MASN: Orioles counting on returnees and reinforcements to reach next level

https://www.masnspor...each-next-level

Elias had previously estimated Means returning in mid June.  
He says July / August here.

MASN: Orioles counting on returnees and reinforcements to reach next level

https://www.masnspor...each-next-level

 

 

Elias had previously estimated Means returning in mid June.  
He says July / August here.

Did he really say mid-June before?  I don't recall reading about that and it seems aggressive of a timeline which is definitely not Elias' style.  Though mid-June isn't all that far off from July, so may just have been a positive spin at the time and more tempered expectations now.

MASN: Orioles counting on returnees and reinforcements to reach next level

https://www.masnspor...each-next-level

 

 

Elias had previously estimated Means returning in mid June.  
He says July / August here.

I think the article is actually pretty good and reasonable.  Had Elias made these comments back in October, people would not be as aggravated.  My advice to the man that knows everything, would be dream big, and stop whining about the division.  Act like you expect to win the division, and don't make excuses before even one game is played.

The Means timeline surprised me too.  It makes sense though.

“We’re in the mode now where we are very serious about getting into the playoffs despite the difficulties in our division,” 

Sorry Elias but your offseason moves don't say anything close to "very serious" to me.

MASN: Orioles counting on returnees and reinforcements to reach next level

Translation:  We didn't sign anybody.

“We’re in the mode now where we are very serious about getting into the playoffs despite the difficulties in our division,”


Sorry Elias but your offseason moves don't say anything close to "very serious" to me.

Did he really say mid-June before?  I don't recall reading about that and it seems aggressive of a timeline which is definitely not Elias' style.  Though mid-June isn't all that far off from July, so may just have been a positive spin at the time and more tempered expectations now.

At some point he said a few weeks before the AS break was his expectation. 

“This is a baseball town, we’ve been down on our luck for the last several seasons while we’ve been rebuilding,
 

Oh now I see. That historic stretch of losing was just bad luck and not the result of intentionally fielding awful teams. Well that changes everything.

I am done complaining about the off season, mainly because I think this team will be competitive and has a pretty good chance to compete and maybe make the playoffs. 

I have a suspicion, that Elias accomplished exactly what he wanted this off season.    I think last years success caught him by surprise and he is still following the plan he put in place.  

Stop saying the division is a big challenge that hinders your team. Be the team that makes the division a challenge for others. 

I have a suspicion, that elias accomplished exactly what he wanted this off season.    I think last years success caught him by surprise and he is still following the plan he put in place.  

That is deflating if true. But based on actions, I think you are very likely right. This is strictly a developmental year, according to The Plan drawn up in November of 2018, and we must never deviate, no matter the outcomes. Winning is not supposed to matter in 2023.

Stop saying the division is a big challenge that hinders your team. Be the team that makes the division a challenge for others. 

They once famously said they want to emulate the Rays (despite spending nearly half what Tampa does on payroll, but I digress). Does the Rays management constantly mention the division like this as a means to subtly lower fan expectations? If so, they are really doing a terrible job of it by making the playoffs so regularly.

“We’re in the mode now where we are very serious about getting into the playoffs despite the difficulties in our division,” 

 

 

I think Elias should tell the truth - this should be: "despite the difficulties in our ownership."  I like to think that Mike doesn't prefer 2nd hand shopping, he dresses nicely and seems to have good taste, I don't think he goes to 2nd Ave to buy his attire.  I believe that if he was given a larger budget (say 200 - 250 million) that he would be ecstatic, and we would see more top tier FA signings. 

I really hope the Angelos family sells this team soon. 

 

“This is a baseball town, we’ve been down on our luck for the last several seasons while we’ve been rebuilding,
 

 

Oh now I see. That historic stretch of losing was just bad luck and not the result of intentionally fielding awful teams. Well that changes everything.

That Elias quote is so epically stupid, I have a hard time finding words.

I questioned whether he'd accept the transition, but he's going full lap dog at this point.

That Elias quote is so epically stupid, I have a hard time finding words.

 

I questioned whether he'd accept the transition, but he's going full lap dog at this point.

It really is a ridiculous thing to say. But Peter has always liked to use bad luck as an excuse. I'm sure John adopted that and told Elias how well "bad luck" works with the fans. 

I think "down on our luck" is more a phrase that Elias saying the Orioles were unlucky and that is the reason we stunk for 4 years.  

I think we are looking for reasons to be critical.

I think "down on our luck" is more a phrase that Elias saying the Orioles were unlucky and that is the reason we stunk for 4 years.  

I think we are looking for reasons to be critical.

Agree.

Also, I don't really care what he says.  Positive or negative, his comments aren't going to shift my opinions of the efforts being made by management.

I think "down on our luck" is more a phrase that Elias saying the Orioles were unlucky and that is the reason we stunk for 4 years.
I think we are looking for reasons to be critical.

I think "down on our luck" is more a phrase that Elias saying the Orioles were unlucky and that is the reason we stunk for 4 years.  

I think we are looking for reasons to be critical.

Or better yet, he should stop "phrasing things" since he's so bad at it. 

I think people would be a lot happier (or less unhappy) if they ignored whatever he says, and that pretty much goes for most GMs in any sport. That’s mostly what I’ve been trying to do. None of the words affect the on field product, he will do whatever he’s going to do regardless of what he’s said.

There's a significant difference between GM speak, and actual statements. I didn't wake up this morning and think, I hope Elias says something so that I can criticize him for it. The guy says ridiculous stuff, and eventually walks it back.