BALTIMORE—Buck Showalter entered the final series of the Orioles’ season not knowing if these four games will mark the end of his eight-plus-year managerial tenure.
There has been speculation about Showalter’s future all season long, and as this disappointing year winds down, the chatter has become louder.
Not only is Showalter’s contract up, but so is Dan Duquette’s. The Orioles’ executive vice president of baseball operations has declined to address reports that he’ll be back — and that Showalter won’t.
When Duquette was asked about those reports last Friday at Yankee Stadium, he said Orioles ownership would make those decisions when the season ended.
Showalter was visibly uncomfortable when asked about his contractual status, deflecting the attention to Adam Jones, whose contract is expiring.
“I think about Adam a lot,” Showalter said. “It’s more from their perspective for me. Whatever stuff like that, we all have some private thoughts and emotions about that. I don’t think it serves the organization well for me to be worried about that right now. We’ve got some things to do these last four games.”
The Orioles are 46-112, and are finishing the season against the American League West champion Houston Astros at home.
Showalter said that he’s not upset that he hasn’t been told anything about his future.
“I shouldn’t know,” Showalter said. “I’ve got a contract through the end of … October. Nobody needs to or has to do that. There’s a lot of people in this world like that. Who am I? It is that important? No.”
Showalter, who has a record of 668-681 with the Orioles, has managed the team since August 2010. The Orioles reached the postseason in 2012, 2014 and 2016, but this season they’ve had not only the worst record in baseball but the worst in franchise history.
The uncertainty doesn’t bother the 62-year-old, who has managed the second-most games in team history.
“It won’t be difficult,” Showalter said. “In the whole scheme of life, it shouldn’t be. Shame on me if it is. Do you know how good they’ve been to me? I’m not ever going to forget that, regardless of what happens.”
Orioles-Astros postponed
The Orioles’ game with the Astros scheduled for Thursday night was postponed by rain. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader Saturday, beginning at 4:05 p.m. It’s the Orioles’ eighth rainout of the season.
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I have thought this over. DD goes, Buck goes upstairs to GM. Who will want to manage a rebuilding team is anyone’s guess. Maybe Russell. Coaches stay except pitching and hitting coaches.
I would be very surprised if this scenario played out, PA.
A little blasse on Buck's part. Thought he'd at least say--"it's out of my control,been great,would love to stay". Suppose he's just being his usual brazen self. Disagree about who would want to manage a rebuild. Managing in MLB would be a dream come true(unless you're Girardi). A lot of people will jump at the opportunity. If he's not coming back I hope they have the decency to announce it before Sunday's game so he can get the powerful,loving farewell he deserves.
Orial, he’s not being brazen or blasé. He’s just trying not to make it about himself.
It’s a shame to not keep Buck in organization. Still haven’t heard a better replacement.
Many fans agree with you, deqalt.
I’m conflicted about Buck. The loyalist in me appreciates the winning culture that he brought back to Baltimore, the pragmatist feels that it is time for a change. Not sure if Buck fits in a GM role if he is kept around. Maybe a President title who brings in some fresh baseball minds. Would love to see DD go - never trusted him after the whole Toronto charade. The thing that scares me is who the Angelos boys might bring in.
The next several weeks will be fascinating, 5Hero.
The fact that the Gausman & O'Day trade was more of a salary dump than an attempt to get
top prospects from the prospect rich Braves' organization scares me. The Angelos boys might be more interested in cutting payroll and making $ than winning.
Victor...That’s the way I read that deal. I think they are in it for themselves.
Victor, there will be plenty of time to judge the trades. It’s way too soon.
I suppose I'm naive and it's about the money, but why do they have to make up rainouts on the last weekend when the standings are settled? Do the O's really need to put their loss record further out of reach? Do the Astros need to risk injury on wet fields?
It’s not about the money per se, but MLB wants teams to play full 162 game schedules when possible, Will.
In this case, the Astros would like to give abbreviated starts to each of their top four starters.
So let me see if I have this straight. Back to back poor seasons and the organization is considering bringing back the arcitect to those teams? There is NO WAY Duquette should be brought back under any circumstance. 6 years of drafting players and where are we? He has failed in most aspects of running the show. His time is over and bringing him back would be a HUGE mistake.
It will be fascinating to see what happens, DP, and I look forward to reading your take.
Douchette should’ve gone to Toronto!
Orioles fan since I was 5 yrs old up here in NY. I love the Orioles and ordered the MLB package on cable just to watch them since the hiring of Buck Showalter. Watched almost every game and what Buck was able to for the O's. If they don't bring Buck back and want to go back to another 14 years of losing, then I'm not sure I'll be back. O's fans on this site that don't want Buck back seem to have memory loss of what Buck has done and will do again, probably for the Phillies if they do let him go. I got three letters for the Orioles brass. BBB Bring back Buck!!!