I’ve previously written about the O’s Front Office, and the presumptive search for a replacement for Andy MacPhail as Baltimore’s President of Baseball Operations. The most recent piece being from August 20th (https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=2763) with commentary of why I was not overly excited about rumors regarding Brian Cashman, and a listing of 17 prospective candidates I would like to see considered. Most of the candidates I mentioned, have been repeatedly discussed by the National writers I have interviewed all year.

Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports commented this week (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-playoffs-seeding-races-news-and-notes-090511) about how Scouts are talking about Florida’s Asst. GM Dan Jennings, or Toronto’s Asst. GM Tony LaCava as possibilities.

Rosenthal also relayed the commentary of one source stating O’s Majority Owner Peter Angelos is not overly knowledgeable about the current General Manager prospects. My thoughts are that it is essential that a wide net is cast.  It would seem logical to me that if you were going to through a leadership change at the top of an organization, you would be bringing in as many qualified candidates as possible and speaking to them directly. Getting an understanding of what those individuals believe in, and what has made the organizations of the prospective candidates successful. There is a reason why when you speak to people throughout the game, the same names come up over and over again as someone that should be considered.

While the O’s GM search should be extended far and wide, Baltimore does not have to settle for anyone. That said, the O’s have to recognize that they can not wait to be approached. I’ve personally spoken to four very well regarded Executives that would have interest in coming to Charm City. None of them are going to openly campaign for the job. They might not even make their interest known to the O’s in private. If MacPhail is not returning, the organization has had plenty of time to compile a listing of the best and brightest potential options throughout baseball. They can use this Will Carroll article (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/will_carroll/07/13/baseball-gms/index.html) from Sports Illustrated, if they are in need of a cheat-sheet.

In all actuality, if MacPhail is gone at the end of the season, the O’s should be using the rest of September to have as many initial interviews as possible.  Typically, organizational meetings are held in early October, followed by the General Manager meetings in the middle of November. The goal should be having the best candidate in-place by the middle of October, and prior to the GM meetings. This would give the new hire time to meet with the organization (and set his staff) prior to attending the GM meetings, which are utilized as information gathering prior to the December Winter Meetings.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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