Why Baltimore hulls were attractive missile-cruiser conversions

Why did the U.S. Navy convert Baltimore-class hulls rather than newer Oregon City or Des Moines cruisers into guided-missile cruisers?

Baltimores were plentiful and less costly to risk, whereas Des Moines ships were still highly valued gun cruisers and deeper conversions of newer hulls could be costly and disruptive.

The speakers argue that Des Moines cruisers remained too useful as gun cruisers to risk in experimental missile conversions. Baltimore hulls offered a larger pool, useful remaining machinery life, and a lower-cost failure if the new systems disappointed. Any conversion also had to reroute passageways, bulkheads, and power supplies rather than simply bolt missiles onto the deck. Albany's extensive Oregon City rebuild illustrates why the newest-looking hull could still become the most complicated and expensive option.