The Man Behind the Curtain

The Baltimore Orioles currently sit 18 games above .500 and 6 games ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East. They are on the cusp of their third straight winning season and second playoff appearance in 3 years following a 14 year drought. There are many who receive – and deserve – credit for the resurgence, including Andy MacPhail; Buck Showalter; the young, deep and talented roster the Orioles have assembled; and yes, even the much-maligned Peter Angelos.

But now, with the Orioles poised to make a run at their first AL East title since 1997, it’s time to look at the true architect behind this growing juggernaut: Dan Duquette.

(By the way, if you want some context: the last time the Orioles won a division title, Seinfeld ruled the airwaves, Titanic was still a coming attraction and the world had not yet been introduced to a certain White House intern).

Dan Duquette has assembled a young,
talented team with unrivaled depth.
(Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun)

If there is one thing I've learned about Orioles fans of late, it is that we are collectively an insecure and impatient bunch. Not often much for looking at the big picture, many of us react on a moment-by-moment, inning-by-inning, game-by-game, move-by-move basis. This past offseason was one of incredible insanity, as fans seemed to find some reason to lament each and every move Dan Duquette made (or didn't make). So now that the Orioles are advancing quickly to the top of the major leagues in wins, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and examine Dan Duquette’s offseason.

Brian Roberts & Nate McLouth

Like a child who refuses to part with their beloved blanket, despite the fact it has been reduced to nothing more than a clump of dirty fibers, many fans did not take well to these two popular players being shown the door. I was a fan of both for their contributions to the Orioles, but they made no sense in the context of the team’s current blueprint, and thus Duquette let them walk – and rightly so. McLouth, after signing a substantial 2 year/$10.75M contract, hit just .173/.280/.237 in 139 ABs for Washington before he hit the DL, where he currently resides. Roberts was significantly cheaper and did give the Yankees 25 extra base hits, but he hit just .237/.300/.360 and was ultimately designated for assignment.

Advantage: Duquette

Jim Johnson

Oh how fans ripped Mr. D over this one. Nevermind the ridiculous $10M salary he was going to command or how badly he struggled throughout the season last year – it was all about those shiny 50 saves. When you put it in context though, he only saved 84% of this opportunities, which is very mediocre for a closer and certainly not worth $10M (Craig Kimbrel saved 50 games in 6 fewer chances). I won’t even post Johnson’s stats here out of respect for him and his family, but after a disastrous tenure in Oakland, he was released and currently resides in Toledo, waiting for the call to join an abysmal Tigers bullpen where he should feel right at home.

Advantage: Duquette

Ryan Webb

Ryan Webb is a bit of an enigma. After signing a 2 year/$4.5M contract, some were touting him as a potential closer option in spring training. But early in the season, it didn't seem Showalter was sure when or how to use him. He pitched in a variety of innings and game situations, and compiled a 3.80 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 42.2 innings. After some recent shaky outings, Webb got tangled up in an overstocked bullpen and demoted to AAA Norfolk. I fully expect him to contribute in September.

Advantage: Ryan Webb’s bank account

Grant Balfour

Sorry Grant, I don't think Dan
is regretting his decision.
(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

Dare I even touch this one? I didn't think Orioles fans could turn as rabid as they did when it was announced Balfour’s contract was being voided due to a failed physical. It was like Rosie O’Donnell being cut off at the buffet. We’re talking pure rage here. Peter Angelos and Double D bore the brunt of the wrath as fans viewed it as a sign of the team’s supposedly cheap ways being evidenced yet again. Never mind that they spent weeks ironing out a deal and agreeing to the money. But I digress.

So how did it all pan out? With O’s fans still grumbling, Balfour signed on with the Rays, telling Duquette he’d just made the worst mistake of his life. Is that so, Grant? How’s that closer job working out for you?

“Knock knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Look at my…”
“Look at my who?”
“Look at my 5.24 ERA, 7.1 BB/9 and 1.61 WHIP. Isn’t it beautiful???”

Advantage: Duquette and Balfour’s shrink

Delmon Young

The O’s signed Delmon on the cheap, hoping he’d provide depth in the OF and at DH. The move was surprisingly criticized as fans accused DD of mining the scrap heap while other teams stocked up on prime free agents. All Young has done is contribute a .309/.341/.455 slash line and lead the AL in pinch hits. What a disgrace! He’s been a surprisingly valuable asset and look for the O’s to retain him next season if they can’t hold on to Nelson Cruz.

Advantage: Duquette…and all the beer leaguers who draw MLB inspirations from watching Delmon play

Ervin Santana/Tim Hudson/Bronson Arroyo

All three were on the Orioles radar at various points and DD was questioned or criticized when each one signed elsewhere. Sorry folks, but just because a player goes elsewhere, doesn't automatically mean the O’s didn't want them or didn't try hard enough. Hudson said he only wanted to play for the Athletics or Giants (neither of which play in Maryland, last time I checked), Arroyo wanted to stay in the National League (and is having a less-than-stellar, injury-plagued season), and Santana opted for the NL as well once it was established he would only get a one-year deal and wanted to maximize his value.

Advantage: Twitter?

Cruz has helped the O's overcome
Chris Davis's power outage
(Photo Credit: MLB.com)

Nelson Cruz

I don’t think much needs to be said here. Despite a recent slump, Cruz is having an MVP-caliber season that has allowed the Orioles to compensate for the disappearance of Chris Davis's bat from a year ago. At $8M, he is possibly the biggest bargain in the major leagues.

Advantage: Everyone

Ubaldo Jimenez

And alas, that brings us to the biggest conundrum of them all: Ubaldo Jimenez. The free agent pitcher with the most tantalizing talent and highest upside, but also the greatest potential for disaster – which is what the O’s have seen so far. Given this is the first year of a rather hefty 4 year/$52M deal, the O’s hope they can find the Ubaldo of yesteryear – who went 4-0 in six September starts with an ERA under 2.00 and carried the Indians into the playoffs. Walks have been the biggest problem for Ubaldo, as he surprisingly leads the Orioles in K/9 and fewest H/9. If he can find the strike zone more in the season’s final two months, he is an ace-in-waiting. After a month-long DL stint, the O’s are hoping he’s turned a corner.

Advantage: Opposing hitters’ cardio

Let’s face it folks – not every move a GM makes is going to work out, but I think it’s safe to say Duquette has done an amazing job judging talent, piling up depth (O’s have not been crippled by injuries the way other teams have) and working within a likely owner-imposed budget to field a first place team. He has a shrewd eye and knows what struggling or washed-up players still have gas left in the tank.

Duquette is the man who assembled a Montreal Expos juggernaut that likely would have won the World Series in 1994, and built the core of a Red Sox team that would go on to win the World Series shortly after his exit in 2004. The man knows what he’s doing and has a system that works. Despite the “I was the president of the Math Club AND Chess Club” look, Dan clearly knows his baseball and has brought a strong (and likely lasting) winning tradition back to Baltimore. I think it’s time we gave him our complete trust.

Wouldn't you agree, Grant?

--Christopher Mills, @cjmills82