Another Cal buying the team story

by Scott Christ on Dec 14, 2006 10:23 PM EST in News & Rumors

dtran2k3 saw this before I did.

The idea would be (in theory) to have a gradual transfer of ownership from Angelos to Ripken and his group of investors. Cal of course has nowhere near the money to outright buy the club, but given that he's CAL RIPKEN, JR., chances are that his voice would be the loudest.

Please happen. All I want for Christmas is you.

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Here's an interesting article from Money that mentions the Chip Mason, Bill Miller, Cal Ripken association. Perhaps this is a basis for the rumor that Mason could be involved (he denies it).

The greatest money manager of our time
Good to see some Baltimore boys with a ton of money "[disappointed] with the Orioles performance". That's an understatement.

This may be Angelos' attempt to curry some favor with a fan base that is increasingly sick and tired of him. Or perhaps it is more. Seems to me I'd take my chances with Mason and Miller.

For now, I'm filing this under "in my dreams". But let's face it, it's a hell of a dream.

If you can't change your situation, then change your attitude

by drj on Dec 14, 2006 10:32 PM EST reply actions

Cal

"For now, I'm filing this under "in my dreams". But let's face it, it's a hell of a dream."

I'll second that although I will say I don't want Cal immediately installing himself as GM if he buys the team. Maybe after he gets his feet wet with FO experience but not immediately.

Big Bird says, "Get Pat the Bat!"

by birdman on Dec 14, 2006 11:05 PM EST reply actions

re:

Honestly I'm not sure I ever want Cal as the GM.

"I don't want any credit. I'm not looking for credit. You know what? I don't want any blame if we're horse shit, either." -- Jim Leyland

by Scott Christ on Dec 15, 2006 4:24 AM EST up reply actions

i second that

plus rosenthal is still a pinhead. i hate that guy.

by exitfare on Dec 15, 2006 8:24 AM EST up reply actions

Jordan

Yeah, we all saw the affects Michael Jordan had. Not that Cal is the Jordan of baseball but you get where I'm heading.

"Hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." Mike Royko.

by BPinOK on Dec 15, 2006 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

Cal

"Honestly I'm not sure I ever want Cal as the GM."

Whatever his title (GM, team president, CEO), isn't the idea that if Cal buys the team he installs himself in a position where he has enormous influence over roster acquisition decisions? Are people cool with this? Just wondering....

Big Bird says, "Get Pat the Bat!"

by birdman on Dec 15, 2006 1:04 PM EST up reply actions

Cool with it

Couldn't be any worse than Angelos so why not? I would like to assume that in a worse case senario, if Cal were a micro managing freak like Pete, he'd at least would have better baseball sense thus make much better management decesions. In theory of course.

"I AM THE GREAT CORNHOLIO! I NEED T.P. FOR MY BUNGHOLE!" - Beavis

by O face on Dec 15, 2006 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

We'd essentially be trading...

Mike Flanagan for Cal. Now, I don't know which one is smarter or better, but I doubt Cal can really be worse than Flanny. He was a better player, that's for sure. Not that that means anything.

by pipkin on Dec 15, 2006 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Media Darling

I think the value of having Cal involved with the team is his status with the media. For the past however many years we've essentially been a laughing stock in the press. Cal might be able to change that around. Hacky sportswriters love a story about All American players like Cal making good well into their retirement and going onto take an ownership role in their beloved hometown team. And I don't mean to sound like I'm saying this is unimportant, because I think changing our image is key in resucitating the franchise.

Now as far as him being involved in actual decisions is concerned, I have no idea. I think he would definitely also help in recruiting free agents though, who would probably respect him a hell of a lot more than your typical franchise owner.

by Jonnypops on Dec 15, 2006 11:24 AM EST reply actions

Cal making decisions

If Ripken were part of an Orioles' ownership group, he likely would want the role of club president -- and a return to the franchise's past foundation of scouting and player development.

Regardless of Cal's ability to make sound decisions in running a team, I think the above quote is the most exciting prospect of him being part owner. I know the Orioles are getting better (not good) with their player development, but I can't see Cal doing anything but strengthening it.

Damn that Ken Rosenthal for making me get my hopes all up!