Ferreira and Blakeley among possible front office hires

I'm hearing that the Orioles could announce more hires in the front office tomorrow, one day before baseball's Winter Meetings begin in Dallas. The restructuring continues, just as Dan Duquette promised after being hired as executive vice president of baseball operations. According to multiple reports, the Orioles have hired former Phillies general manager Lee Thomas as an assistant to Duquette. A deal apparently was reached earlier this week. Another possible hire is Fred Ferreira as international scouting director, which could lead to David Stockstill being reassigned within the organization. Ferreira formerly scouted for the Cardinals and Angels, and he worked as director of international operations for the Yankees, Expos and Marlins. Ferreira is credited with signing Vladimir Guerrero, Bernie Williams, Orlando Cabrera, Jose Vidro and Roberto Kelly, among others. He also signed current Orioles right-hander Rick VandenHurk. According to various stories, Ferreira is a special advisor to the director of baseball operations Australia and a senior advisor for Xtreme Line Baseball Academy. You can read up on him here. Also, I've heard that the Orioles hired Gordon Blakeley as a special assistant, though I haven't gotten a firm confirmation. He was definitely a leading candidate and is expected to join the front office, but I'm leaving myself a little wiggle room here until the club makes an announcement. Blakeley is a special assistant to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and has worked in their organization for 20 years. The Orioles clearly aren't going for a youth movement in the front office, but we're talking about some impressive resumes and track records. Anyway, that's what I've heard. Perhaps the Orioles will offer a confirmation tomorrow - after my 4:30 a.m. wake-up and drive to the airport.