Thomas and Ferreira added to Orioles' front office

DALLAS - The Orioles confirmed today that they've hired former Phillies general manager Lee Thomas as a special assistant to executive vice president Dan Duquette, and Fred Ferreiera as executive director of international recruiting. Thomas, 75, built the 1993 Phillies team that won the National League pennant - winning Executive of the Year honors that year - but Ed Wade replaced him as GM after four straight losing seasons. He brings over five decades of experience in professional baseball. Thomas served as GM of the Phillies from June 1988-December 1997. He worked for the Cardinals in several capacities over 18 years from 1970-1988, ending with eight years as director of player development. Over that span, St. Louis went to the World Series three times, in 1982, 1985 and 1987. Thomas worked as a special assistant for the Red Sox from 1998-2003, which explains his connection to Duquette. He later served as a scout for the Brewers. Ferreira has worked as vice president and director of international operations and scouting for the Expos and Marlins. He also served as director of international operations and scouting for the Yankees and Reds, and he scouted for the Angels. Nicknamed "The Shark of the Caribbean," he's credited with signing Vladimir Guerrero, Bernie Williams, Orlando Cabrera, Jose Vidro, Javier Vazquez and Roberto Kelly, among others. He also signed current Orioles right-hander Rick VandenHurk. To date, 57 players that he's signed have reached the majors. Ferreira opened the Yankees' Dominican Academy, the first of its kind among major league organizations, and worked for two World Series championship teams - the Reds and Marlins. Ferreira was working as a special advisor to the director of baseball operations Australia and a senior advisor for Xtreme Line Baseball Academy. Duquette promised a restructuring of the front office, and he's made a series of hires since replacing president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, including Gary Rajsich as director of amateur scouting. "I am pleased to bring these two quality, veteran baseball men to the Orioles organization," Duquette said in a statement. "Lee will assist me in communications with other clubs regarding trades and also will provide key input regarding our player development. Fred's experience in international scouting for first division teams is critical as we expand the Orioles' international recruiting efforts. The track records of these men speak for themselves and I look forward to having them on our staff." The addition of Ferreira suggests that director of international operations David Stockstill will be reassigned within the organization.