There have been a number of rumors lately that current O’s manager Buck Showalter is going to move to the front office and take over as the GM if, and most likely when, Andy MacPhail departs.
Don spoke with a front office official who said this when asked about Buck taking over as GM: “Buck [Showalter] is not a long term guy and [is] the wrong person to take over.”
I’d assume what he means by this is that Showalter is going to build for the short term. Rather than working with the young core of players and hoping to contend in a few years, Buck may ship younger Orioles in trades to try win now.
I personally agree with this GM and do not think the Orioles have a realistic chance to compete next year. I have my eyes on 2013 or 2014.
Don’s Thoughts: I honestly feel that Buck gets so mentally/emotionally invested in whatever role he’s in that he ultimately burns out quickly. I think he would walk a fine line, but he might bed so much involved that the grind may be too much too soon.
