Coaching change
Bench coach Tom Trebelhorn was informed today that he won't have his contract renewed for 2008. No replacement has been named. Candidates will be discussed at the organizational meetings on Oct. 8.
"I was told it was an organizational change, the euphemistic way of saying, 'We don't have a real reason, but we're making a change.' But start reading the wire. There will be a lot of those," Trebelhorn said.
"I wish there was one particular lineup card I messed up that I had a reason for this, but I can't put my finger on this. That's the way it goes."
If this blog had "tone," you'd know that Trebelhorn didn't sound bitter. He was joking around with a small group of reporters. But he wanted to return next season and obviously was disappointed by the news. He's been in the organization for 12 years in a variety of roles. And he seems to get along with everyone.
Trebelhorn might retire if he can't find the right job. He'd be willing to teach in the minors, but the Orioles didn't make him that offer.
Third base coach Juan Samuel told the club that he'd return, so he's a definite along with bullpen coach Alan Dunn.
Here's the lineup, which Trebelhorn posted on the magnetic board outside the clubhouse:
Tike Redman - CF
Luis Hernandez - 2B
Melvin Mora - 3B
Miguel Tejada - SS
Kevin Millar - DH
Jay Payton - RF
Scott Moore - 1B
J.R. House - C
Freddie Bynum - LF
Brian Burres - P
Comments
Roch, Any word about Crowley. He's been in charge of this offense for all it's losing season. How about Flanny or Duquette?
Posted by: Lary | September 30, 2007 12:46 PM
Any issues for Tom and his wife (who's been very ill) for health insurance?
Posted by: Furzyweb | September 30, 2007 12:54 PM
No Markakis? NOOO!!!!!
Seriously though, he plays all season to take off the last day?
Posted by: Matt | September 30, 2007 12:58 PM
All I can say is Captain Kirk had better find an at bat for Nick sometime today. If the O's pitching staff performs down to form today, that shouldn't be too difficult. LOL
Posted by: Ken Francis | September 30, 2007 1:15 PM
I'm going to make a quick retraction of my last post, because no sooner had I clicked it to Roch then it dawned on me why Markakis is sitting today and why he may well not even get an at bat in a blow out. He's batting .300 and the thinking (though not necessarily HIS thinking) probably is to protect that figure, so not only will the Orioles finish the season with a regular batting .300, but, more importantly, a statistical/psychological stepping stone for Nick to bigger and better things (.300, 23, 112 are not shabby numbers for a sophomore season).
Posted by: Ken Francis | September 30, 2007 1:25 PM
Crowley should be next to go.
Actually he should have been first.
Take a look at the O's OBP during the Crowley years, compared to the betters teams in the AL.
Posted by: PF | September 30, 2007 1:38 PM
good riddance, trebelhorn.
can we get some winners in here?
as for nick ... let him sit. the last thing we need is another damn streak.
Posted by: the wayward O | September 30, 2007 1:50 PM
I'm sure it will come out, but I would have a hard time believing that Nick Markakis wanted to sit out today. To not have he or Brian Roberts in the lineup on the final day is a shame. Instead, we get Melvin Mora in the three hole and Jay Payton in right.
I realize that Markakis is right at .300 and would like to stay there, but his average has gone up nine points this week to get there. It should have never been a question as to whether or not he's in the lineup today. "Respect the Game," Dave Trembley.
On the day that he was named the team's MVP we may only get to see him as pinch-runner or late inning defensive replacement. Another fine example of how this organization continues to go about things the wrong way!
Posted by: ray | September 30, 2007 2:53 PM
Ray--Isn't it more important that Markakis finishes at .300? Yes, he's been swinging a hot bat of late, but he might hit the ball hard four times right at someone and end up at .296. Yeah, I like the Ted Williams mentality of "I'm going play, regardless of what happens," but keeping Nick out still makes sense to me as he's a young developing player and .300 is still a milestone of sorts. There's plenty to find fault with when it comes to Orioles management, of course, but I'm with Captain Kirk on this one. (Now if he brings up Markakis with two outs in the ninth....)
Posted by: Ken Francis | September 30, 2007 3:22 PM
I have no problems with Markakis out of the line up today. He's played every single game.
Roch, I wasn't able to catch McPhail on the radio today except for your first question. I really wanted to hear it. Was there anything worth listening to? I have absolutely no idea what to expect this winter.
Posted by: BO | September 30, 2007 3:26 PM
Please just Please...Someone tell me the Victors will kept off of next years rosters...
Posted by: smmagui | September 30, 2007 3:36 PM
Matt Wieters pro debut (In case anyone cares).
Wieters had the jitters a little in his pro debut...bouncing a throw to 2nd on a steal...the runner had a great jump and Matt hurried his throw which went into centerfield and the runner ended up at 3rd and later scored.
Wieters threw a strike to 2nd on the next steal attempt (Still in the 1st inning) but the runner was called safe as the SS dropped the ball, but he dropped it on the exchange to throw to third. Minor league umps.
Matt struckout as he chased one outside and walked in his only other AB...he left the game early...nothing was wrong.
It was a bad day for all Hawaii Winter League Orioles last night. Brandon Synder booted a sharply hit ball at 3rd that lead to runs he was 0-3 with a walk. Abreau played good defense at 2nd but was 0-3. Bordes gave up a few runs as did Ouelette.
Posted by: Dean in Hawaii | September 30, 2007 3:45 PM
There's a great soundbite floating around on the internet (places such as You Tube), in which Mr. Weaver shares his thoughts on Terry Crowley on a episode of "Coaches Corner" (NOT for kids ears!), I think it's high time the Orioles brass give it a listen!
Hey Terry, don't let the king of swinging doors hit you in the rear on your way out!
Posted by: tim | October 4, 2007 12:06 AM