masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWhile the Orioles clubhouse may undergo signficant changes with six pending free agents set to hit the market, executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter are expected to remain in their current roles in 2016.
Managing partner Peter G. Angelos attempted today to squelch rumors that changes may be on the horizon.
Asked whether Duquette will stay in the front office and Showalter in the dugout following a .500 season, Angelos replied, “Absolutely yes.”
Duquette and…

While the Orioles clubhouse may undergo signficant changes with six pending free agents set to hit the market, executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter are expected to remain in their current roles in 2016.

Managing partner Peter G. Angelos attempted today to squelch rumors that changes may be on the horizon.

Asked whether Duquette will stay in the front office and Showalter in the dugout following a .500 season, Angelos replied, “Absolutely yes.”

Buck Showalter and Dan Duqette.jpgDuquette and Showalter are signed through the 2018 season after agreeing to extensions in January 2013. Showalter won his third Manager of the Year Award last year and Duquette was named Sporting News Executive of the Year for the second time, as the Orioles reached the American League Championship Series.

Angelos previously refused to let Duquette out of his contract last winter when the Jays pursued him for the role of their team president.

The Orioles won their last five games this year to finish 81-81 and in third place. Meanwhile, reports of friction between Duquette and Showalter gained steam over the final weeks.

“There’s no reason for any change,” Angelos said. “We’re pleased with their performances from the beginning to the present and they will continue until their contracts expire. And once those deals expire, we’ll probably urge them to sign for additional years.”

Angelos also said it remains his intention to re-sign first baseman Chris Davis, who led the majors with 47 home runs and drove in 117 runs. Davis, catcher Matt Wieters, pitcher Wei-Yin Chen, reliever Darren O’Day, outfielder Gerardo Parra and outfielder/infielder Steve Pearce are pending free agents.

The Orioles also need to work on new contracts for their coaches. Pitching coach Dave Wallace seems to bring the most uncertainty, with a few teams checking on his availability. Showalter and Duquette have stated that they hope to keep the staff intact.