Former MLB GM Has A Plan To Bring "The Oriole Way" Back To Baltimore

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias has lost touch with "The Oriole Way."

Perhaps he never had it.

As many fans and analysts are aware by now, Elias and his front-office team prioritize data analytics and performance optimization through algorithms. That may sound like a mouthful and appeal to fans who take Elias’s strategy at face value, but in reality, it just means that Elias believes a computer can largely solve an organization’s problems.

The root of this issue undoubtedly starts at the developmental level. The Orioles have had way too many high-end prospects that have performed below expectations in the big leagues, or not.

Enrique Bradfield Jr., the O’s first round pick from the ’23 draft, remains in Triple-A Norfolk after spending almost an entire season there. The outfielder has yet to break a .700 OPS and while he has plus speed and a decent glove, the chances of him getting a chance in the majors took a pitfall with Elias’s pick-up in Christian Franklin at the deadline.

Let’s not forget about Heston Kjerstad, who is only getting older at 27. While his stats this year in Norfolk have arguably been worthy of another shot with the Orioles, he’s proven multiple times that he just isn’t ready to face major league pitching. In 285 MLB at-bats, Kjerstad has a .284 OBP, not to mention his most recent stint where he hit .192 at the plate. After years in the minors, he has yet to grow comfortable in the corner outfield position as well.

The list goes on with guys like Colton Cowser, Ryan Mountcastle, Dylan Beavers, and Coby Mayo. While some have found short-term success, most have either spent more time injured or as below-average hitters. What do these players have in common? They were “developed” under Mike Elias.

So what should Elias do about it? Or, more to the point, his bosses in ownership?

Former Colorado Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd offered some pointed suggestions and criticisms on “The Daily Flock Show.” O’Dowd was a part of the O’s organization in the 80’s working in minor league operations until he moved to the Indians where he served as head of player development and assistant GM until 1998.

Back To The Oriole Way?

O’Dowd brings up Cal and Billy Ripken, two legends within the organization as well as minority owners: “I implore them to actually exercise their gifts and their blessings and begin to put their stamp on the organization to balance out the far left wing of the analytical world that I think too many people think within the organization.”

O’Dowd goes into depth on this topic and praises Billy’s baseball mind.

“It's crazy the fact that he's not working in that organization in a meaningful role where they actually give him responsibility,” O’Dowd said. “Like if they just said, ‘Billy, you take all the infielders and you make them as good as they possibly can be.’ Every single kid that's in that system is going to be a good infielder. Every single one.”

What About Buck?

Perhaps an old-school approach is exactly what the Orioles need. Fans from the 2010s will always remember Buck Showalter’s seasons as manager, bringing the O’s to the playoffs in three different seasons. With the Ripkens handling player development, a true leader like Showalter could turn the organization around completely.

O’Dowd agrees, saying:

“Buck sees things in players that players don't see in themselves… and then he knows how to get that out of that player and that's what makes him so gifted and special. Not many people can do some of the things that Buck can do.”

The insight, perspective, and candor is far from the norm and makes one wonder if O’Dowd still has plenty to offer this organization if ever called on again as well.

Catch the Full Interview On "The Daily Flock Show" For Even More Insight!

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