ESPN has reported that Buck Showalter will become the next Manager of The Baltimore Orioles.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5420224
It appears his first game in the Orange & Black will occur August 3rd against the Los Angeles Angels.
I am excited about the hire.
Showalter is 54 years-old and has a winning record in over 1,700 games as a Major League Manager. He has twice been named the AL Manager of the Year, and has remained visible in the game with his position on ESPN. He has always been labeled as disciplined, and a bit of a task-master. Due to that, I doubt he would be a long-term (5 years) type of answer. I can live with him driving everyone nuts and having to be replaced in 3 years, if he helps improve the team today.
I was one that believed the delay in officially naming Showalter as the Manager, was in-part about MacPhail deciding how much power he was willing to give up. The signing can only be labeled as a positive development for the organization.
Unlike recent Oriole Managers such as Perlozzo, Mazzilli, Trembley (and even Samuel) the O’s will have a Manager in place with existing experience (and success) on his resume.
The thing to watch is will Showalter have his Coaching staff in place on August 3rd, or will that occur over the off-season?
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.