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Finally, the headline everyone was waiting to read.
ESPN's Tim Kurkjian reports that the Orioles reached agreement with Buck Showalter to take over as manager on Tuesday, when the Orioles begin their next homestand.
Interesting timing that president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail had to take another call earlier today just as I asked him about the managerial situation. Could Showalter have been on the other end?
Update: A team official confirmed the hiring, and the Orioles are expected to send out a press release later today. Interim manager Juan Samuel has been informed, and he spoke to MacPhail this morning.
Showalter had to inform ESPN of his plans, since he's been serving as an analyst. That explains why the network knew about it first.
Update II: The coaching staff is expected to remain intact for now (with Samuel returning to third base). I don't have any more details, since the Orioles haven't actually announced it.
We figured all along that Showalter was the favorite to land the job, but many details needed to be worked out. At this point, the Orioles are still waiting to receive a formal letter of confirmation.
We can eliminate the theory that Showalter didn't want to step into this mess. He's apparently willing to jump in with both feet. And the Orioles weren't in danger of another team swooping in and hiring him. He's been out of the dugout for quite a while now. It's not like he's been turning down offers while waiting for the Orioles' job to open up.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Shocker! I didn't see this one coming out of left field...
This is awesome, just a start, but it is awesome. Finally, someone who is respected for his baseball knowledge, and a disciplinarian to boot. And it gives the O's name recogintion and respect.
I hope this means that Crowley and Kranitz will be leaving as well. These guys served their purpose in the past, but they need to be held accountable for this organization being so horrible on the mound and at the plate. Time to bring in some new voices for our pitchers, hitters and fielders.
ITS ABOUT TIME. Reason to hope again.
NICE!!! I was worried another job might open up and take him. Hopefully this is the first of several moves over the next few days.
I heard he news on WCBM at 2 p.m. and tuned into the "flagship" to see if it was true, of course, they were talking to a guy from ESPN about FOOTBALL. Great job by the flagship station. It took them 14 minutes before it was mentioned. You had it 5 minutes before them. Good work.
JO
Roch,
I hope Showalter brings in a new pitching coach because Kranitz has failed miserably in that position.
great news about a great manager. Excellent choice. The O's will replicate the resurgence of some years back pulled off by the Detroit Tigers, or yes, the one the Rangers executed under Showalter.
I'm again excited about the future of the O's and their young talent.
Since Showalter will be taking over, do you think the O's will turn Samuel back into the 3rd base coach?
Thanks for the scoop Roch. I checked out this site at a fortuitous time. I personally think it's a decent opportunity for a manager. If you don't win in Baltimore, everybody will just say... "what else is new"? If you however can somehow manage to turn this sorry bunch into winners... you're a God!
Buck has nothing to lose.
I'm ordering my tickets for Tue. right now. We should all send the message that we will show up if we think positive changes are being made.
I really hope Buck keeps Samuel around.
Roch,
How likely is it that the coaching staff will keep their jobs through the end of the season?
Way to go, finally the O's have them selves a Buck! Now its time Andy to go out make some trade, and get some real players.
Hey Roch, if Miggy is traded do you see Bell possibly being our 3rd baseman right away, or do you believe the O's would like to see more of Scott Moore. I believe Moore could be a great utility player and eventually find him self a home kind of like Mora.
Let him wear number "12"
A twelfth man is our only answer.
Go Buck
WOOWOOOOOOO!!!!!!! What great news! Really looking forward to next season.....and maybe not the usual awful August/September swoon. Not saying we will win out, but maybe we won't "lose out" either! Great to have you on board Mr Showalter!!!
I just saw that on ESPN.com. And I still smiled when I saw your line and I knew it was coming. Best news we've had in a while.
I really hope the O's don't go out and lose 30-3 on Tuesday night!
From what I've heard he will be coaching his first game next Tuesday.
Can you ask MacPhail if Showalter will be around for the games before Tuesday just to see what he has to work with Roch?
The Buck stops here
Schoolman,
Your patience has been rewarded with the most anticipated headline in the long list of memorable eye-catching, humorous titles, which have resulted in stifled chuckles and silent groans.
We have our manager and our headline. Nicely done.
Now get rid of some vets and it'll be a pretty good week despite the losses.
Not entirely related, but nice to hear instead of the gloom and doom: When Jim Callis at Baseball America was asked about the Orioles not having signed 9 of their top 10 picks:
Jim Callis: I don't know particulars on every one of those guys, but most of them are going to be over slot deals, so they're not imminent. The Orioles were aggressive in the draft this year and I expect them to be again this year. They'll sign most of those guys, and they'll get Machado done for sure.</i.
That is good news for sure. I am not proud of myself, but I just stopped the auto record of Orioles games on my DVR just last night, as the games have just become so damn depressing. I continue to watch the games when I am home, but just could not eat up the hard drive space with games where my team was out of it by the 3rd inning.
Hopefully Buck will come in and make changes to the coaching staff, as this team needs be shaken up. With this news, I can take a step back from the ledge.
Finally, some good news this season.
Schmuck said he would have had Showalter tour the minors for a while and get a feel for the organization before having him step into the major-league dugout. While there are merits to that idea, the big club obviously needs new leadership and a serious shot in the arm. We can't waste anymore time damaging our young players. Get Showalter in there. This offseason, I presume he will clean house and bring in his own coaching staff. That gives me optimism for next season.
Now the question is: What is going to happen with the coaching staff? I find it hard to imagine that Buck won't want to revamp it some. Do you expect any in-season changes there or do you think he'll wait until the season is over to make those changes???
I have been restraining myself not to ask you when Buck would take charge, because you aren't Andy McPhail.
But I have a few questions:
What will happen with the rest of the staff?
What will happen to Samuel?
Will the Orioles break .500 now?
Whew! At last the beginning of good news. When he re-vamps his coaching staff, to include a real hitting coach, then I will rejoice even more. That last series with Toronto screamed that we need something. It ain't getting done where we are.
Excellent. I hope that the entire coaching staff (minus Shelby and Samuel) is let go at the end of the year. Kranitz and Crowley are both good coaches, but they seem to have lost the ear of the players. The pitchers haven't shown much (if any) improvement and the hitters have taken several steps backwards. It's time to let them go and start from scratch with an entirely new coaching staff.
Also hearing his contract runs though 2013 Roch.
Roch- What does this mean for Samuel and his position with the Orioles?
Any word on if he's bringing in his own staff with him on Tuesday. I want Crowley gone yesterday!
I take it back Roch. Yesterday was apparently a must win...at least for Samuel. Hopefully this is the beginning of the end for for Kranny and the Crow! I vote for Palmer and Surhoff to replace them. This was the news our disgruntled fan base was waiting for.
Your headline could have been Buckin' A!
Roch,
I know you will probably write about the details in coming days leading to Tuesday. But, just how much influence will Showalter have in First Year Draft process? Will he be bring in his own coaching staff right away? Are Kranitz & Crowley's jobs in jeopardy as the O's make this change?
Years from now, could we look back at this hiring & recognize it as when this franchise made it's turn around? Here's to hoping so. Can't wait to hear your take. Keep up the good work.
If you don't need a job, why would you take this job? I hope he gets a huge say on who he wants to surround himself with as far as staff and free agents go. Do you think he'll have a say when it comes to FA signings, trades, new staff, etc...?
That is great news Roch! I have been checking your blog everyday hoping to see this happen. Do you think they will give Showalter free reign to change things up as far as players on the team and where they play? (i.e. Adam Jones) Do you think the coaches will be gone and he will bring his own in?
Roch,
How likely is it that the coaching staff will keep their jobs through the end of the season?
-- It's about time....The confidence of the front office is so shot apparently, that it took two months to do what should have taken about five minutes to handle the minute Buck showed interest.
-- But let's hear it for them. If ever there is a call that I think deserves unanimous praise, this is it! The guy's a first-class organizer. Where Samuel has brought order to the bullpen, the rest of the team will quickly follow, I assure you. I don't know if the Orioles can contend anytime soon, but they're giving themselves a much better chance, starting today.
Hopefully this means a very exciting offseason Roch!
New coaching staff
Maybe bringing in some free agents that Showalter knows.
Can't wait, great news for Baltimore fans!
I heard he news on WCBM at 2 p.m. and tuned into the "flagship" to see if it was true, of course, they were talking to a guy from ESPN about FOOTBALL. Great job by the flagship station. It took them 14 minutes before it was mentioned. You had it 5 minutes before them. Good work.
JO
Great News!
Now, if we can hear that he has full authority and if Andy can deal Miggy by Saturday, maybe we can finally begin to turn the page on the Carolina-cat worthy season to date!
Atkins and Miggy and poor field leadership, the poster children for February-July will be gone. And we can see what the kids and new leaders can do!
If it's me, I am keeping Wiggy and having him play 3B against lefties and Bell playing against righties. Defense not too great, but at least as good as Miggy and the hitting should be improved and we get to give Bell a decent tryout against righties, which he favors. Miggy mashes lefties (career-wise).
Roch,
Any idea what control Buck will have over the roster and personnel decisions? There's got to be some sort of agreement in there, because there' s no reason for someone like Showalter to leave his gig at ESPN and take a job, no less the job of the worst record in baseball?
Great news Roch. I'll follow your advice earlier of "I'm also craving French toast for some unknown reason. And cheesecake." Sounds like a winner to me.
JO
The season is over. Let Bell play every day at 3B. These kids are going to have to learn some time !!!
He can totally have my babies. THAT is how excited I am for this.
For once, I can't wait for the offseason.
So, basically, Andy MacPhail has told the fans, "I will gladly give you a new manager next Tuesday, for the games you watch today (and through the weekend)..."
I'm not sure if Buck has some of "his guys" he wants to bring along with him. If not I have a couple of guys that IMO would be good candidates.
Hitting coach: MILT THOMPSON - Recently fired from the Phillies. Did anybody pick him up yet? If not, I can't imagine him being unemployed very long. Here is the hitting coach for a team that's played in the past 2 World Series', winning 1 of them. One of the best hitting teams in baseball during that time. He obviously knows something about hitting. The Phillies have high expectations and wanted to send a message that their recent struggles were unacceptable... as any organization that takes winning seriously SHOULD do. In the process they left a really attractive hitting coach on the table.
Pitching Coach: MIKE GRIFFIN - Our pitching coach at AAA Norfolk. He has worked closely with this crop of youngsters that we hope will comprise a solid starting rotation for years to come. Every time we send one of these kids down he seems to be able to get them back on track and back up to the show. Time to give this guy a promotion in the hopes that he can help them work out these problems as they occur at the major league level, instead of playing the revolving door game.
Ian kinsler was just placed on the DL for texas great news considering texas is interested in wiggy he can play second while kinslers out!
I like it!!!! Can he pitch ?
If Crowley stays on as hitting coach, it would have all been for nothing. We might as well get Trembley back in the dugout. I can't believe Crowley survives another change of manager. He has 900 lives. I really want to know what kind of dirt he has on Angelos that he is the O's hitting coach forever apparently.
Even the longest journey starts with a single step...
Roch,
Please allow me to post a section of something I submitted earlier today. I think a lot of us were wondering the same thing and now we have some hope again.
The other thing that eats at me is why the FO has not come to an agreement with Showalter. I've seen informed opinions here and other places that the unresolved issues center on control of the team. Let me get this straight: we have a group of under performing prospects that look lost, a team that performs its "Jeckle and Hyde" act on a nightly basis, a farm system that seems to promote players lacking in the basic fundamentals of baseball, a team that so improperly conditioned that it's contributing to injuries, a coaching staff that doesn't seem to have an effective influence on our players, and our FO has unresolved issues about hiring a guy who has a proven track record of fixing those kinds of problems?
I hope in the years to come that we can look on this day as one as important as the day Earl Weaver was hired in 1968.
All same day ticket prices for Tuesday's game should be changed to a "buck".
Amarie, that was funny and strange at the same time. I don't want Buck missing time while he's carrying your babies.
I dont like the idea he has to assume the current coaches for his staff.
Nothing like having three managers in one season!
Buck was probably the least worst option out there. Andy did a good job on this (despite dragging his feet for 6 weeks or so).
Let's hope Tuesday is the day when the ship finally started to right itself.
I foresee a strained oblique in his future...
so much for the oft asserted opinion that Amarie is "not that kind of gal", LOL
" It's not like he's been turning down offers while waiting for the Orioles' job to open up. "
That's gold, Jerry! Pure gold! Er, I mean, Roch.
Any word if there will be any coaching changes or will that wait until off season?
Of what relevance is the timeline, now that the deal is done? The risk was we'd lose our chance at Showalter. What is the 6-week delay at this point, except an out-dated and now-unsubstantiated complaint?
Just so you know - I heard it on 105.7 well before 2pm. During the Cunningham show.
Has it dawned on you that the better coaching talent might already have jobs this season? It's not like you can just pull the best people off of the shelf at Walmart.
Showalter has two months to evaluate the coaching staff. If he's not happy with anyone you'll see new faces next year.
Roch- A couple of weeks ago, I posted to you that I thought ( hoped )that Buck
Showalter would take over as O's manager on April 2 ( an off day, after the
7 game road trip ). I can't believe that it's really going to happen, because
it makes so much sense. In a year that AM got very little right, he's right on
the money with this hire. Buck, a proven winner, has turned 3 teams around, and
been named Manager of the Year twice, in 11 seasons. Roch, the thing I like
best about this hire, is that there will be accountability under Buck. He is a
terrific baseball man, who is always prepared, and demands that his players
also be prepared to play the game, the right way. His team may be out manned,
but they will be ready to play. Personally I don't think that he will make many
( if any ) changes to the coaching staff, during the next 2 months. Buck will
take the time to carefully evaluate the players ( including Sept call ups ),
and the coaches. He will see who fits his system, and who doesn't, and pressure
AM to move accordingly. So on a day,when the team has reached a new low, AM
finally pulled the trigger, and gave the long suffering fan base, something
to get excited about. Welcome to Baltimoe Buck. Hopefully, we will have a good
crowd on hand Tuesday, to support you, as you take the first step in changing a
13 year losing culture.
NickB - I would love to show support that if positive changes occur we'd show up, so buy me a ticket too (Got a baby at home so can't pay for my own tickets for a while).
Roch,
This will be one of those over 100 post times. Now lets trades some of these vets for some future help, weither it is for more future trades, or actually decent minor leaguers that could be major leaguers. Tejeda, Wigginton, Millwood, Lugo, Ohman, Patterson among some others need to be gone. I personally would keep Scott and Guthrie.
That sort of almost sounds like a compliment to McPhail.....you feeling okay today Brummie? :)
Does anyone know who has served on Showalter's staffs other than Dom Wakamatsu who is not likely to be available?
You really are a whiny little fool. Of course your smarmy little backside is hoping Showalter fails because after all, it was an ANDY hiring. Go back in your basement in "berlin" fool.
Him and his boyfriend (iago) are too stupid to see the forest through the trees. They have extreme hatred for MacPhail and will pray every night that Showalter fails because he was hand picked by MacPhail.
We could bring in Pujols, Hanley, A-Rod, etc and they would just pray that the Orioles lost every single night. They're not fans. I'm sure you've realized that by now though...
they must have given Show the control he was looking for. Hope he has enough to fire AM and the rest of the coaching staff, like on Tuesday night.
Good move. This also lets Buck evaluate the coaching staff.
What Sheets? Angelos spending over the market slot for draft prospects? How can this possibly be? After all the whiny little troll(s) in here always talks about how CHEAP the organization is. Of course, now with the Showalter hiring by ANDY, we'll no doubt still read the whining from the basement. All the while still waiting to hear the troll(s) own plan.
Good news! I'm glad they didn't Buck this up.
Thank you, this was my first thought when everyone started screaming that we need new coaches.
I’ve had little to say recently but I applaud this move. It’s not an instant cure and the club still has serious deficiencies, but I see this as giving the club some much-needed credibility and hopefully Showalter kicks the club’s losing mentality to the curb.
Showalter is almost guaranteed to rub some of the current players the wrong way. Good, they need it. Players on a likely 110-loss team should be made uncomfortable.
Maybe, just maybe, hiring Showalter now instead of after the season stops this team’s usual slide into oblivion at this time of year. The season’s a disaster and the losses will keep piling up, but maybe Showalter does not allow them to sleep walk to game 162.
Jack Webb,
Nestor has to get his cronies out here to spread the hate. Schmuck's blog is full of them. The gils ,Waynes, Not Brooks, along with Jack, Brummie and all the aliases are still dogging no matter what is done.
Awesome! Just what the doctor ordered after a trip up North, eh?
This is a huge relief! Wake up O's fans! We're still going to lose alot this year, but watching Buck and his moves this summer and during the offseason will be great! Right before the trade deadline, too. Maybe a good trade is in the works now?
I read Callis' stuff also. Of all the draft picks that have signed so far, only two have received above slot deals, according to BA. I take this as a good sign, that the O's actually drafted players who are worth more than MLB's stupid slot amounts.
When Juan took over as interim coach was it under his old contract at his old pay? How about Allenson moving up? Wonder which is the odd man out on Tuesday
regardless who the manager is, without the right players, it will not prevail, the stars is not the ones who wins day in and day out. it is the players in between. WELL, the well hyped players before arriving in Baltimore, is not playing up to all the high expectations, placed on them, maybe the hype has put to much pressure, do not know. no need to name the players, all know who they are,
I agree, not many proved players want to come to Baltimore.
However there is one bright spot. Baltimore will have the number 1 pick next year. then signing them.
Good hire, Buck has shown he knows how to right a ship. Now its up to MacPhail & Angelos to stay out of his way. There is still tons to do.
Hey Roch,As I figured,the blog is really rochin with this news.Man we get to blow your blog up til Tuesday.Another good move for AM. Let Buck clean house,coaches and players.Let no one be safe.Let's fill the seats on Tuesday.I am making my plans now. GO O'S
Does this mean that you have officially been eliminated from consideration for the O's managers job Roch?
We've waited so long for this happy news that Buck now goes by a new name: Buck Ninety-Nine.
I'm a happy man.
Buck will bring pride back to the Baltimore Orioles.
This is great news! I hope it doesn't leave Gary Allenson out of a job -- he is a sharp baseball man.
As always, Roch, thanks for the amazing coverage you give us. It's been a lot of years since I lived near Baltimore, but a quick read through your blog every day keeps me on top of everything Oriole.
ESPN is reporting that the Baltimore Orioles have signed Sammy Sosa (yeah, that Sammy Sosa) as our new hitting coach. He accepted the position and begins Thursday, August 19th at home against Texas.
Letting it sink-in...
I'd like to thank Terry Crowley for all of his years of service with the team, even if he didn't get us good results in recent years.
You didn't really believe that about Sosa, did you? :-)
Good luck to Buck! I hope that he's a class act who holds our players and coaches accountable.
--Joe in HdG
I thought Chris Hoiles should have been manager
Stop your perpetual whining Paul. It would be very difficult to put tofgether a coaching staff on August 1st. Likely most of the guys Buck would like to bring in are employed elsewhere, like Brian Butterfield the third base coach for the Jays.
Behold the power of a good breakfast! French toast and cheesecake
Showalter rebuilt the Yankees into what they are today - but he could do that only because Steinbrenner was on suspension from baseball.
When PA fired Davey Johnson the msg was unmistakeable:
Do as I say, winning is not important.
So, now we have a mediocre unaccountable organization (firing Trembley was just theatre).
Unless PA let's Showalter run this (MacFail has demonstrated he can't) then hiring Bucky will be wasted.
Showalter In; Now What? http://bit.ly/dw3fBP
Your illogic is impossible to follow. That's the sort of nonsense I expect to see written in feces on the walls of an insane person's loft.
Welcome back! Miss your insight!
I'm about 4hrs late, but I'M HAPPY!! I have no idea what this hiring means for the team moving forward, but like you said in an earlier post no Toronto until Sep!
Roch- Earlier I posted that a couple of weeks ago, I blogged to you that
Buck Showalter would take over as O's manager on April 2 ( an off day, after
the 7 day road trip ). Obviously, it should have been August 2. I guess I was
so excited that AM finally pulled the trigger on this, that I posted the
wrong date. The french toast is going to taste a lot better tomorrow.