Looking at leadership on the Orioles

As I watch the National Football League and college teams try to make it through their seasons with the COVID-19 interruptions and rescheduling - Maryland's games against Ohio State and Michigan State have been canceled, for example, as the Terrapins pause all activities - I'm still amazed that Major League Baseball reached the finish line.

I didn't like the chances at the outset and lost the last ounces of faith after the Marlins debacle.

The biggest win recorded at Camden Yards was the implementation of the health protocols that kept everyone safe.

Of course, it only works if people are willing to follow them. The Orioles did a magnificent job.

The topic comes up frequently when players, manager Brandon Hyde, the coaching staff and front office talk about a most unusual and challenging summer.

There are the workouts, games and injuries. But the subject inevitably spins to how the Orioles navigated the pandemic.

I noticed it again last week while I interviewed shortstop José Iglesias about the Orioles picking up his option, his offensive production near the top of the order, and his quadriceps and wrist injuries. Bringing up the "season" led to more praise for the organization.

"It was definitely different," he said. "We started spring training and then we shut it down, and we're creatures of habit. And as you saw around the league, injuries more than usual. But we were able to play the game we love and I think the Baltimore Orioles' staff, the medical staff, the front office and players, we all were able to get it done that way.

"It was very difficult for the front office, it was difficult for the staff, it was difficult for the players. Especially for Brandon. He had to manage not just baseball players, he had to manage a pandemic. Manage a critical situation not just for baseball, but for life. You've got families back home worrying about it.

"I think overall as an organization I couldn't be more proud of the job that the staff did to keep us healthy. (Head athletic trainer) Brian Ebel was amazing, the whole staff. Mike (Elias) was always connected with the staff and everybody. The players were very responsible, wearing the masks, social distancing. I think overall we did a great job, and hopefully we're looking for, even if it's not normal, better conditions for 2021."

With the current state of the world it's hard to imagine a return to 2019. To a full spring training and an opening day on the appointed date.

To 162 games in the regular season.

To normal media access and the removal of the tiers and separate ballpark entrances.

To a time when skilled, hard-working people in baseball were rewarded instead of furloughed and laid off.

We can dream, right?

Veteran leadership always is an important component, but more so under these stressful conditions. Having Trey Mancini back in the clubhouse will be impactful beyond his presence in the lineup.

It's been interesting to watch Iglesias assume the role, as he promised on the day of his signing. He's come a long way.

The bullpen took two leadership hits with the trades of Richard Bleier and Mychal Givens. They were valued beyond their work on the mound. The same with Darren O'Day before them.

César Valdez fits the description based on age, but that's probably the extent of it.

Is it Paul Fry's turn with three major league seasons and a 29th birthday next summer?

Maybe it's Shawn Armstrong, who has been in the majors for parts of six seasons and turned 30 in September. That is, if he's tendered a contract.

The Orioles would like to add a reliever over the winter, whether on a major or minor league deal. Experience is going to count for multiple reasons.