The oh-so bizarre situation that unfolded over the weekend here in Birdland was one heck of a head-scratcher, that's for sure. We know Cal Ripken Jr. (left, photo by The Baltimore Sun) discussed joining the Orioles front office with Peter Angelos, but we're still trying to figure out exactly what was said in those private conversations.
Does Ripken, an Orioles icon and baseball's Ironman, really want to put his sterling reputation at risk by pitching in to help clean up this mess? Was Angelos, the owner and maybe Baltimore's most hated man, stubborn enough to turn him down?
The question that popped into my head: Do these two guys really think the Orioles are close enough to a return to prominence to merit a serious discussion on the matter?
OK, I'm kidding. We know the struggling O's are already close to being eliminated from playoff contention, but they can still win games and make positive strides this season.
Bringing Ripken on board now can only help.
And I'm not talking about a front office role here.
Give this man cleats, a mitt and a gray Baltimore jersey and make him the only player-manager in the majors.
Seriously, what do the Orioles have to lose?
I know Ripken is 49 and that he retired nine seasons ago, but look at the recent success of Brett Favre, the NFL's most talented granddad, and Chris Chelios, who just finished up his 26th NHL season. Those two oldheads are still going strong in their forties, so why couldn't Cal? You've got to figure Ripken, a .276 career hitter, would at least be an offensive upgrade over Cesar Izturis, right?
And think about the goosebumps you would get next week at Camden Yards when Ripken led the 4-15 Orioles out of the clubhouse. Imagine the thunderous ovation he would receive from the standing-room-only crowd. And if he got a hit? Windows would shatter at the Warehouse.
The Orioles wouldn't have to worry about ticket sales anymore. Who wouldn't want to pay those extra dollars at the gate to watch Ripken play in person again?
Plus, it would make for a pretty sweet trivia question if the Orioles set the all-time attendance high at Camden Yards a couple of weeks after they hit rock bottom with 9,129 fans.
The injury issues plaguing the team this season would be gone, too. I can't see an Orioles player with a tweaked groin or a pitcher with a sore shoulder trying to tell his warhorse of a player-manager he needed to sit one out.
And if Ripken can't light a fire under this talented group of underachievers, I'm not sure anyone can. Not even Mr. T.
See, bringing Ripken back is a no-brainer, right?
OK, so maybe I'm being flippant with this whole player-manager thing. And if you actually thought it was a good idea, you could be an idiot. But thinking Ripken can turn the 2010 Orioles around in a shirt and tie is just as ridiculous as thinking he could do it in a baseball uniform.
And if Ripken does make his triumphant return to the Orioles, be sure to keep the expectations to a minimum.
Ripken can't fix the mess being made this season. No one person can alone. Well, except for a spiritual healer, maybe (considering the way things have gone for these Orioles so far, you have to wonder if they are cursed).
If Ripken joins Orioles management, he can use his endless baseball knowledge in a player development role. What prospect wouldn't learn something from an all-time great who was as tough as nails?
But the imminent resurgence Ripken and Angelos may or may not have talked about won't be happening this season, regardless of what shakes out in this awkward situation.
Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. Follow him on Twitter, @mattvensel.