Will Duquette get done?

If you know me and this blog, you know that I was dragged kicking and screaming into the Twitter world. I had little choice. My profession dictated it. Well, so did my bosses, but you know what I mean. I was confused and amused by how many people simultaneously tweeted last night that Red Sox assistant general manager Allard Baird declined the opportunity to interview with the Orioles for the position of president of baseball operations. I thought he was on a conference call, but he actually issued a statement. I had to laugh. I mean, it's gotten to the point where executives issue statements over their decision to do nothing. The world sure has changed. Handicapping the Orioles' GM search is risky business. I thought Jerry Dipoto would get the job. I felt even stronger about Tony LaCava. Had the Twins given the Orioles permission to interview Mike Radcliff, he would have vaulted to the top of the list. I'd say Dan Duquette is the No. 1 candidate today. He's got a background in scouting and player development, and he's been a general manager with two teams. He played a major role in the Red Sox winning the 2004 World Series, though he was fired in March 2002. I don't recall many stories about his dynamic personality, but he's sharp and he knows how to make a trade. The guy pried Pedro Martinez from two teams. That must count for something. And he somehow convinced the Mariners to hand over Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe for Heathcliff Slocumb. I mean, come on. The guy deserves a lifetime contract just for that deal. I also believe he convinced the Mariners to give him Sofía Vergara for cash considerations. Duquette once said the following about Roger Clemens' alleged steroid use while appearing last year on "Sports Buzz" with Butch Stearns in Boston: Butch Stearns: "Will Roger ever be welcomed back in into Fenway?" Dan Duquette: "Well, I don't know, there's been a lot of water under the bridge since Clemens left town and I think there's more information that will come out here before we're done with this current saga in Roger's professional life ..." Butch Stearns: "Should we as Red Sox fans expect to hear more about pre-1996 for his 13 years in Boston?" Dan Duquette: "I'll just say this ... let's let it play out a little bit more. I think there is more information and evidence that will show that Roger used performance enhancing drugs in a significant way." Well, alrighty then ... So what has this guy been doing since Red Sox owner John Henry cut him loose in 2002? I Googled "Dan Duquette" and "Witness Protection" and came up with nothing. Then I learned that he's been running the Dan Duquette Sports Academy in Hinsdale, Mass and was the owner of the Pittsfield Dukes of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Yeah, he's got clam chowdah in his veins. Try not to hold that against him. And if you really want to win him over, carry those tiny crackers in your pocket. Duquette interviewed for the Angels job that went to Dipoto.The Orioles interviewed Dipoto. Now they've interviewed Duquette - for a very long time, from what I've heard. And he's emerged as the leading candidate to replace Andy MacPhail. You know what this means? Pedro Martinez could be your opening day starter in 2012. And Heathcliff Slocumb won't be closing.