As we head into the second half of the 2006 season ? I know, I know, we?re already past the 81-game mark, but humor me ? there are a number of Oriole-related success stories local fans can seize upon if they?re not totally obsessed with another sub-.500 season.
In the National League, the Cincinnati Reds continue to hang onto second place in the Central Division. The Reds are managed by Jerry Narron, who was a coach for the Orioles under Johnny Oates 1992-94, and followed Oates to Texas where he eventually replaced him as manager. Narron seems cut from the same mold as Oates, an undeniably fair, total straight shooter as a man and a manager. I still believe the biggest mistake the current ownership made was firing Oates in the fall of 1994. The Orioles were 63-49 when the strike hit, wiping out the rest of the season. They were in contention for both the division title and a wild card spot when the players walked. For that you make a change? Anyway, Narron was just rewarded with a contract extension by the Reds? new ownership.
Just behind the Reds in that NL Central Race are the Milwaukee Brewers, whose GM is former Oriole executive Doug Melvin. Doug, whose departure from Charm City almost coincided with Oates? ? the difference was that Doug was hired as Rangers? General Manager ? is dealing with a new owner in Milwaukee ? Mark Attanasio ? who knows there are no quick fixes. Hence, he?s given Doug the autonomy he needs to build a contender, and so far, things seem to be on the right track.
Over in the NL West ? a division that should go down to the wire ? the Colorado Rockies are in fourth place, but only three-and-a-half games behind the first place Padres. Another former Oriole exec, Dan O?Dowd, is GM there. He?s benefited from playing in a weak division, to be sure, but I suspect he?ll take a playoff slot even if he finishes under .500.
Just a game-and-a-half behind the Rockies are the Arizona Diamondbacks, managed by another former Oriole named Melvin, ex-backup catcher Bob. Bob Melvin, like Narron, was just given a contract extension. He played for Frank Robinson and Oates in Baltimore 1989-91. Melvin finished under .500 last year, but as I said, this year?s NL West race in a nail biter so far.
Oriole connections on American League contenders at the halfway mark would be the obvious ones, Mike Mussina in New York and Jamie Moyer in Seattle. I tend to think there will be more fans secretly rooting for the soft toss specialist out west than their former ace in the Bronx. Just a guess, mind you.
There may be other contenders worth watching for their local connections between now and the trading deadline at month?s end. I still think the Orioles will be sellers rather than buyers this month. We?ll know soon enough.
Listen to Phil Wood every Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN Radio 1300.
