Orioles Made the Right Decision on B.J. Ryan

When the Baltimore Orioles chose not to match the five-year, $47-million contract that B.J. Ryan signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006 it seemed to be just another example of the Orioles lack of commitment toward building a winner. However, in hindsight it appears to have been one of several smart decisions by a team looking toward the future.The emergence of Ryan as the Orioles’ closer in 2005 had been one of few bright spots in a season that was best known for the embarrassing suspension of Rafael Palmeiro and a 30-51 record over the second half of the season.Ryan, who joined the Orioles as part of a trade with the Cincinnati Reds in 1999, spent five years as a leading set-up man for the Orioles before being given a chance to serve as closer in 2005.He responded with 36 saves, a 2.43 ERA and his first All-Star appearance.However, his time closing out games for the Orioles was short-lived as Ryan signed with Toronto after the season.Baltimore certainly would have preferre...