In a vacuum, it’s difficult to comprehend the level of optimism in Baltimore right now. When the Orioles dreadful 2018 season came to a close, a stench of failure and uncertainty emitted from the organization. After only a few months, and even fewer changes, things still seem to be looking up.
The writing appeared to be on the wall regarding Buck Showalter’s position down the stretch, but it wasn’t as clear what the Orioles would do with Dan Duquette and his expiring contract. When the Orioles announced they would be moving on from Duquette, there was suddenly reason to believe that changes were coming in Baltimore.