MLB
Orioles Part Ways With Buck Showalter
After nine years at the helm of the Baltimore Orioles, Buck Showalter is out as manager of the team. The decision has not been officially been released yet; however, Showalter did confirm he will not return in 2019. After taking over the team midway through the 2010 season, Showalter led the team to at least .500 ball in five straight seasons. This includes three postseason appearances and advancing as far as the ALCS in 2014. The past two seasons have not gone well for Baltimore. Last season, the O’s finished last in the AL East with a record of 75-87. In 2018, the Orioles posted an MLB-worst 47-115. They finished 61 GB on the division champion-Boston Red Sox. This season marked the third-worst record ever in baseball since 1961. Showalter ends his tenure at Baltimore with 669 career wins, the second most in franchise history, and AL Manager of the Year in 2014.
Baltimore Expected To Terminate GM Dan Duquette
After the way this season went for Baltimore, the Orioles are cleaning house. Though nothing is official yet, the Orioles are expected to fire GM Dan Duquette at some point. Duquette has been with the Orioles since 2011. He was previously the GM for the Montreal Expos, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Boston Red Sox. Again, nothing is official yet, but Dan Duquette is expected to be terminated at some point this week.
What Is Next For The O’s?
As the Orioles continue the rebuilding process, they are cleaning house from top to bottom. With Showalter and Duquette removed from their positions, the Orioles are looking at outside voices. With no plans to contend for a few years, the Orioles organization will rely on a new group who will certainly have a challenging task in front of them. The start will be with finding a new GM and manager. After that, the Orioles will begin re-stocking the farm system to begin to start contending again.
Photo Credit to Keith Allison via Flickr
