
Originally Posted by
rodndtube
I shared your sentiments for years and attended very few Orioles games during the past 10+ yrs, well since the mid- to late-90s when the Little Napoleon proceeded to run out of town our GM (Pat Gillick), Manager (Davey Johnson), best pitcher (Mike Mussina) and even our acclaimed radio broadcaster (Jon Miller).
For those who may not remember, Gillick guided the Orioles to the playoffs in 1996 and 1997 and left at the conclusion of his three-year contract in 1998. The Orioles have not had a winning season since. Gillick led the Phillies to the championship last year, turned around the Mariners and also led the Blue Jays to championships. After several disputes with Angelos, Davey offered his resignation which was accepted by Angelos on the same day that Johnson was named American League Manager of the Year (1997, O's had won the AL East title).
It has been a different regime since McPhail accepted the GM slot. Angelos appears resigned to his fate of sitting back and letting the pros do their job - this reminds me of when the Yankees' owner, Steinbrenner, was suspended from MLB for a few years during which the Yankees proceeded to start winning - from that point on the NYY have had a remarkable run (yes, lots of bucks spent but you can also spend and lose).
I watched the minor league teams several times last year (Delmarva, Frederick, Bowie) and what was so reassuring was the consistency of fundamental baseball and the good prospects being developed along the way. Loved watching Bergensen pitch at Bowie last year and am lovin' it this year with the big team (shame about last night). I'm headed to another Bowie game this evening!