Orioles Event at the ESPN Zone: "Think Spring" with Mike Flanagan, Jim Duquette and Jim Hunter...
Even though Charm City is suffering through a severe arctic freeze in the dead of winter, about a few dozen fans huddled into the ESPN Zone and got an opportunity to take part in an hour long Q&A session with former Oriole and Executive Vice President of Operations, Mike Flanagan and Vice President of Baseball Operations, Jim Duquette. The event, dubbed “Think Spring”, which was moderated by Orioles’ announcer Jim Hunter, it gave fans got a chance in an intimate setting ask both Flanagan & Duquette going into 2007 about the state of the franchise.
As we are winding down on the winter and heading to spring training, and the Orioles are packed and ready for Florida, fans had questions and comments aplenty.
Much of the event focused on the moves the team made in the offseason, such as with free agent signings and moves made. The duo of Flanagan and Duquette were optimistic about the Orioles this season and how they will fare; however, they were realistic with what the team is up against, especially in the American League East. The two men were honest in the sense that the team is trying to recover from almost a decade of losing, and change may not happen immediately – but the team is improving.
The team felt that Aubrey Huff was the best signing, and that they got him for, “less than they expected.” Also, fans should expect Corey Patterson and Jay Payton to split time in the outfield, and pitching corps to be stronger and more mature, especially the bullpen. Overall, both Flanagan and Duquette were very happy with the offseason and asserted,”the team was happy to attract top talent.”
The O’s believe that the team will improve most effectively through their young stars, such as Nick Markakis, and young pitchers, Daniel Cabrera and Erik Bedard. The duo believes that the team, in light of its record, made strides in 2006, and perhaps it will translate into next season. As well, the minor leagues was also a focus, as the team wants to focus on young players and cultivating talent, not signing older or Four-A players.
A few questions were made of the offseason moves, and while the Orioles didn’t get the marquee free agents, Jim Duqette quipped, “rather than spending $72 million on one player and not knowing how things would turn out, we spent it on a few players and got depth and balance.”
They also said they the Orioles could not compete with financial powerhouses New York & Boston, as Duquette said, “yeah, we’d like to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox, but we have to finish at .500 first.”
What was expressed afterwards is that the team must be proactive and smart with trades, free agent deals, along with build up the minor leagues. The team for now will stay out of the Asian market, but they realize the value of the players coming out of that region.
Both Duqette and Flanagan also spoke very highly of Adam Loewen, who was a called a “sponge and a competitor”; as well as Kevin Millar, who asserted “as a winner and is great in the clubhouse”, and Leo Mazzone with the attitude he brings with the team. Also, the duo gave words of praise for Daniel Cabrera and his ability, while mentioning he needs to improve, simplify his approach to hitters and be focused; or he could have a repeat of 2006 where he could be spent up and down between the majors and minors.
The team is as well looking to sign second baseman Brian Roberts to a long term contract, but for now only signed him to a one year deal during the winter and will work on an extension during the season. Erik Bedard will be given a deal eventually, but the Orioles want to see how he’ll do in ’07 before going forward. The team recognizes his value, but they are in the end, taking a wait and see approach.
Those who showed up were able to learn a little about the inner workings on the team and get the perspective from the front office executives. For me, I found both Flanagan and Duquette quite frank and honest about the team and its outlook for 2007.
The Orioles may not contend in 2007, but it seems like the front office is taking proactive steps to make the team better and bring joy to Charm City.
Slideshow and Gallery of Event:
No comments:
Post a Comment