Things the Orioles are NOT Willing to Talk About

A rumor made the rounds last week (I refuse to call a Tweet “a report”) that the Orioles are willing to talk to potential suitors about Kevin Gausman. This wasn’t some hack like me saying it. This was Buster Olney.

The Orioles appear to be willing to talk about former first-round pick Kevin Gausman in possible trades,as they look for ways to get better.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 22, 2015

Naturally, the Orioles Twitterverse exploded. Very few fans want to even consider the possibility of moving Gausman, as he’s the closest thing to a sure thing we’ve got. The pitcher may have been yo-yo’ed, and roughed up a bit in his young career, but his potential is still high enough that many consider him one of the organization’s “untouchables.”

But… come on. You can’t not think about it. At least, not when you’re paid to make the baseball decisions for the Baltimore Orioles. If Kevin Gausman is an asset, it makes sense to at least understand what value that asset has, and what return it might bring.

The way it was phrased made the resulting outrage seem silly. Of course they’re willing to talk about it, but the conversation, I bet, is a short one.

What then, are the Orioles not willing to talk about?

1. Jeffrey Maier

No, seriously, this is a sore subject. That kid ruined everything. Everything.

2. Bill Ripken’s Most Famous Moment

Ripken is a magic word in Baltimore, but sometimes Bill failed to hold up to the brand name.  Billy had a particularly unique incident on his 1989 Fleer card where he picked up a practice bat that had written on it, “F— Face”.  The Orioles remember the Ripken family fondly, but Billy is often ignored for what he was as a …… utility infielder?

3.  MASN Legal Dispute 

Most of the information has trickled out from court proceedings.  However, the Orioles have remained tight lipped and not addressed the topic publicly.  If you want some of the messy details, they can be found here.

4.  Amateur and International Draft Success

The Orioles for many years now have been at the bottom of the league at converting amateur and/or international signings into major league talent.  However, the Orioles are never willing to admit defeat in terms of the development of their players.  Fans wouldn’t mind it so much if they’d just admit they made a mistake.  However, talking around the topic makes fans feel as if they are indifferent to success long term.

5.  The Dark Era (1998-2011)

When you watch clips that the Orioles use in the stadium, there is a conspicuous lapse of coverage during the 2000’s.  With great players on the team such as Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora, and Miguel Tejada, it would be assumed the Orioles would at least tip the cap to this generation.  However, this team has essentially buried a decade of the team’s history in order to not have itself tainted by its memory.