Orioles' Trembley unsung hero so far
It was refreshing for Orioles fans to see Baltimore come back on the Red Sox last night, 10-6, on the strength of some timely hitting. Getting 15 hits was terrific. Even better was making sure those runners counted. For instance, Freddie Bynum and Brian Roberts helped stake the O's to an early 4-1 lead with two-out base hits driving in two runs each. Four double plays on defense didn't hurt, either.
But the point I wanted to make today was not to simply toss out the reminder that last night's comeback from a 6-4 hole was possible due to the bullpen but also recognize manager Dave Trembley's role in juggling the relief staff. After Daniel Cabrera was roughed up through five innings, Trembley used five more pitchers over the last four innings -- a luxury he had after an off-day. In the Boston seventh, for example, Trembley used three pitchers in what was a one-two-three inning. Dennis Sarfate, who had pitched the previous inning, retired the first batter. Then Jamie Walker retired the hot-hitting J.D. Drew on four pitches and finally Chad Bradford got Manny Ramirez, who has been hitting home runs against the Orioles lately at a clip of one a game, on three pitches. Jim Johnson pitched the eighth and closer George Sherrill, the ninth.
Of course, if your lefty doesn't get out the lefties (Walker-Drew) and your righty doesn't get out the righties (Bradford-Ramirez), you don't look like much of a genius. But for the most part this season, Trembly has been pushing the correct buttons. He's not an Earl Weaver or an Ozzie Guillen in attracting attention -- in fact, he's the exact opposite -- but the guy who was essentially told to keep the seat warm last year has been doing a heck of job so far.
Comments
The wind was blowing right for the Birds last night. I thought for sure that was a grand slam by Boston. Johnson got away with a major mistake. Walking the leadoff man is normally a no-no and typically comes back to haunt you. I must admit he had a sweet strikeout. When you throw a 96 MPH heater and then come back with a 78 curve that the bottom falls out, the guy at the plate is hacking away at the dirt trying to hit it. It will be interesting to see what Andy does with this team playing well and trade offers start coming in.
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Capt.,
That's a good point ... other folks have mentioned that there are a few guys for whom trade value will never be higher. I don't think you deal a guy like Johnson because of his age, going on 25. But guys over 30 are candidates.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | June 11, 2008 9:47 AM
I couldnt agree more...if we finish above .500 I hope he draws consideration for manager of the year.
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J.D.,
You have to give the guy in Tampa Bay some credit for that club, too, but Trembley has really patched this thing together all the way from changing the attitude, concentrating on fundamentals, adjusting the lineup and juggling the relief pitchers.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: JWBBZ | June 11, 2008 10:29 AM
Trembly is easily the manager of the year at this point in the season.
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Jim,
Another reader made the same comment. I don't want to be so much of a homer that I ignore Joe Maddon in Tampa Bey but I think considering the mess that Trembley started with in 2007 and also that he was on a short leash to begin with, the results have been terrific so far.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: lewesjim | June 11, 2008 11:10 AM
Trembley certainly looked good with those bullpen choices, which in itself doesn't make him look like a genius. The fact that players respond/perform in those roles DOES speak to the job Trembley is doing right now.
The Os are getting such a better return on their investment right now - I'd like to see some payroll stats comparing this team to some of the flops of the last decade.
Posted by: Michael V | June 11, 2008 2:22 PM