These qualities could be important for the next O's general manager

Now that Chaim Bloom will not become the next general manager of the New York Mets, he could be in the running to join the Orioles front office.

That is simply my speculation and based on nothing from the club, which has been completely tight-lipped on anything that may be happening or about to happen involving its front office.

But Bloom would interest most teams, you would think. Bloom joined the Tampa Bay Rays in February 2005 and become a director of baseball operations in November 2011. A Philadelphia native and Yale graduate, Bloom's areas of focus have included player development, international scouting, contract negotiation and management of the major league roster.

Whether the Orioles look at Bloom, someone like him with a similar resume or already have someone in place pending an announcement, what qualities should the team seek in their next general manager?

Here are a few to consider:

* Someone with the ability to unite this entire organization. The ability to have a healthy debate within the organization on key decisions but when decisions are made bring all on board to support it. No more staffers that side more with one person or one faction of the organization. They are all Orioles.

* The ability to evaluate players. Of course, any GM needs these skills but some are better than others. In baseball you have to be able to project what young players will become in two, three or four years. You have to project future performance. You have to properly evaluate players you may look to acquire while knowing your own well and not overvaluing them because you know them well and like them.

* The ability to explain decisions and plans to the media, which will carry your message to the fans. The more open the better, the more transparent the better. The fans care and they just want to understand the process.

* The ability to let the manager do his job and provide him whatever he needs to do it well. Whether it is analytical info, advance scouting, or just a talk to provide a sounding board and to remind him he has the organization's confidence.

* Contacts throughout the game. And in any areas where this person comes up short, you hire someone to fill in the gaps. Contacts on the international front will be critical.

These are just a few thoughts. What are yours on what we should see in the next person to head up the Orioles' baseball operations?