Mike Flanagan is now in charge of the Baltimore Orioles. In making the move, Angelos channels Pee Wee Herman:
The change in front office leadership is basically what Angelos said he envisioned when he replaced Syd Thrift in December 2002 with what is now commonly referred to as the Orioles’ two-headed general manager. At the time, Flanagan, a longtime consultant to Angelos and one of the winningest pitchers in team history, had no front office experience.
Beattie, a former general manager for the Montreal Expos, was hired to provide that expertise and effectively share the job with Flanagan – with the thought that Flanagan eventually would become the solitary GM.
“That was our original intent, and we made that fairly clear when Jim and Mike came on,” Angelos said. “There’s nothing different from that, except that it was disclosed.”
So there will be very little change in the Orioles management, as Sam Perlozzo is likely to stay as well.
This is a mistake. Flanagan was picked over other guys who have actual experience building good baseball teams.
http://orioles.mostvaluablenetwork.com/?p=257
In related news, the Orioles announced their intentions to compete for 4th place next year.
In all honestly Tampa Bay could be making a serious bid for even 3rd place next year. The Orioles are going to be lucky to finish 4th unless Angelos is suddenly stuck mute and Flanagan is touched by the hand of god.