MLB.com's Richard Justice talks Orioles

Hey, look, a national writer that doesn't always predict doom and gloom for the Orioles. Of course, they all do not do that, but MLB.com columnist Richard Justice has often written eloquently about the Orioles' resurgence since it began in 2012.

A former Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Sun from 1984-1989, Justice has written about the Orioles also as a columnist at The Sun and when he wrote for The Washington Post. He's been around this team for many years.

He's one of the sharpest minds covering baseball today and an impressive career got its jump start as he covered games at both Memorial Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Recently, when he was at Ed Smith Stadium, I sought Justice's opinion on several topics.

In the AL East, is Boston the clear favorite? "I think Boston is the favorite. I think David Price's uncertainty makes that closer. But I think Toronto could win it. I think Tampa is going to be a surprise team. And I never, ever bet against Buck Showalter in Baltimore. For the fifth straight year we are all picking those guys last and it's a cliché, but somehow the whole is greater than the sum of the parts in Baltimore."

Why are the Orioles so often picked for last? "There must be something we're discounting. But looking at the Orioles, even presuming Chris Tillman is very uncertain, it's still going to be a great defense, a very good bullpen and an offense that has stars. You know Chris Davis, Adam Jones and Manny Machado, who is in the conversation to be the best player in baseball.

"But I think there is something else that is very hard to measure and maybe that is the reason. There is a cohesiveness, there is a leadership quality in there with (J.J.) Hardy and Adam Jones and Chris Davis and (Zach) Britton and Tillman and those guys. And Buck Showalter is one of the best managers that has ever filled out a lineup card.

"We knew Earl Weaver. There is something about guys that can lead people and make them believe and get everybody to function as one. Buck is as good at that as anyone ever. Also, Dan Duquette is really good. He is very thorough and leaves no stone unturned.

"I think (Dylan) Bundy has to take a step up and (Kevin) Gausman has to take a step up. You are looking for five or six innings out of your starter and if you have the lead you turn to Buck and say 'You have to win it for us and that's what he is good at.'"

Duquette gets his share of criticism, but you have always been a fan of his work. What do you like about Duquette? "Dan, as you know, doesn't seek out attention. He is a quieter guy. But Dan worked in Boston where you are held accountable for everything you do there and there is almost no winning when you are the general manager of the Boston Red Sox.

"But I think if you ask anybody in baseball, Dan is respected for his judgement, his integrity, his intelligence. I don't know that Peter Angelos could have hired anyone better than Dan Duquette.

"The marriage between Dan and Buck ... is not always smooth and it's not supposed to be and they are supposed to disagree and have different visions, but they talk it out and work it out. It's really good.

"I think some of us wondered if baseball would ever be powerful again in Baltimore. Because I lived there and think it is one of the best baseball cities in the country with the best baseball park in the country. To see them do this is a cool thing.

"Late in the 2012 season, Adam Jones used to go to (head athletic trainer) Richie Bancells and he said, 'Is this is what it used to sound like?' Richie would say, 'No, no.' Then there was a game late in that year on a Saturday night against the Yankees, the place was full. You couldn't hear yourself think and Richie said to Adam, 'This is what it used to be like.' "

How come not all national reporters appreciate the Orioles' success as you do? "Not sure exactly. But when Buck came in, they lined the clubhouse walls with pictures of Hall of Famers. That was also around the time the statues were unveiled. I think it was perfect timing. Buck has said that in terms of heritage, tradition and pride, Baltimore takes a back seat to no one. In what the Orioles mean to the place."

With several keys players not signed beyond beyond 2018, is the proverbial window closing? "Manny is obviously the guy. Then you go to Tillman and Britton and others. I think Buck and Dan would say this: The window is always going to close on a market like Baltimore if you don't draft and develop. That is what you have to do.

"I'm looking at the Pirates. I think five of their eight position players on opening day will be homegrown and four of their starting pitchers. They talk about this in the NFL. How do you manage the salary cap? You draft well, that is how.

"I think they have some kids they really like coming. Some may be 18 or 19. We may find out a lot more this year about (Chris) Lee, (Gabriel) Ynoa, Chance Sisco, that whole group."