By now, you've all likely heard or read part of a quote Caleb Joseph gave earlier this week when talking about the poor performance and current situation of the O's: "We’ve got to man up, grow up, start playing better. Period. No ands, ifs or buts about it."
The "grow up" part stuck out to me as an odd thing for him to say. So, I asked a few guys I know who are ex-big leaguers if I was just being my normal crazy self about baseball or if there was something to it? Each one of them agreed that it was a little weird and, from their respective times in MLB clubhouses, suggested something was happening off of the field as well.
None of them would speculate on the notion, but I will because this team has depressed me and we need to figure out why things are so bad.
That said, I think the "grow up" comment surrounds Manny Machado. He lobbied until he got his move to SS and we all know that he is playing for that big contract (likely $30MM / year). But can we all admit that the person or persons on the O's who granted that request should be ashamed of themselves!
Don't misunderstand me. I believe Manny is an incredible talent; a generational player who a team could build around to seriously contend for and likely win a title. His performance after being shifted to third base was incredible (Platinum & 2X Gold Glove winner), and he made plays at the Hot
Before we go on, let's step back and just be clear on the following: Manny's move to third is not why Chris Davis strikes out more than me at my college bar on "Ladies Night." It's not the reason Brad Brach blows games, or why Tillman - and now, Dylan Bundy of late - can't pitch.
Overall, this group is not playing like a "team," but rather a collection of individuals who seem to show no interest in the present...or the team as a whole. There doesn't seem to be any chemistry like the 2104 team. No Us vs. Everyone mentality. That attitude and those related intangibles fueled the team that brought the O's out of irrelevancy in '14. Again, just my opinion from watching the first six weeks of this season.
Regardless of Caleb's comment, we know this is a house divided. Dan Duquette is a lame duck GM as power seems to have shifted to Brady Anderson. Angelos - more his kids at this point - need to make changes immediately, starting from within.
Why would you want a guy who everyone seems to know will be gone in 2019 handling the trading of your franchise player? We saw Duquette botch things after the '14 season when he was trying to make an exit to Toronto. Plus, as I said earlier this week, I don't think Buck should get a pass on this mess either. I respect and appreciate that he helped end the almost decade-and-a half long losing culture in Baltimore, but that doesn't absolve him from the numerous in-game and other poor decisions he continues to make.
The Orioles’ organization (different owner, I know) fired Baltimore Baseball Royalty in Cal Ripken, Sr. after he went 0-6 to start the season in 1988. No one should be untouchable in 2018.
Bottom line, Memorial Day is no longer the marker for determining what needs to happen on this team, and the evaluation needs to start from within.
No comments:
Post a Comment