How involved is David Rubenstein in Orioles’ decisions? / MAILBAG

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.

Question: Do you have an opinion on David Rubenstein’s ownership style?
1.) Does he get involved in the details?
2.) Does he take a seat in the back of the room and just listen and only offer an opinion when asked?
or
3.) Does he stay out of the room and wait for someone to tell him he’s needed? From: John Hall

Answer: John, I don’t think I can summarize David Rubenstein’s ownership style as succinctly as you’d like. He is an extremely busy person, and owning the Orioles isn’t the only thing he does. He remains involved in the Carlyle Group, the investment banking firm he co-founded as well as a number of philanthropic activities.

I’m certain that every important business decision is run past him and he offers opinions freely, but he has total confidence in Mike Elias’ ability to run the ballclub.

Question: The Oriole’s swoon contemporaneously coincides with the devastating loss of Jordan Westburg. No recent mention has been made about his ETA back in the lineup. What is his status as I feel his absence is germane to the O’s present lackluster offense approach and seeming somnolence on the field? From: Brad Baker, Easton, Maryland

Answer: Brad, Mike Elias discussed Westburg, among other topics before last Saturday’s game in Tampa Bay. Westburg’s absence because of a broken right hand has certainly had a negative effect on the Orioles’ performance.

“We’re still optimistic we’ll get him back before the end of the regular season,” Elias said. “It’s a bone, and it’s got to heal, and then we’ve got to do some buildup for the muscle and get him back playing baseball. We think there’s still time, but look, anybody who gets injured right about now, it’s kind of a close call. Our plan is to have him back before the end of the regular season.”