MacPhail Infuses New Blood In Front Office: Hires 27-Year Old Matt Klentak...

Well, I have been struggling a bad cold over the weekend, my trip could have been potentially numbered since I was planning to drive to Florida; however, I am hoping to feel well enough to make the trip on Thursday or Friday.

Anyhow, the big news today is Andy MacPhail hired a new front office executive, this a time a "youngin" -- at only 27. (Wow, he's two years younger than I).

Maybe we might have another Theo Epstein or Cashman on our hands; however, then again, MacPhail will still have almost all autonomy over things, but he may have a new, trusted lieutenant by his side.

The Baltimore Sun has more on the new hire:

"Seeking to add a young mind and a fresh perspective to the Orioles' front office, Andy MacPhail announced today that he has hired Matt Klentak as director of baseball operations.

Klentak, 27, who spent the past four years working in Major League Baseball's Labor Relations Department, will assist MacPhail, Orioles president of baseball operations, with scouting, player development, contract negotiations and the overall construction of the team's major league roster. Klentak will join the team March 4.

"I think he is a very bright, capable young man who has demonstrated a good feel for the game," said MacPhail, who first interviewed Klentak in December. "I think our philosophies are compatible, and I think he's going to bring a little different point of view, which every organization can use. He's highly recommended from a lot of people in this game that I have a lot of respect for."

Klentak first worked with MacPhail on MLB's collective bargaining team that successfully negotiated a second consecutive labor contract without a work stoppage in 2006."

In the meantime, what about Mike Flanagan - what is his role now?