Multi-tasking with Dan Duquette

So I've noticed that some fans are aggravated by the Orioles' lack of impact moves this offseason. Very little gets past me. I understand why season ticket sales aren't going to spike for Matt Antonelli, Taylor Teagarden, Ryan Flaherty, Dana Eveland and Tsuyoshi Wada. But also keep in mind that the Orioles are addressing their lack of depth (and, in Teagarden's case, lack of a backup catcher, which every team needs.) That's just one of the many chores laid at the feet of executive vice president Dan Duquette. When Duquette pointed out that he had a lot of work to do here, he wasn't referring only to the roster. When he rolled up his sleeves, he didn't stop until they got to his shoulders. Duquette isn't ignoring the roster. He's still got trade offers on the table. He's met with agents regarding free agents. But he's been multi-tasking since he moved into the warehouse. Executives needed to be hired. Others were reassigned. Scouting and player development are top priorities for him. He promised to make the Orioles a bigger presence internationally, and he's taken those first steps. We're still waiting for the Orioles to reveal their minor league managers and coaches, which should happen by the first of the year. That's also on the list. The Orioles got a late start because the interview process for Andy MacPhail's replacement dragged on as if his exit had been totally unexpected. I don't understand it, either, but that's the way it played out. And they were left scrambling after Tony LaCava turned them down. I wasn't anticipating that the Orioles would sign one of the free-agent heavyweights. I remain hopeful that Duquette can pull off a trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter and/or impact hitter. He'll probably find a left-handed hitting outfielder to back up in center field and maybe platoon with Nolan Reimold in left, but that's not what I'm talking about. This team still lacks a presence in the middle of the order. It's on Duquette's list. A very long list. Most of his attention next winter should remain fixed on the roster. Unfortunately, that isn't going to make you feel any better this winter.