My fellow Orioles fans:
As reaction continues to pour in on President Obama’s State of the Union address, I am here to deliver something that you, as a reader of this site, perhaps have more interest in –The State of the Orioles.
Despite a long cold winter of what can be conceived as many failed actions from leadership, the Orioles are moving into 2015 with a clear message and strong path. Many have pointed to a lack of interest in bringing in new recruits or even a failed desire to find a strong trading partner for exports that can help the cause. After a 2014 that brought much prosperity and great success in Birdland, some believe that a new year is doomed and cannot possibly live up to expectations. That simply couldn’t be further from the truth.
Our Orioles have a great force of arms, especially in the starting rotation. This was perhaps the biggest, but most welcomed surprise of the 2014 campaign. While some strength has been lost in the bullpen, especially by way of a lanky left-hander to the pinstripe-clad northerners from the Bronx, we put faith in the leadership from the dugout to piece together a great relief corps that can shut things down late in games.
That dugout leadership is perhaps our biggest asset as an Orioles nation. The direction Buck Showalter has taken this proud franchise has been forward and up, unlike in years past. We continue to put our faith in his leadership as he searches for nuggets and desires “want to” from everyone.
The winter has caused the loss of some great bats, which on the surface could strike fear into many. Failing to retain the likes of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis is no doubt disappointing, but simply a minor setback in the greater picture. With the loss of these offensive weapons, it’s important to realize that 2015 will bring the return of a healthy Manny Machado and Matt Wieters, as well as a re-focused Chris Davis.
Some of the biggest concerns of the people come from what we’ve seen and heard off the field over the past few months. Financial implications brought on by MASN, the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball are a complicated matter. We’ve seen and heard the conspiracy theories over the past few months. We refuse to believe the 2016 All-Star Game is better suited for San Diego than Baltimore. While Petco Park is a fine establishment, it does not hold a candle to the ballpark that started a revolution, Oriole Park at Camden Yards. No one will convince me that this decision had nothing to do with MASN or Peter Angelos. No one will convince me that Bud Selig isn’t holding this dispute against the Orioles and punishing the city as a result. While this is unfair and unjust, it is the type of dirty business Major League Baseball is playing, and so the franchise will be dragged along in it.
[Related: Is MLB Out to Get the Ori]
This brings us to perhaps the most controversial and polarizing subject of the offseason. The pursuit of one of our great leaders, by a foreign yet familiar rival, has crippled the headlines this winter and caused much turmoil. Dan Duquette himself has not made the situation any clearer. By continuing to offer no comment on the matter, he fuels speculation that his desire is to depart for Canada and take a promotion. Personally, I cannot really blame anyone who desires to further their career. The same can be said for a player who leaves a team for a bigger contract that the market says they’ve earned. While many condemn these actions, it is what makes this country great. I urge anyone to turn down a higher wage when the opportunity presents itself. It’s much easier said than done.
There’s no doubt, however, that Duquette’s situation creates an issue in Orioles nation. There is a conflict of interest beyond all comparison. While his potential new role would not have him specifically dealing with baseball personnel, it is still with one of our fiercest rivals. There is no desire to give in and allow him to walk away, but there is also a stern disbelief that he could keep his current position and complete it to the best of his ability. Though this ordeal has been going on since December and has already dragged out too long, I am confident it will be resolved soon and that all parties can move on from it.
As the snow begins to melt and the temperatures begin to warm, we take comfort in knowing that sunny days are ahead. Soon pitchers and catchers will report and Sarasota will be buzzing. The hope that every baseball fan has in February will soon be the feeling that enters us all. The state of our Orioles is strong. It’s been proven by many years of growth and prosperity. We all look forward to 2015 being another strong campaign that gives us hope from April all the way through to October. This can be a year of great success and triumph. It can be a year that brings something Birdland hasn’t seen since 1983, a World Series.
May Buck bless you, and may Buck bless the Orioles. Thank you.
