Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail is "stepping down ... after four-plus years at the helm,” according to a source cited by Dan Connolly of the Baltimore SUN. A source said that MacPhail is leaving “to tend to family and personal obligations.” MacPhail “brought steady professionalism and an impressive lineage to the Orioles, but he did little to improve their fate” in the AL East. When he took the position, MacPhail “made a point that he would be the person who ultimately would be responsible for the club's successes or failures.” During his time in Baltimore, he consistently stated that he "never felt like he had a lack of authority in baseball decisions, though he continually kept [Orioles Owner Peter] Angelos in the loop” (BALTIMORE SUN, 10/9). Connolly noted MacPhail’s contract “expires at the end of the month.” But “don’t expect him to stick around that long.” MacPhail said that he will “be in the office ‘sporadically,’ to get his belongings, tie up loose ends and to help put the final touches on the season report to ownership.” He said the reason he did not seek a contract extension "boils down to time." MacPhail: "It’s not something that’s in great supply. ... I didn’t feel I could devote 100 percent to this job that you need to today, at least not at the present time.” But Connolly noted he “didn’t rule out returning to baseball at some point, somewhere.” MacPhail: “My wife has made it clear that this isn’t forever, my being home. I’m too young to (officially) retire. But I really do need the time, and it’s good to get a break. Sometimes you need time for reflection" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 10/8). MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli noted the “news is hardly unexpected but still brings a state of flux to an organization in the midst of 14 consecutive losing seasons” (MLB.com, 10/8). Meanwhile, a source said that manager Buck Showalter “seriously contemplated a move to the president post, but Showalter and Angelos agreed that the club would be best served with Showalter managing the Orioles” (Baltimore SUN, 10/9).
