One interesting question. If Elias never intended on having Holliday start in the majors this year why promote him so aggressively last year? Also, why the comments about Holliday having a “strong possibility” of making the team. They could have easily slow played him last year. No one would have questioned if they kept him at Delmarva until June 1, and in Aberdeen through July 31 or something like that. If he had spent only a month at Bowie the Orioles could easily use the excuse of him needing more time.
Secondly, one can argue GM speak and Elias being disingenuous about the “strong possibility” comment. Why put himself in the spot he is now by using those words? He also got caught up when many took his “ready for liftoff” comment in a certain way.
Here’s one possibility. For an Ivy League educated man who’s been around the block a few times, Mike Elias is not as slick and savvy as one would expect. Someone slick wouldn’t let themselves get stuck in these situations. I think Mike Elias generally means what he says but maybe he should reflect on how the fans will interpret his words and choose them a little more carefully.