Once it became apparent that Andy MacPhail wouldn't remain with the Orioles as president of baseball operations, Tony LaCava's name began to circulate through Camden Yards and the baseball industry. There's no question that LaCava has made the first draft of potential replacements for MacPhail. From what I've heard, he ranks high on a short list. So who is Tony LaCava? This is a good start, courtesy of baseball-reference.com and the Toronto Blue Jays 2010 media guide. LaCava is 50 and...

The Orioles today announced that Andy MacPhail has elected not to return as President of Baseball Operations for the 2012 season. “On behalf of the Orioles organization, I thank Andy for his service to the club over the last four and a half seasons,” said Orioles Managing Partner Peter Angelos. “Andy’s knowledge and experience have helped lay the groundwork for our future success. I hold...

Andy MacPhail says he's too young to retire. He's not ready to leave baseball for good. But he doesn't anticipate being a part of it next year, and he most certainly won't be in the Orioles' organization. MacPhail said his decision to leave "is really just a function of time." "It's not something you really get much of anymore with these GM jobs," he said in a brief phone interview. "I just thought it was a good time to step back. And there are some other issues." He wouldn't...

Here is the Orioles statement on Andy MacPhail: Andy MacPhail elects not to return as Orioles president of baseball operations The Orioles today announced that Andy MacPhail has elected not to return as President of Baseball Operations for the 2012 season. "On behalf of the Orioles organization, I thank Andy for his service to the club over the last four and a half seasons," said Orioles Managing Partner Peter Angelos. "Andy's knowledge and experience have helped lay the groundwork for...

Now that we know Andy MacPhail is leaving the Orioles, a big project for his successor is to improve the club's minor leagues. When Baseball America released its top prospects lists for the various minor leagues this week, the Orioles, as expected, had fewer prospects making those lists than the other four American League East teams. Not only do the Orioles reside in the cellar in the division in the win-loss record, but they trail the others in player development, too. Some of this is...

The speculation never stops. It just changes partners. We can stop guessing whether Andy MacPhail is going to leave the organization. It was assumed for weeks - he told people close to him - but the delay raised a few doubts. Now it's time to round up the candidates. Grow the arms, buy the bats, hire a replacement after 4 1/2 seasons. It's impossible to know every name that's been discussed and debated. I've floated a few, such as Marlins assistant general manager Dan Jennings and Blue...

FOXsports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal reported a few minutes ago that Andy MacPhail will not return as the Orioles' president of baseball operations. A source tonight confirmed that information to MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko. Rosenthal filed a report via Twitter that read: "Sources: MacPhail out as #Orioles press of bb ops. Will not return in any capacity. Showalter expected to remain mgr; situation fluid." The Orioles have not released any information on this situation...

The fall instructional league ended Saturday, along with Matt Angle's crash course on playing second base. Angle is a plus defender in the outfield, so the Orioles aren't looking to change his position. They just want to expand the ones he can handle. You know how it goes. Angle isn't projected as a regular in left field. His value increases if he can play multiple positions. And second base isn't exactly secured, considering that Brian Roberts still comes down with occasional headaches...

It's that time of the year! No, not fall or football or the closing weeks until Christmas. It's that time of year when men all over put aside their dignity and penchant for not looking like a creepy old guy and do what men do best - grow facial hair. In the mustache world, it's referred to as Movember, and the Nationals' Collin Balester is on board. At the Movember Web site, Balester's profile shows the Nationals pitcher with a mean-looking 'stache, coupled with the tagline of...

Add the Double-A Bowie Baysox to the list of Orioles affiliates who are making available to fans some of their uniform jerseys. Unlike the sales being conducted by the Single-A Frederick Keys and Delmarva Shorebirds, the Eastern League Baysox are conducting an online auction of their black-and-teal alternate jerseys featuring Rocko, the pitching fish. Those jerseys not auctioned off during the final weekend of the regular season are up for bid through Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. Pre-registration for the...