Back at FanFest in January, a fan asked Mike Elias what kind of goals he had as far as the Orioles winning games in 2019. His response included a phrase that has stuck with me as the O’s have failed their way through the season: “I don’t want to place undue emphasis on something that’s not strategically relevant.” That’s what he said.
Elias was not wrong to say that. The Orioles were never going to be good this season. Nothing he could do could change that fact. This problem has no quick solution. Even knowing that was his philosophy, there have been times where it’s been almost a shock to see it in action.