First, the following item isn't a guaranteed fact. It's a rumor, but did appear on ESPN's rumor board, and certainly has the stench of truth...
This one was to be a 7-for-2, with the O's giving up 2B Brian Roberts and SP Erik Bedard to the Cubs. The other players involved are never named, and it's just as well, as it's being reported Angelos vetoed the trade. Piniella is now telling the papers that he doubts there'll be any trade for Roberts (thanks for letting us go through the motions, though, Pete).
Wasn't this exactly what we were told wasn't going to happen anymore, with MacPhail being left to run the show? Wasn't Angelos supposed to step aside and let the rebuilding begin? Hadn't he learned his lessons, and now was gonna let a baseball man have a wack?
Lies, it looks like. Roberts, as a "fan favorite," appears untouchable for some crazy reason (it's not like he'll still be any good next time the O's are in contention - which, the way things are going, is never). Bedard will be given his chance to walk away from this dysfunctional franchise - god forbid we should try to get anything of real value for him while the possibility exists.
And personally, I'm hoping MacPhail walks away too - not because I think he's a lousy GM (although there's that), but because it sounds like he was taken in as well... and the impression he gave is he wouldn't stand for the usual interference that all other O's GMs have had to put up with from Pete the Destroyer.
So Andy, walk away. Your greatest skill - talent evaluation - is exactly what we need, but what good will it do if you can't trade for any of the young guys on your radar? How can you help us if Angelos is hell-bent on keeping all his favorites from yesteryear, the golden days of 70-win teams?
I used to hope Angelos might learn over his years of ownership, sort of like Steinbrenner started out as impossible, but reined it in just enough to let the smart people around him do what they do best. MacPhail walking, this sort of shock to the system, I'd naively hope, could set him straight... or at least straighter. That'd keep me going - and rooting for the worst possible news, something to break the spell.
Now, it looks like Angelos is never going to get the message. Whether he's just too stubborn, or stupid, or wants to insert himself everywhere so he can glory-hog any victories, I don't know. I do know he's not changing, I'd never work for his organization, and a number of fans are talking boycott (my Dad included, which I never thought I'd see). There's no reason to root for anything anymore. Might as well cheer for seemingly decent people to escape this hell. Out, MacPhail, for your own good.
Angelos is adamant he won't sell; we've basically got to wait for his death, and then wait another decade until his progeny feel more like having the money from a sale instead of the scorn of a city.
Go ahead Pirates, set that record for most consecutive losing seasons; we'll be right behind, just waiting to catch you once the stink of Littlefield is washed from your franchise. The stink of Angelos will still be clinging to ours.
