at 39.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Yesterday I wrote a little bit about pending free agents Prince Fielder and C.J. Wilson and my belief that – no matter how much they are needed in Baltimore – they won’t end up here.

I know, breaking news.

My reasoning for Wilson not signing here has little to do with the competition – or even the money.

He’s 30 and is in line for at least a four-year deal and probably more. A five-year contract is a guess, but probably a pretty good one.

The Orioles haven’t given a four-year, free-agent pitching contract, and I can’t imagine five years would be considered at all.

Now, for all the bashing of management and ownership, the stance makes sense to an extent. Very rarely does a free-agent pitcher make good on a contract for five years. The shelf life for pitching is not long – especially for someone already in their 30s.

I know each case is different, but generally speaking, if you were a GM, would you give out a five-year deal to a starting pitcher?

Daily Think Special: If you were a general manager, would you approve a five-year deal for a free-agent starter?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (46)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The official free agency period does not begin until five days after the completion of the World Series.

But for the 26 remaining teams with no dog left in this fight – is that now a frowned-upon phrase? – the only thing left to do in 2011 is look toward 2012.

For baseball fans, there’s a particularly interesting thing going on in the playoffs: The two most coveted pending free agents are still on display for all to evaluate. Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder and Texas Rangers lefty starter C.J. Wilson. (OK, so St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and New York Yankees lefty CC Sabathia could be free agents, too. But I see them remaining with their current clubs).

Let’s step into the dream world for a moment: Make no mistake, signing Fielder and Wilson would go a long way into solving the Orioles’ woes. More than anything, the Orioles need an ace and a legitimate cleanup hitter who, preferably, plays corner infield. Wilson, 30, would be the veteran, top-of-the rotation starter the Orioles desire. His name may not be synonymous with ace, but his numbers make a good argument: In his past two seasons he has thrown 200-plus innings, won 15 or more games and had an ERA of 3.35 or lower while playing half his games in a hitters' park in Arlington, Texas.

Fielder is a bone fide star, a legitimate MVP candidate who has made the All-Star team three times in six full seasons. He has hit 28 homers or more in each full season and driven in 100-plus runs four times. Most impressive, he has played 157 or more games in each of those six seasons. And, at 27, is entering his prime.

OK, dream over for Orioles fans.

I don’t see the Orioles getting either one, a rather no-duh statement. But I say this for reasons beyond the obvious ones of price tag and the Orioles’ terrible recent history, which chases away players who want to win now.

Although I say the above with one caveat: I wrote in the 2003 offseason there was no way the Orioles would land shortstop Miguel Tejada, who was one year removed from a MVP season. What happened then is that the market for shortstops collapsed on Tejada and the Orioles made the best offer – six years, $72 million – and landed him. It’s possible the market could collapse around Wilson and Fielder – though I doubt it – but even then the Orioles are long shots.

Wilson is a pretty good fit. Orioles manager Buck Showalter was Wilson’s first big league manager, and Wilson also has a relationship with pitching coach Rick Adair. To this day, Wilson talks glowingly about the men, saying Showalter is the first person on the big league level to really believe in him. But the starting pitching market is thin and Wilson almost assuredly will receive a five-year deal – heck, maybe even longer. And that goes well beyond the Orioles’ comfort level. They don’t like offering pitchers contracts beyond three years. So four would be a stretch. Five would be a shock.

And before you rip management and ownership on this one, know history proves the philosophy to be sound. Rarely does a free-agent pitcher keep his value beyond three years. It happens, but the reverse is more common.

As for Fielder, the cost itself will be prohibitive. Carl Crawford got a seven-year, $142 million deal from the Red Sox last offseason, and Mark Teixeira got eight years and $180 million from the Yankees before the 2009 season. I’d expect Fielder to fall between those two. The Orioles have never agreed to higher than Tejada’s $72 million. So breaking the bank is not normal protocol during the Peter Angelos regime.

But I tell you what really would be out-of-character: Angelos approving a huge contract for a huge man. The Orioles are sticklers for signing players who are in shape – the last one who truly wasn’t, Sidney Ponson, was one of the worst deals in Orioles free-agent history. Fielder is listed as 5-foot-11, 275 pounds. People have been complaining about his bad body since he was in high school. And all he does is produce. But that won’t sway the argument among the Orioles’ brain trust that it’s too much money for someone in questionable shape.

I know many of you will disagree with me here, given recent history, but I could see a scenario where the Orioles bought a big-time free agent in the winter. It just seems like they are ripe for a splash – new GM, perhaps new philosophy, a frustrating step back in 2011 and a payroll that currently seems manageable. There just aren’t enough major free agents to go around in this particular market.

So I think the targets will be more affordable – Virginia native Michael Cuddyer for instance – and not one of the two biggest fish.

OK, I’m done. Go back to watching Fielder and Wilson audition for other clubs.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (43)
        

I recently received a letter from former Orioles right-hander Sammy Stewart, one of the club’s best relievers during the late 1970s/early 1980s.

A free spirit back in those days – he’ll be remembered for his wavy black hair, thick mustache, off-kilter sense of humor and an ability to pitch in any situation: starting, long relief, short relief. He won the American League ERA title with a 2.32 mark in 1981, a strike-shortened season in which he threw 112 1/3 innings in 29 games (just three starts).

He’ll also be remembered for Sept. 1, 1978, when he struck out seven consecutive Chicago White Sox, a record for a major league debut. Like most old Orioles, the North Carolinian made his home in Baltimore for a while and had three children, including two with cystic fibrosis. His son, Colin, died in 1991.

Most Orioles fans know the dark side of Stewart’s story, too. He became addicted to crack cocaine following his playing career, and was charged 46 times with more than 60 offenses over a decade-plus, primarily stemming from his drug use. At one point he was homeless and penniless.

In 2006, he began serving a sentence of at least six years for a felony drug charge and is currently incarcerated at the Buncombe Correctional Center in Asheville, N.C. He hopes to be out by January 2013.

He wrote to me so he could write to you, the fans of the Orioles and his former fans. He also is writing with a heavy heart, after he learned of the Aug. 24 suicide of Mike Flanagan. They were teammates and friends, and when Stewart ran into trouble, Flanagan tried to help.

Flanagan gave him money and wrote a letter to the federal judge in support years ago. Now, Flanagan is gone and Stewart wants to tell you how much Flanny meant to him. And he wants to apologize for his own actions, as a drug addict and con man. He also included his address in case people wanted to write to him: Samuel Stewart, 0390745. PO Box 18089. Asheville, NC 28814.

Here is the letter in its entirety:

Hello to Baltimore, friends, fans and family from Buncombe Correctional Center in Asheville, North Carolina. I’ve been thinking more lately, and it seems all the old times are really dwindling away. These last five years have definitely altered my reality; prison is not the place to be. I’m glad I have learned humility, and I work hard to stay teachable. We all must.

The reason I want to claim my mistakes, atone for them, and voice them to the Baltimore area is because you have given me strength and desire to keep trying no matter what obstacles are ahead. Baltimore was always more than a home while I was in Perry Hall. The glory of our championship era, when I was in the prime of my life, on the most talented pitching staff in baseball, my children being taken care of by Johns Hopkins, being introduced to food and culture while surrounded by friends and family; all of that I turned loose with my reckless actions, not them letting me down. That runs deeply inside my veins, burning and scarring.

I always feel the pain of loss when I enter into memories and recollections of my team and teammates that I spent 11 years with that were all thrilling and full of magic. We had the most wonderful pitching crew in baseball that was “stingy” in multiple, 90-plus winning seasons. Mike Flanagan once said we were “more than nasty.”

You see, everyone wants to come of age and everyone wants to be real. I don’t want any more or less. I would like to say I’m sincerely sorry for hurting anyone in any way. Sometimes we aren’t given a chance to tell people that we care; I’m glad, fortunate, that you are a part of my life. So many opportunities vanish.

I will never again get the opportunity to tell Mike Flanagan thanks for helping me through my troubled mission. Never again will I hear his New Hampshire accent and quick wit except in memories. I still see him as he was, sweat-covered, during his Cy Young season of 1979 when he led us to my first World Series. Good memories.

Flanny was a leader who was looked up to and “cooler than a fan on a hot day.” I often simply sat next to him while we were right beside each other in the Orioles’ locker room. I smile at his pranks. He once nailed my shower shoes to the floor. He switched pictures of me with ones of him. He cut the pants legs off my dress pants in Texas; and we laughed in good times and shared seriously about my son’s (cystic fibrosis) and the very serious possibilities of “test tube” babies.

I wanted more of him and am now left with life’s regrets, changes and vast amounts of unfairness. I can yet reminisce about Flanny, Mark (Belanger), Cal (Ripken) Sr., Ellie (Hendricks), Pat (Kelly), and Todd (Cruz) and hopefully not many more that I missed paying respects to as they head to Memorial Heights Stadium. I was friends to all of them and I must keep “Rolling in the Deep,” as sung by Adele, until I surface.

Thank you guys for all the good times and wonderful memories. I am a richer man for them. Hopefully, when I get out of prison on the 10th of January, 2013, there will be a 30th anniversary reunion for the ’83 champs of this world; I will be there with clear and focused – and potentially dampening – eyes.

Your friend,

Sammy Stewart

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (70)
        

We learned on Saturday -- though we pretty much had assumed -- that manager Buck Showalter will definitely be staying in the dugout in 2012 and that the Orioles will be hiring a replacement for president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, who officially stepped down Saturday.

Showalter was contemplating the possibility of moving up to the front office but is staying put.

I can see both sides of that coin.

I think the organization is still far away from competing, and the best way to make an overall impact is to take on the front-office demands. That said, Showalter is a known commodity in the dugout and his move to executive would be another change, more instability. He might be a great GM, but it would mean more transition.

I asked Orioles right-hander Jeremy Guthrie about Showalter's staying in the dugout versus moving up, and this is what he had to say: “I was 50-50 on that one. That wouldn’t have surprised me either way. I could see him enjoying the role of the front office and having those decisions to make. And, at the same time, I know how much he loves being on the field and helping the ballclub try to win night in and night out. So I could see it going both ways.”

Now I want to know what you think.

Daily Think Special: Showalter staying in the dugout: A good thing?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

I had a chance to speak to Andy MacPhail today, which may be the last time I bother him for a long while. My guess is that’s part of the perks of walking away from the Orioles’ president of baseball operations job.

MacPhail’s contract expires at the end of the month. But don’t expect him to stick around that long. He’ll be in the office “sporadically,” to get his belongings, tie up loose ends and to help put the final touches on the season report to ownership. Then he’ll head into the sunset; he doesn’t want to linger.

Here’s what MacPhail had to say about his departure, his Orioles legacy and his future:

“I think we made some important improvements, but I also understand our record [307-432, .415 winning percentage], and, at the end of the day, that’s an appropriate measurement. But we’re younger, more talented, and I think we made substantial advancements, thanks to ownership, in amateur expenditures, especially the draft. I think we were third most in expenditures [in the amateur draft] during that time.”

“There is still work you have to do. It doesn’t change on a dime. But there is progress to be made there, and the Orioles are going in the right direction. We had a lot of success with trades.”

So why did he decide not to seek an extension?

“Really, it boils down to time. It’s not something that’s in great supply. This is something you can’t just dabble in. You have to be all in or all out, and, given the circumstances, I didn’t feel I could devote 100 percent to this job that you need to today, at least not at the present time.”

Dealing with some family issues, MacPhail, 58, said it was time to focus on those. But he didn’t rule out returning to baseball at some point, somewhere.

“My wife has made it clear that this isn’t forever, my being home. I’m too young to [officially] retire. But I really do need the time, and it’s good to get a break. Sometimes you need time for reflection.”

Given that, and the fact he had made up his mind in August that he was leaving, why did he contemplate the offer from owner Peter Angelos last week to remain in the same role? Angelos would have liked him to sign another multiyear deal. MacPhail considered one more year, then decided against it.

“I have a great deal of respect for the man, and I felt I owed it to him to give it consideration. But at the end of the day, I concluded [re-upping] wouldn’t work for me and wouldn’t be the best solution for the franchise.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

The Orioles today announced that ANDY MACPHAIL has elected not to return as President of Baseball Operations for the 2012 season.

“"On behalf of the Orioles organization, I thank Andy for his service to the club over the last four and a half seasons," said Orioles Managing Partner PETER ANGELOS. "Andy's knowledge and experience have helped lay the groundwork for our future success. I hold Andy in the highest regard and thank him for his commitment and dedication to the Orioles.

“"And on a personal level, Andy is a dear friend. He will be greatly missed, and I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Despite a vacancy in the front office, Orioles manager Buck Showalter will remain in the dugout for 2012, a decision that is not a surprise and one that the club has not yet made official.

According to a club source, Showalter seriously contemplated a move to an executive post with Andy MacPhail, the club’s president of baseball operations, stepping down. But Showalter and team owner Peter Angelos agreed that the club would be best served with Showalter managing the Orioles.

Showalter is expected, however, to be significantly involved in the process of hiring the club’s new top executive, who technically will be Showalter’s boss. Although somewhat unusual, that is not an unprecedented move by an Angelos owned team. In 1995, Orioles manager Davey Johnson was instrumental in getting Hall of Famer Pat Gillick to join the club as the top baseball executive

The Orioles were 34-23 when Showalter took over in August 2010, but finished 69-93 in Showalter’s first full season as the club’s manager this year, the Orioles’ 14th consecutive losing season.

Showalter is flying and could not be reached for comment.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

It’s not technically official, but it is happening.

Andy MacPhail’s tenure as president of baseball operations is over after four-plus years and a record of 307-432 (.415 winning percentage). He finished last in each of his four full seasons and fourth in 2007.

We’ll have plenty of time to talk about who replaces MacPhail and what that person has to do right this ship – if one person can.

Today, though, I want to know your evaluation of MacPhail and the job he did.

Let me start by saying that when MacPhail was hired, I was told by those who knew him that he was an honest, upfront professional. In my four-plus years of dealing with him, nothing changed that opinion.

MacPhail kept things close to the sweater-vest, as we used to joke in the press box. But he was always accountable and never once lied to me to get me or other reporters off a scent – and that’s huge for someone in his position. If he couldn’t tell me something, he just didn’t. We all respected that.

As for the job he did, I’m giving MacPhail a C-. His win-loss record probably begs a D, maybe worse. And I can’t say the organization has overwhelmingly better personnel than it did when he got here – meaning it’s probably just as far away from competing in the AL East as it was in 2007.

Although his trades were normally very good – adding Adam Jones, Luke Scott and J.J. Hardy, among others – his free-agent signings were primarily dreadful. That said, he didn’t saddle the Orioles with any long-term free agent contracts and most of the real stinkers – Garrett Atkins, Justin Duchscherer – were low-risk long shots.

But I disagree with some fans that MacPhail’s tenure here was a flop. He attempted to rebuild it with young pitching, baseball’s most volatile commodity. Those young pitchers didn’t take the next step – and there wasn’t enough depth to fall back on – and so the Orioles didn’t meet even the modest expectations that many had in 2011.

Maybe those guys come together next year or the year after and MacPhail’s plan looks a little better. Maybe not. But it is hard to judge it now as a complete failure.

Those are my thoughts. I want your opinion.

Daily Think Special: How do you grade Andy MacPhail’s tenure in Baltimore?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (54)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

After more than a week of speculation following the end of the season, Andy MacPhail is stepping down as the Orioles President of Baseball Operations after four-plus years at the helm, according to a club source.

MacPhail, whose contract expires at the end of the month, is leaving the Orioles to tend to family and personal obligations, the source said.

MacPhail and owner Peter Angelos could not be reached for comment. An announcement could come Saturday or early next week.

Who replaces MacPhail is in question, but it’s expected -- though not certain -- that manager Buck Showalter will stay in the dugout.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

We’ve come to a Prediction Friday without a Ravens’ game.

I know, some of you are rejoicing. But I’m a traditionalist – at least with traditions I like. I’m not when the traditions are ridiculous. (Although I have to say I support some ridiculous traditions, too. I’m just too ‘Balmer’ not to quietly enjoy the screamed ‘O’ in the Star-Spangled Banner. I know, many think it is classless and disrespectful. I don’t do it, but it still amuses me.)

So we’re asking for predictions again this Friday and we’ll get to that in a moment. But let’s dust off last week’s prognostications about the Ravens-Jets.

Me, Myself and You had the Ravens beating the Jets, 33-16. The final score was 34-17, Ravens. So that was one heck of a call. But I am only giving out one open bar tab this week to You (or to Me or to Myself), only one. It is a down economy you know. Even fake bars have to be financially smart.

I’ll be sending several drink chips over to Gil, one of our cranky and lovable regulars who had the Ravens winning 34-14. Real close, Gil. But don’t light that cigar here.

Other honorable mentions: Chris, Dennis, Aubeck, Bmore B, Jeff O, dspedden and Keith among others.

Without football, we’ll go to a Connolly staple this week.

We have yet to do our World Series picks, but we’re not too far down the road yet.

I expect the Detroit Tigers to beat the Texas Rangers and get to the World Series. And I think they will then lose to the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

So Phillies are my champs, beating the Brewers on their way to the World Series.

Why not the Rangers to repeat in the AL?

Because I am a traditionalist, remember. Last year, I picked against the Rangers in each round until they lost to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series and I finally got it right. I am doing it again.

Daily Think Special: Prediction Friday: Who are your World Series teams? Who wins? In how many games?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Buck Showalter is back in Maryland, will be for a couple days and then he’s headed to Texas on Saturday.

He’s still the manager. No change there. Will that continue into 2012?

Probably. Again, as I've said before, my gut feeling now is that there are no siginifcant changes ahead.

But nothing definitive has been decided yet, Showalter said.

So everyone is going ahead with their daily routines until the president/GM situation is resolved.

Showalter spent the past couple days in Sarasota watching some of the Orioles’ prospects in instructional league. He was impressed by several players including 2011 draftees Dylan Bundy and Nicky Delmonico and Venezuelan catcher Gabriel Lino.

While Showalter was there, Matt Wieters swung by the complex and talked to the organization’s catchers. Showalter said he also chatted with Sarasota resident Jim Johnson.

Perhaps one of the more interesting developments this week was that Showalter and Brian Roberts, who lives in Sarasota, had dinner on Tuesday night. No big deal, Showalter said. He just wanted to touch base with his injured second baseman. They talked for about an hour and Showalter said Roberts (concussion) seemed to be doing OK and is still hoping to play in 2012.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

OK, so the headline’s a little — or a lot — much.

Arizona Fall League play started Tuesday, and while the Orioles are represented by some recognizable names, we’re not talking about Manny Machado and Dylan Bundy here. Or super prospects Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, who are both on the roster of the Scottsdale Scorpions.

The Orioles sent seven players west: right-handed pitchers Sean Gleason and Steve Johnson; lefties Casey Lambert and Cole McCurry; catcher Brian Ward; first baseman Joe Mahoney; and outfielder Xavier Avery, who was ranked the club's No. 3 prospect by Baseball America. Not one of those guys was ranked among the club’s top 10 prospects by Baseball America last offseason (though Avery, once a top college football recruit, was chosen as the organization’s best athlete).

All seven are playing for the Mesa Solar Sox (before you ask, I have no idea what a Solar Sock is), who have lost both their games — 12-8 to the Phoenix Desert Dogs on Tuesday and 10-4 to Phoenix yesterday.

Of the Orioles’ seven representatives, only Avery has seen the field in AFL play so far, but here’s a look at what each player did this past regular season.

Posted by Steve Gould at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

One thing I have learned from covering baseball for a long time is you never know as much as you think you do – about the game or what really goes on behind the scenes.

A month ago, I was convinced that Andy MacPhail was stepping down from his post as president of baseball operations and was going to ride into the sunset, and away from the game he has breathed for five-plus decades (yes, I am counting when he was a boy and followed his dad around Memorial Stadium, Yankee Stadium, etc).

Two weeks ago, I would have said there was an outside shot he’d remain with the club in some capacity when his contract expires Oct. 31.

Now, well now, I am starting to think MacPhail could remain as the club’s president in 2012. And that would mean Buck Showalter will stay in the dugout next year.

Every day there is not an announcement that MacPhail is leaving makes me think that MacPhail may not be leaving after all. That things are staying the same.

It’s not a complete stretch, just stick with me.

We know that team owner Peter Angelos met with MacPhail last Thursday, the day after the Orioles’ 14th losing campaign ended.

We know that Angelos likes and respects MacPhail and thinks the Orioles have a pretty good brain trust in MacPhail and Showalter.

We know that MacPhail likes Angelos; he’s been given ample opportunity over the years to offer excuses for why his plan hasn’t worked – and the easy excuse, the one that is nearly universally embraced by fans, is that he has been hamstrung by ownership.

Not only has MacPhail never used that one, but he continually states that Angelos has been good to work for and has never stood in the way of him doing his job.

We also can’t forget that Angelos said in March that MacPhail “isn’t going anywhere,” and Angelos is a man who usually gets what he wants.

So if he’s staying, what’s the holdup? I’m not sure exactly, but my guess is specifics are still being worked out and, until they are, a potential agreement could fall through, which would again spur talk of MacPhail leaving and Showalter to president/GM.

There's always the possibility that I am completely wrong, too; I wasn't in the meeting last Thursday. So the best conclusion is no final decision has been made involving any of this.

But would I be surprised if we find out that Andy is sticking around in the same exact role next year?

Nope, not now I wouldn’t.

Now I want to know if you’d be fine with that.

Daily Think Special: Would you be OK if MacPhail remains as team president in 2012?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (115)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Everybody is still waiting for both shoes to drop in the Orioles front office, where the respective status of president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and manager Buck Showalter remain both intertwined and apparently undecided.

There was reason to believe that the decision on MacPhail would come down last Thursday, following an afternoon summit with owner Peter Angelos, but there obviously remains enough up in the air for MacPhail to withhold any announcement about his future.

Of course, MacPhail's status must be determined before there is any serious consideration of a change in role for manager Buck Showalter, who is spending several days in Florida looking at some of the club's promising minor league prospects taking part in the instructional league.

Until there is a detemination on both fronts, it's hard to do more than speculate about the eventual composition and hierarchy in the Warehouse. MacPhail had given every indication that he would not remain after his contract expires at the end of this month, but the fact that he and the club have not made a quick announcement clearly indicates that Angelos wants him to stay connected to the club in some capacity. If he does, then it seems more likely that Showalter will remain in the dugout.

There could be an announcement at any time, but since it was expected before now, there's no way to predict exactly when it will come.

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 7:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (45)
        

Major League Baseball has announced that shortstop J.J. Hardy is the Orioles' nominee for the annual Hank Aaron Award, which goes to the most outstanding offensive performer in each league.

Each team gets a nominee and fans can vote at mlb.com or at any of the 30 club sites.

Hardy hit 30 homers, tying for most by a shortstop this season.

The complete list of finalists for the 2011 Hank Aaron Award are:

Orioles
J.J. Hardy

Arizona Diamondbacks
Justin Upton

Boston Red Sox
Adrian Gonzalez

Atlanta Braves
Brian McCann

Chicago White Sox
Paul Konerko

Chicago Cubs
Aramis Ramirez

Cleveland Indians
Asdrubal Cabrera

Cincinnati Reds
Joey Votto

Detroit Tigers
Miguel Cabrera

Colorado Rockies
Troy Tulowitzki

Kansas City Royals
Alex Gordon

Florida Marlins
Mike Stanton

LA Angels of Anaheim
Mark Trumbo

Houston Astros
Carlos Lee

Minnesota Twins
Michael Cuddyer

Los Angeles Dodgers
Matt Kemp

New York Yankees
Curtis Granderson

Milwaukee Brewers
Ryan Braun

Oakland Athletics
Josh Willingham

New York Mets
Jose Reyes

Seattle Mariners
Dustin Ackley

Philadelphia Phillies
Ryan Howard

Tampa Bay Rays
Evan Longoria

Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew McCutchen

Texas Rangers
Michael Young

St. Louis Cardinals
Albert Pujols

Toronto Blue Jays
Jose Bautista

San Diego Padres
Cameron Maybin

San Francisco Giants
Pablo Sandoval

Washington Nationals
Michael Morse

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

As we await word about the Orioles’ front office situation – we expect Andy MacPhail to leave his post as president of baseball operations, maybe as early as today, though it’s possible he stays with the team in another capacity – I figured I’d share my thoughts about what happens with the spot, and drop some names.

The leading candidate remains current Orioles’ manager Buck Showalter. The sense is the job is his if he wants it, and he’s trying to decide in which job he can have the biggest impact.

If Showalter stays as manager, then certainly he’ll be involved in whom the Orioles select to be president/general manager.

There are some recognizable names that might be available – Boston’s Theo Epstein and Oakland’s Billy Beane are the biggest ones (don’t see New York’s Brian Cashman or Tampa’s Andrew Friedman leaving their posts. If they do, teams wouldn’t be able to talk to them until they are out of the playoffs).

There’s no way Epstein would be a fit in Baltimore, especially with Showalter and Peter Angelos running the show. And, of course, Epstein wouldn’t want to come here, even though it’s where he started his baseball career as a public relations intern.

It seems likely that Epstein stays in Boston, but he may flirt with the Chicago Cubs, who would love to make a splash for the high-profile job.

If that doesn’t happen, the Cubs likely will turn their attention to a first-time GM. According to an industry source, the Cubs’ short list includes Epstein’s protégé, Boston senior VP Ben Cherington, Chicago White Sox assistant GM Rick Hahn and Atlanta’s pro scouting director John Coppolella.

None of those three is expected to be a fit with the Orioles, so there should be no bidding war with the Cubs. The only other team that currently is searching for a GM is the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels usually promote from within, but there is speculation that they might attempt to get Oakland’s Beane to LA shortly after the movie “Moneyball” landed in Hollywood.

So that, at least for now, leaves us with the Orioles’ spot – if indeed Showalter stays as manager. I don’t think they’d make an internal hire. Matt Klentak, baseball operations director, is considered a future GM candidate, but that won’t happen now. Amateur scouting director Joe Jordan and player development director John Stockstill could be in the conversation, but that’s probably not where the Orioles will go, either.

In talking to some people, and in analyzing what’s been done in the past, the sense is that if Showalter doesn’t take the job it likely will go to someone outside the organization who has a background in scouting and/or development, a track record of success and some type of relationship with Showalter (or, possibly, the Orioles).

Based on who Angelos has hired in the past, it won’t be a whiz kid, no matter the reputation. Anyone under 40 would be a shock. In fact, expect someone around 50 or older.

Given that belief, here’s a list of potential names. I didn’t include anyone internally. Many of these guys have done the job before or are highly regarded in their particular area of expertise. There are some obvious names I left out; you’ll have to trust me here. There certainly will be others considered, but it’s a start – considering the job isn’t officially open yet. These 10 are listed in alphabetical order.

Jerry Dipoto, senior vice president, Diamondbacks
Gerry Hunsicker, senior VP, Rays
Dan Jennings, assistant general manager, Marlins
Wayne Krivsky, former special assistant to GM, Mets
Tony LaCava, assistant GM, Blue Jays
Damon Oppenheimer, scouting director, Yankees
A.J. Preller, senior director of player personnel, Rangers
Scott Proefrock, assistant GM, Phillies
J.P. Ricciardi, special assistant to GM, Mets
Scott Servais, senior director of player development, Rangers

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (38)
        

I've been told that there will be nothing coming out of the warehouse today in regards to the Orioles GM/manager situations.

Now, as Andy MacPhail often says, that could change with a phone call.

But it is my sense that we won't hear anything today; Monday is still a real possibility.

If you need Orioles news, though, apparently last week was the time when many Triple-A players who were eligible declared free agency. According to the International League transactions site, (and brought to my attention by mlbtraderumors.com) one of those players was outfielder Felix Pie.

Not a surprise. When the Orioles took Pie off their 40-man roster in August and did not recall him from Norfolk in September, it was obvious his time here was done. Although, they could always re-sign him for Norfolk.

Good luck to Felix, who I enjoyed covering the past few years. Someone will give him a chance, perhaps at AAA, in hopes that the vast potential can be realized.

By the way, Jay Gibbons, also one of my favorites to cover, declared Triple-A free agency from the Dodgers organization.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

The Orioles spent the final weeks of the 2011 season making life tough on the wild-card contenders in the American League, which ranks as a small consolation prize after they spent the rest of the year making life tough on themselves and their fans. So, at the very last minute, because they put an apple on our desk, we’re changing the team’s final grade from an F to a D-. It’s hard to cut them much more slack with the fourth-worst record of the 30 major league clubs.

Here’s the rest of our annual report card, which rates the individual performance of every position player who got at least 75 at-bats and every pitcher who threw at least 15 innings for the Orioles over the course of the past six months.

DISCLAIMER: These letter grades are based on performance relative to each individual's role on the Orioles' roster. The grades are not intended to rate players in relation to one another or players at their positions on other teams.

Posted by Steve Gould at 3:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)