The Baltimore Orioles appear set to undergo sweeping philosophical changes as they embark on a rebuilding process.
On Wednesday, the Orioles announced their trade of Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending months of speculation surrounding the talented shortstop. After Machado declared his intention to test the free agent market following this season, Baltimore was faced with trading him or watching him walk away without getting anything in return for him. The Orioles opted for the former.
The trade of Machado signals the start of what will likely be a painful process for fans to endure: the dreaded rebuild. The Orioles have tried to put off going down this road as long as they could. Now, they seem to be embracing it.
During a conference call following the trade announcement, general manager Dan Duquette spoke of changes within the organization that will accompany the shift towards building for the future. The changes include investing in technology, analytics, scouting, and international free agency.
Dan Duquette: "Today is the start of a rebuilding process. We aim to retool our roster and get our organization back to the competitive stature that we're used to." #Orioles
— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) July 19, 2018
In addition to trading veterans, Dan Duquette said the Orioles' rebuild will include an investment in technology and analytics as well as the international markets.
— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) July 19, 2018
Duquette also mentions rebuilding professional scouting and international scouting staffs as part of this process.
— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) July 19, 2018
Duquette said all the upgrades to analytics, international scouting, facilities, the draft, etc, are part of a longer-term plan that's received ownership commitment. Not just a reaction to start of rebuild.
— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) July 19, 2018
The Orioles have been criticized in the past for consistently turning their back on the international player market, which is an area many other teams have fully embraced for some time now. Ownership had felt those players were not worth an investment.
I've quoted Duquette about it multiple times. It's an ownership philosophy. Not his. Feel too risky to pay a lot of $$ for guys who haven't played here
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) December 12, 2017
Baltimore went from 1998 through 2011 without a postseason appearance. Fans don’t want to go through that kind of drought again. Neither does the team. The Orioles clearly decided if they are going to make the rebuild process as efficient and successful as possible, changes to the philosophy within the organization are needed. That’s a good start.
