Buford expected to join Thrift in Orioles' minor-league office

Today, the Orioles plan to introduce veteran baseball executive Syd Thrift as their new director of player development. Tomorrow, they're expected to name a longtime Oriole as Thrift's new administrative assistant -- Don Buford.

Club sources confirmed yesterday that Buford will join Thrift in the club's revamped minor-league office.

Buford could not be reached to comment last night.

Buford played outfield for great Orioles teams in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He rejoined the Orioles in 1988 as a bench coach and then director of minor-league field operations.

Buford also has been a manager in the Orioles' minor-league system. He managed the club's Double-A teams in 1992 and 1993 before rejoining the major-league club last year as outfield and bench coach.

He isn't the only Buford to have toiled in the Orioles' minor leagues. Buford's sons Don Jr. and Damon have spent time in the Orioles' system. Damon, one of the organization's best defensive outfielders, has spent parts of the past two seasons with the Orioles.