Orioles' latest loss proves GM Mike Elias also deserves blame

The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde on Saturday. It didn't matter.

Starter Kyle Gibson was unable to finish the first inning during the Orioles' 10-6 loss to the Nationals. He allowed six runs on six hits and a walk, throwing 47 pitches while recording two outs. Gibson, through four outings, now has a 16.78 ERA and a 2.919 WHIP in 12.1 innings.

Gibson was followed by free-agent bust Charlie Morton, who entered the day with an 8.35 ERA and a 1.882 WHIP over his 36.2 innings with a major league-leading seven losses. 

Although Morton pitched well, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk while striking out six batters over 4.1 innings, the Orioles found themselves in another immediate hole. Orioles starters had posted a 5.60 ERA heading into Saturday, worst in the American League and better than only the Marlins (6.05 ERA) and the Rockies (7.08 ERA) leaguewide.

There is only so much a manager can do. Hyde, and now interim manager Tony Mansolino, can only use the players they are given. When the rotation is averaging under five innings per start and two starters have an ERA under 5.20, success is unlikely to follow.

These issues fall directly on general manager Mike Elias. The Orioles, despite consecutive playoff appearances, did virtually nothing during the offseason. Staff ace Corbin Burnes departed in free agency, and the Orioles responded by signing the 41-year-old Morton and NPB veteran Tomoyuki Sugano. Tyler O'Neill replaced outfielder Anthony Santander and his 44 homers. These were not the moves of a championship-caliber team.

Hyde paid the price for the Orioles' slow start and Elias' refusal to upgrade the roster. It is time to shine the spotlight on Elias for the Orioles' woes.