On December 7, the day before baseball’s Winter Meetings, a rumor came out that the since Toronto Blue Jays CEO and president Paul Beeston’s contract expired, they needed to fill that role. The top target apparently was Baltimore Orioles President of Baseball Operations, Dan Duquette. This was more complicated than just getting a promotion for Duquette. With four years remaining on his current contract in Baltimore, the Orioles would have to get compensation if they were to let Duquette go. They didn’t want to let him go.
Orioles owner Peter Angelos remained very persistent in not wanting to let him go, and with good reason. Duquette brought baseball back to life in Baltimore. After 15 years of losing baseball, he has had three consecutive winning seasons in his time here. He has also brought two playoff appearances, including the Orioles first division title since 1997. Because of his success, he won two executive of the year awards. The Orioles had great reasons not to just let him go.
Over the past month and half, there have been many, too many, rumors about him leaving. Rumors such as, he’s close to leaving, turmoil in Baltimore, O’s, Jays close to a deal. All these may or may not have been true, but right now, it seems as though this saga finally might be over. A report came out yesterday that the Orioles and Blue Jays have ended negotiations to trade Duquette, after the Blue Jays rejected the Orioles high demands. The Jays didn’t want to give up the three top prospects that the O’s wanted.
Some say because of prior similar situations, the Orioles were asking for too much. I though, think the Orioles, and Peter Angelos handled this situation very well. Your not going to just give up someone who has turned your franchise around, brought the city back to life, has been so successful, and has four years on his contract. Especially, to a division rival. Yes, if you get a promotion, you deserve it. But the way Toronto interfered with the Orioles has been truly disgusting. If it is true that Duquette is staying, the Orioles may very well file tampering charges. I think they should, and if they do, the Blue Jays could get in some trouble.
Even though there might be awkwardness for a while and a sense of betrayal, I’m glad if he stays. He has done a marvelous job in Baltimore. We can’t let him go to a hated rival for nothing. The Orioles were right to ask for high, top prospects, as they had leverage. Three great years have come from Duquette, and hopefully there are four more coming. Now, maybe, the O’s can focus on actually filling needs.