The Orioles Want To Be The Cubs

In case you missed the news earlier today, Tony Soprano wasn't the only Italian whacked this week. We've had our first managerial firing of the season.

Sam Perlozzo has been fired by the Baltimore Orioles.

According to published reports, Sam Perlozzo has just earned the unenviable distinction of being the first major league manager to be fired this year. He lasted less than two seasons on the job, posting a 122-164 record after taking over for Lee Mazzilli late in the 2005 season. Things have gone especially bad this season, with the Orioles riding an eight-game losing streak into sole possession of last place in the AL East. Needless to say, it's not like people didn't see this coming.

Not that any of us should really care about the Orioles or their new manager, but there's a distinct Chicago flavor to what they're doing in Baltimore today.

Why was Perlozzo fired? Well, it's not just the fact that the Orioles suck this year, though it certainly didn't help him any. It's the fact that the Orioles made a hire today as well.

The new COO of the Baltimore Orioles is....drumroll please.....Andy MacPhail!!

Yes, that Andy MacPhail. The same one who oversaw the operations of our very own Chicago Cubs for twelve seasons. Twelve seasons that saw the Cubs go 916-1,011. That was good for 22nd in the Majors during that span. Who was 23rd, right behind the Cubs?

The Orioles at 911-1,014. They're looking to move up in the world in Baltimore!!

It doesn't end there though. Bullpen coach Dave Trembley has been named interim manager in Baltimore, but he might not be in charge very long. That's because the Orioles are very interested in Joe Girardi. Another former Cub who finished second to Lou Piniella for the Cubs job this offseason.

And who wanted to hire Girardi before he "resigned?" Yep, Andy MacPhail.

Personally, if I'm the Orioles, I hire the late Stringer Bell.