Three front-runners emerged in the Orioles' general manager search this weekend, and though one published report said the team is close to hiring former Chicago White Sox GM Ron Schueler, owner Peter Angelos said yesterday, "A decision has not been reached."
Former Montreal Expos GM Jim Beattie and Orioles broadcaster Mike Flanagan remain in the running, club officials said yesterday.
Though Angelos hasn't tipped his hand, speculation around the team indicates he is leaning toward hiring Schueler or Beattie to replace vice president of baseball operations Syd Thrift, with Flanagan assuming another top position within the front office.
Though not ruling out Flanagan for Thrift's role, Angelos is said to prefer Schueler or Beattie because the owner believes the complexities of that job require vast experience.
Despite serving as pitching coach and a key consultant to Angelos over the past eight years, Flanagan has never held a front office position.
Angelos, who would not discuss specifics, said an announcement might not come until next week, with a second round of interviews still possible and this week shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Orioles also have interviewed Detroit Tigers assistant GM Al Avila, Arizona Diamondbacks assistant GM Sandy Johnson, Seattle Mariners vice president of scouting and player development Roger Jongewaard and Milwaukee Brewers special assignment scout David Wilder.
Despite speculation, it might be premature to call Schueler, Beattie and Flanagan finalists for the position, because the Orioles haven't officially narrowed their search.
All three are former major- league pitchers who have interviewed for front office positions with the Boston Red Sox this fall.
Here's how sources close to the team assessed the three men's chances:
Ron Schueler
Odds of landing the job: 2-1
Background: Schueler, 54, spent 10 years as the White Sox GM, moving into a vice president's special consultant's role after the 2000 season. Under his direction, the White Sox won two division titles and finished second six times. He resigned in September.
In July 1997, Schueler orchestrated the "White Flag" trade that sent veteran pitchers Wilson Alvarez, Roberto Hernandez and Danny Darwin to the San Francisco Giants for five unproven young players. Chicago trailed the first-place Cleveland Indians by just 3 1/2 games at the time and White Sox fans were furious, but that trade eventually paid big dividends, producing pitchers Keith Foulke, Bob Howry and Lorenzo Barcelo.
In the lowlight of Schueler's tenure in Chicago, he traded Sammy Sosa to the Cubs for George Bell in 1992.
On its Web site, The Sporting News said the Orioles were close to hiring Schueler this weekend, but Angelos dismissed that report yesterday. Schueler did not return phone calls.
Strengths: His track record. In 2000, Baseball America named the White Sox its organization of the year. Current White Sox GM Kenny Williams and Los Angeles Dodgers GM Dan Evans blossomed under Schueler's tutelage.
Weaknesses: Schueler is not an administrative specialist, so he would need a proven assistant. And the White Sox never won a playoff series under Schueler, despite posting a .527 winning percentage.
Why he would help the Orioles: Schueler had a terrific working relationship with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and would seem a good fit to work with Angelos, another hands-on owner.
Jim Beattie
Odds of landing the job: 3-1
Background: Beattie, 48, was Expos GM from 1995 to 2001, and during his tenure there, management kept the payroll from $15 million to $35 million.
Under those difficult financial constraints, Beattie was forced to deal Pedro Martinez after he won the Cy Young Award in 1997. But Beattie also found a way to keep budding superstar Vladimir Guerrero, signing him to a long-term contract.
Beattie resigned after the 2001 season, in part because his Canadian working visa was about to expire and he wanted to keep his children in English-speaking schools. So he returned to his home in Hanover, N.H., turned down the chance to be the athletic director at Dartmouth, his alma mater, and later rejoined the Expos as a scout.
With two children now attending prep school in Massachusetts and his wife working there as a part-time teacher, Beattie said, "I'm more comfortable that I can go back to being a general manager."
Strengths: After graduating from Dartmouth, Beattie received his MBA from the University of Washington. He is said to be well-organized, which helped him run the Seattle Mariners farm system from 1989 to 1995.
Weaknesses: Beattie didn't have much of a scouting background until this past season, when he worked as a special assistant to Expos GM Omar Minaya.
Why he would help the Orioles: With their farm system in shambles, the Orioles could count on Beattie to fix it, based on his track record with Seattle and Montreal.
Mike Flanagan
Odds of landing the job: 5-1
Background: Flanagan, who turns 51 next month, was considered the in-house favorite to replace Thrift until Angelos opened the interview process to external candidates.
"I'm flattered to still be in the mix," Flanagan said yesterday. "I've always cared about what's happening to the Orioles and always will."
After pitching 17 years with the Orioles, Flanagan served as their pitching coach in 1995 and 1998. He has spent six of the past seven years as an Orioles broadcaster, and, during that time, Angelos has routinely gone to him for advice, grooming him for an eventual front office role.
Former Orioles president Larry Lucchino spent two days interviewing Flanagan for a front office position with the Red Sox this month. Lucchino said he had initial concerns about Flanagan's lack of experience but said Flanagan is "off the charts with respect to other standards."
Strengths: Flanagan is an innovative thinker and natural communicator itching for the chance to lead. He already has a terrific working relationship with Angelos.
Weaknesses: He has no front office experience and has never faced the scrutiny that accompanies a major trade or free-agent signing.
Why he would help the Orioles: He has widespread support from the clubhouse to the warehouse, which would make for a smooth transition. His popularity adds to the appeal.