When Dan Duquette took over as the Executive VP of Baseball Operations for the Orioles at the end of 2011 season, he had a true vision in mind; to restore the great tradition of the team. When I was growing up in Baltimore, this team was dominant. Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Boog Powell and the great Jim Palmer were permanent fixtures of a great era in the history of Orioles baseball. Over the years, names on the back of the jerseys have changed but the goal still remains, to win the World Series once again. It did not take Duquette very long to make his impact on this team and this city. The 2012 team turned things around, making the post season for the first time in 15 years, and winning the first ever American League Wild Card Playoff game over a heavily favored Texas Rangers team. The 2013 team finished with a winning record and showed that in baseball's toughest division, they can play with the overpriced Yankees, the World Champion Red Sox and the always competitive Tampa Bay Rays.
This season, Duquette took a big swing in the free agent market, landing the southpaw Ubaldo Jimenez formerly of the Indians. Five days later, Duquette literally hit a home run with the acquisition of Nelson Cruz. Cruz had fell out of favor with the Rangers after a drug suspension, and the Orioles took a chance that has paid off, so far.
I like the vision and the plan the Orioles have for the future. They have made very smart decisions on how to manage their minor league system as well. Dylan Bundy will be a great starting pitcher in the majors, but currently he has been dealing with some injuries that have been delaying his progress. Kevin Gausman has been a surprise for helping out this team that truly didn't have an ace on the staff. One of the biggest surprises has been the transformation of Zack Britton from starter to closer. He has been lights out this season. It also helps when you have a solid minor league product in Manny Machado, a 2013 All Star 3rd Baseman who has made playing the position look easy. A few times I had to remember that it's Manny and not Brooks at 3rd. Having a great manager on the field to lead all this talent is the key. Buck Showalter has to truly change the attitude of this team. He's a proven winner, with a championship pedigree that expects nothing less from all his players and to perform at a high level. The Birds are definitely on the right track. Making all the right moves and turning a proud baseball franchise back into the national spotlight takes a lot of hard work and patience. I give Dan Duquette credit for making the city of Baltimore proud and respectful once again.
No comments:
Post a Comment