I would like to see The Orioles hire B.J. Surhoff as their Bench Coach, and Rick Sutcliffe as a roving Minor League Instructor.
My reasoning for wanting them to rejoin the organization, has less to do with them being former Orioles, vs. the type of players they proved to be during their time here in Baltimore.
Both approached each game with a certain intensity that I think this organization needs.
Surhoff spent-time everywhere on the diamond during his professional career, with extended time at Catcher, 3rd, and LF. Having that experience would make him a valuable resource to many. Surhoff was prepared to play everyday, and cared about every at-bat. He played the game, the way it is supposed to be played.
Some people would correctly point-out that when Surhoff returned to the O’s in 2003, there were some younger Oriole players who chaffed at some of Surhoff’s comments. Surhoff was a competitor that did not respect what he perceived as a lack of work-ethic. I think that would be a great voice to add to the club-house.
Lastly, there have be intermittent rumblings of the players occasionally questioning Trembley because he did not play the game as a professional. Players certainly would not be able to make that same charge against Surhoff.
Adding Sutcliffe as a Minor League instructor would be more complicated. First, at the Major League level you have Rick Kranitz, and Alan Dunn who have their own working relationship. As the Major League coaches, their philosophy needs to be implemented from the top, to the bottom of the organization.
Below them, there are at-least 3 (Mike Griffin, Dave Schmidt, and Scott McGregor) Minor League Coaches and Instructors that carry significant influence within the organization.
So I recognize that adding yet another voice to the equation might not be possible.
The reason I think it should be considered, is because I believe Sutcliffe has a mentality that will be needed for the O’s to adopt going forward.
Sutcliffe is best remembered by O’s fans for by starting the first-game ever at Camden Yards, and throwing a 2-0 shut-out. What I remember about that 1992 season, was the mentoring he provided to Mike Mussina, and his willingness to protect his hitters, and attack the opposition.
I am not suggesting the O’s are going to rapidly move-up the standings by plunking the opposition, but I do suggest that Oriole pitchers need to show a mentality that they will work inside. Sutcliffe regularly brushed hitters back and made them uncomfortable. When his hitters were thrown-at, the other-team could expect to see one of their players be hit in the leg as well.
During this 2009 post-season, I keep watching Alex Rodriguez look extremely comfortable in the batting-box, and getting his arms extended. Part of the reason for that, is because pitchers are not working him inside enough.
I think the mentality that Sutcliffe brought to the 1992 O’s, was a large-reason why that rag-tag team won 89 games. Combine that with the mentoring, and development he provided to Mussina (and Ben McDonald, who had two of his best seasons in the ’92, ’93 seasons that Sutcliffe was with the O’s), and I think bringing Sutcliffe to the O’s has value.
The last-reason I believe that Sutcliffe could help, is that he had to deal with numerous injuries and overcoming adversity during his career. The fact that he was twice able to win Comeback Player of the Year, is a testament to his character. There is always going to be adversity, you need people that have the mindset of being able to move-forward.
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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.