Trembley unloads: He has no closer; Hughes playing; Roberts not cleared
Orioles manager Dave Trembley’s media session was chock full of tidbts today. We’ll have an in-depth notebook later, but here are some of the main highlights:
* The biggest news, perhaps: Trembley said that right now he has no closer, that he is going to go with whoever can get outs, and that he is hoping someone seizes the job. That would include Jim Johnson, one would presume.
* Alfredo Simon, called up Tuesday, could be in that closer's mix, and Trembley wouldn’t discount Alberto Castillo, who has been very good since he came up. In fact, he wouldn’t discount anybody.
* Rhyne Hughes, who has had two hits in each of his two big leagues games, is starting at first base again Tuesday. That means Garrett Atkins is out for the third consecutive game. Trembley said he talked to Atkins and gave it to him straight: So long as Hughes keeps hitting, Hughes will keep playing, which means Atkins will keep sitting. Atkins, however, will likely play Wednesday against left-hander CC Sabathia. Trembley wouldn’t call the arrangement a platoon. I know because I asked the question directly.
* Brian Roberts saw Dr. Lee Riley on Monday and still has not been cleared for baseball activities. We hope to talk to Roberts later today, but you have to think he is still two weeks and counting away from a return. Also Michael Gonzalez isn’t on a throwing program, so there is no real timetable there.
* When asked why Kam Mickolio received the demotion when there were other candidates in the struggling bullpen, Trembley said the club has a lot of faith in Mickolio’s future and they want him to get straightened out and he couldn’t do that while pitching infrequently in the majors.
OK, that’s it for now. Lots of stuff to ponder, though
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
I feel for Trembley. His players are simply sub-par. However, his lineups and game management are laughable.
Posted by: Brian | April 27, 2010 4:59 PM
Well, it's good to read that Trembley has decided to go with whoever can get outs, because his use of the bullpen - such as it is - hasn't been very effective so far.
The other day he brought in Mark Hendrickson to face one batter, who was retired on only one pitch. Sounds like Hendrickson was getting outs, yes? Well, Trembley yanked Hendrickson immediately in order to play match-up and the O's ended up losing the game.
Here's an idea: bring in a pitcher from the bullpen only after the starter starts to show signs of ineffectiveness. If this reliever throws well, keep him in until he starts to show signs of ineffectiveness. Then and only then should another pitcher be brought in.
Posted by: Al East | April 27, 2010 5:00 PM
"Michael Gonzalez isn’t on a throwing program, so there is no real timetable there..."
He isn't on a throwing program? My, this is downright comical! I am starting to think he was never injured.
No closer after throwing away 12 million dollars for 2 years? Even more comical!
Posted by: Charles | April 27, 2010 5:01 PM
I get so fed up the the so called oriole fans wanting dave trembley fired . What ,ore could this man do ? As well as Andy's job Why don'r you go watch the Yanks or red sox . Either give the two men time or go find something else to do . Thanks ! Curt S.S. Md.
Posted by: curt | April 27, 2010 5:13 PM
Gotta love MacPhail's signing of Gonzalez and Atkins. Lol, talk about a couple of horrible signings.
Good job Andy, I'm sure Pete's glad you were atleast able to keep costs down.
Posted by: Sell Angelos | April 27, 2010 5:52 PM
It is wonderfull to see that the SUN SPORTS Department has even a small amount or knowledge and baseball knowledge than usual. In fact, the way they make and formulate their "1 1/2 grey cell' mentality is a mircle.
Posted by: jjthomas | April 27, 2010 6:06 PM
Please just get rid of Matt Albers ...he can't get anyone out..EVER!!!!
Posted by: Bob | April 27, 2010 6:37 PM
this is such a positive town and fair weathered as the guy sad give mcphail more time we knew they werent going to the world series or playoffs so they have had a tough start normally they start out great and finish crappy hopefully they will finish good or at least better then last yr thats all I ask and maybe I will give tremley another chance hey at least we have a chance to win every time matusz pitches starters have been good for once its the hitting and bullpen
Posted by: vanessa | April 27, 2010 7:20 PM
Costilla as closer, I thought he was just DFAed.
--
Perez was DFA'd
Posted by: Rusty | April 27, 2010 7:49 PM
I'm sorry Al East but what you wrote makes too much sense.
Posted by: Mark Griffin the Mailbox Man | April 27, 2010 7:50 PM
For those who want to fire Trembley, I can't disagree with anything he said so I got to take the opposing opinion and think the O's should stick with Trembley a little while longer.
Posted by: Boomer | April 27, 2010 9:19 PM
Hey Curt,the real man in charge has had 12 years going on 11.I only wish my old boss would have been as nice as some of you DT apologists.I'd still have a job after getting T-boned at 70 by a guy who ran a red light.My old boss was Baltimore County and I got terminated for somebody hitting me.Any other team,any other job,he'd be gone.Even aftr a two game winning streak,we still are lucky to have gotten three of the wins we have.
Posted by: Burt from Essex | April 27, 2010 11:05 PM
We get it - it sucks to be Dave Trembley right now. But watching a replay of his remarks about the bullpen, I was expecting to see him actually wave a white flag. I think his point was "Step it up"and at least Simon & Castillo seemed to have heard it. However, it's humiliating enough to be an O's fan right now without the manager explicitly confessing on camera that he has no clue.
Posted by: Jimmy's Dad | April 28, 2010 9:20 AM
What an idiot - that Andy McPhail - trading away Greg Zaun last August for a bum like Rhyne Hughes.
Posted by: OneFineDay | April 28, 2010 6:31 PM