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Approve. "@Buster_ESPN: The Orioles started gathering names of GM candidates in September and Tony LaCava has been among first discussed."

Wo1verine wrote:He should hold off and go somewhere else

Whenever a GM leaves, the question inevitably asked is: Who will replace him? There is a long list of potential replacements: Ben Cherington (BOS), Jerry DiPoto (ARI), David Forst (OAK), Rick Hahn (CWS), Matt Klentak (BAL), Tony LaCava (TOR), Thad Levine (TEX), Bryan Minniti (WSH) and John Ricco (NYM). This is not an exhaustive list by any means. LaCava and Klentak are the two names that immediately stick out. LaCava jumps out because I think he would make the best GM of the group, and Klentak sticks out because he is the natural choice.

Tony LaCava could easily be the most likable person in Baseball. In my short time with the Toronto Blue Jays, Tony wowed me with how approachable he was, even to a lowly intern. On top of his humility he is truly a brilliant baseball mind with a background second to none in scouting and player development and an open mind to advanced statistics. In an age where most GMs (and brain trusts) understand the value of advanced metrics, the competitive edge in baseball seems to be moving back towards effective player development. Additionally, a GM’s ability to create and maintain relationships with other GMs is a skill that is often overlooked when discussing General Managers, and is paramount to their ability to negotiate successfully. LaCava excels at these aforementioned skills and any franchise would be lucky to have him calling the shots. Not only does he live in nearby (closer than Toronto) Pittsburgh, but he also has eight years of experience in the AL East. Unfortunately, Baltimore is not a very attractive location for a new GM (especially with the current playoff structure).

The Orioles are in a division with three of the top five teams in baseball, and the Blue Jays will be ready to contend in a couple years. To make matters worse, Peter Angelos has been labeled as a bad owner. Whether he has been wrongfully labeled or not, it will be difficult for prospective GMs to see past his reputation.

The fact that the Orioles will have some difficulty attracting outside suitors makes hiring from within all the more probable. The next man in line for Baltimore is Matt Klentak, who is, in his own right, very qualified to take over as GM. Klentak grew up rooting for Cal Ripken and the O’s, and has been working as assistant GM for the Orioles for the last four years. His years working for MLB have made him an expert on the current Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as a formidable force on contracts.

SD VP of Baseball Operations Josh Byrnes
TB Senior VP of Baseball Operations Gerry Hunsicker
NYM Special Assistant JP Ricciardi
TX Asst. GM Thad Levine
TOR Asst. GM Tony LaCava
FLA Asst. GM Dan Jennings