When news came out Thursday that the Orioles Player Development Director John Stockstill would receive an interview for the open President of Baseball Operations position, I voiced my displeasure immediately.

I know Mr. Stockstill’s history. I know he has worn hats in Amateur Scouting, International Scouting, and Player Development during his time with the O’s and Cubs. I respect what he has accomplished as a Professional. Similarly, I also respect what Lee MacPhail IV has accomplished with the O’s, Rangers, Indians, Twins, Montreal / Washington Nationals; having served as the Director of Professional Scouting, Amateur Scouting, Player Development, and Baseball Administration. I certainly believe that just because the O’s have been a mess as an organization – that does not mean that talented people are not employed by the Birds.

Two other people I respect are Tony Pente from Orioles Hangout, and Steve Melewski from MASN. Each has posted positions that they feel the reaction to this interview has been over the top from many. Neither has said that they feel Mr. Stockstill would be a good GM, but both have made it clear they hold Mr. Stockstill in good regard, and think it is fine that he has been interviewed, with no harm done to the O’s.

I readily admit that their arguments have some merit. I think their bottom-line points are better than mine. This likely amounts to nothing. If and when the O’s hire one of the strong options they have interviewed (LaCava, Watson) or will interview (Levine?), this interview with Stockstill will not matter at all. However, if by any chance Stockstill is hired, the O’s deserve every bit of ridicule they receive.

Even if Stockstill has a resume comparable to LaCava, or Watson –  I am unable to find a 3rd party source which holds him in similar esteem.  Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/will_carroll/07/13/baseball-gms/index.html) and MLB Trade Rumors (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/08/mlbtrs-gm-candidates.html) listed who they believed to be the best candidates after interviewing many in the game. I know for a fact that there are others on those lists that would be interested in Baltimore. If the O’s were interested in interviewing more candidates (other than Levine), they could have been working harder to bring in more qualified external options.

If you think the invitation to interview Stockstill is a mere courtesy interview, you are effectively stating that you do not believe Stockstill is qualified for the position. If he is not qualified for the position, one must ask what is to be gained with a courtesy interview? If Stockstill as the Director of Player Development, felt strongly about addressing the internal processes of the organization, he certainly had the ability (Seniority) to express them prior to receiving an interview for the top job.

Even if you disagree that Stockstill was positioned to express his opinions to Showalter and Angelos without a meeting or interview – someone will have to explain to me why that meeting or interview could not have been held without alerting the media, your fans, and the rest of baseball that that interview was going to take place.

Many courtesy interviews with corporations are held for entry level managers. This position is the equivalent of hiring the CEO. How many CEO’s get courtesy interviews? I would venture none. Someone will rightfully counter that it is common-place in sports. While that is a fair point, again one must also consider the current reputation of the O’s brand. The Orioles apparently do not believe (or care) that giving an interview to Stockstill further tarnishes their brand. My contention is that even if it does not tarnish the brand, it  does not do anything to help. Baseball (or sports in general) are different from normal business. When you conduct a courtesy interview at XYZ company, nobody knows about it. All of baseball, and all of the media that follows the game, now knows about this interview.

So again, what was to be gained by a courtesy interview of Stockstill?

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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