masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles just announced contract extensions through the 2018 season for executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter.

The Showalter extension covers five years. He’s set up to become the second-longest tenured manager in club history behind Earl Weaver.

Showalter, 56, became the 17th full-time manager of the Orioles on Aug. 2, 2010 and has led the club to a 196-185 record in 381 regular season games. He guided the Orioles to the American League Division Series in 2012,…The Orioles just announced contract extensions through the 2018 season for executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter.

The Showalter extension covers five years. He’s set up to become the second-longest tenured manager in club history behind Earl Weaver.

Showalter, 56, became the 17th full-time manager of the Orioles on Aug. 2, 2010 and has led the club to a 196-185 record in 381 regular season games. He guided the Orioles to the American League Division Series in 2012, the franchise’s most wins and first playoff appearance since 1997.

Though it was originally believed that Showalter would receive three additional years, the Duquette news is the real shocker. The club didn’t figure to extend him after only one year in the front office, but his contract now runs concurrently with Showalter’s.

The Orioles will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday at the B&O warehouse.

I’m still on the air as “The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report” moves into its second hour, so be sure to check Steve Melewski’s blog for more information on the contract extensions.

Update: Showalter will be calling into “The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report” around 6:45 p.m.