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Dobrow wrote the article, not Freeman. Still, I think the writer has missed the boat when it comes to dragging the Orioles under the bus. Angelos, fodder for every insulting joke you can insert here, has done two things in the last year: Turn over the reigns of the team's fortunes to Andy McPhail, and stay out of the way.
Angelos approved of the Tejada deal, and nodded on the Bedard trade. He authorized the extension of Dave Trembley's contract when McPhail told him that the present skipper of the Orioles was the man to lead the renaissance. And the monster move of the last ten years: Angelos took the advice of his general manager and CUT JAY GIBBONS and his $11 million dollars in guaranteed money before the season started.
The dumping of Gibbons and his worthless long-term prospects sent a loud-and-clear message throughout the organization. I personally feel that if the Orioles had kept Jay Gibbons and his bloated contract on the roster, it would have implied that it's still not about WINNING.....it's about the money.
Shrewd acquisitions by Andy McPhail with the two chips he had to play poker with have reaped HUGE dividends thus far. Adam Jones, Luke Scott, and George Sherrill have had a major impact on the team's performance out of the gate.
By the way, the Pirates and Royals have fallen on extended hard times, too. And those organizations have very proud traditions that have been sullied by inept ownership......it's not just the Orioles. Here's hoping the tide is turning.
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