Pete,

You must have read my post on the previous blog, which posted before this link . Great minds think alike. It's OK, I know you were worn out from a long flight and needed some guidance on this developing story..

I still think Trembley has become Billy Hitchcock II, but the renewal is not an earth shaking surprise nor do I feel ready to have my head turn in circles like many on the boards will. Trembley is coming back so all O fans should except that and wait until at least the second game of Spring training to start that "Fire Trembley" mantra. Now that he will be back, I agree with you, but take it a bit farther. This team MUST learn and execute the fundamentals. Trembley MUST maintain control in the clubhouse, no more hissy fits from Mora wannabees. The O's have a golden chance to make huge strides next year. I hope they do, I hope Trembley keeps control of the clubhouse and earns the respect of ALL the players. As a fan since 1960, I am willing to keep cheering, but still..in the back of my mind I still think the team is going to need Hank Bauer II someday soon.

Trembley is a company man. Keeps his mouth shut and doesn't make waves. He's also NOT a leader and 2010 just became another year of rebuilding. Good luck O's! I won't be watching except when Bergesen and Matusz are pitching.

Good you will get to write about a 13th losing season and remember don't believe Andy when he says he won't make a decision until after the season. After 55 years as an Oriole fan this is my last post until PA sells the team!

Good you will get to write about a 13th losing season and remember don't believe Andy when he says he won't make a decision until after the season. After 55 years as an Oriole fan this is my last post until PA sells the team!

Well I'm not all that upset. I think Trembles is the wrong target for the wrath of the folks on this board.

And as Andy himself just got done saying - "Now its time for us in the front office to get to work."

D@$# right there Andy. Let's see what you got.

I'm glad he's back. I don't think too many managers would have faired much better with the 2009 O's roster.

Now lets kick some Patriot a$$ Sunday!

PFTME!

I'm not surprised at all. MacPhail may have sealed his own fate with this one. As I've said it before. This is not about Trembley. This is about MacPhail buying himself time.

Curiosity is the only thing that kept me tuned in this year. This is a sad day. I didn't think the O's were actually going to turn this thing around anyway, but now I know.

I'm sad to say that after all these years of following Orioles baseball, I will finally stop supporting them and watching them. That's of course until MacPhail is fired, which won't be very long.

Until then, Pete et al: It's been real.

Slugger ... out!

I don't think this is the right move - but I am VERY happy for DT...he's a good man from where I sit. You cannot go to Kentucky Derby and take a mule! That's about what DT has had...so I'm okay with it even though I disagree,

Can someone explain why Berken's ERA is so high? "Gary - he just walked the leadoff man on 4 pitches with a 4-0 lead" - OH! Thansk now I understand...ridiculous.

This is terrible news. The losing culture will continue. I for one will skip next year. When the O's are ready to have a real team with real leaders in there, then, I'll think about buying tickets again. What the O's have done here is that they have said it is ok to be a loser.

Ridiculous.

This is terrible news. The losing culture will continue. I for one will skip next year. When the O's are ready to have a real team with real leaders in there, then, I'll think about buying tickets again. What the O's have done here is that they have said it is ok to be a loser.

Ridiculous.

Everyone on the team needs to improve their performance - including the manager.

Did I miss "news item, my take" this week?

Is Kevin Cowherd's animosity toward Dave Trembley really due to Dave's love of cats?
That could explain a lot.

Ok,

So here you go O's blind faithful....

YOU CAN'T say 'In Andy I trust', then disagree with keeping DT on.

YOU CAN'T talk about 'The Plan', then disagree with keeping DT on.

YOU CAN'T say 'it's never been about this year', then disagree with DT keeping DT on.

You see, if AM bailed on DT now, a part of his cred would have jumped out the window.

While I felt they should keep DT on, I did so because they gave the man NOTHING to work with, thus I felt bad for a manager dealing with both hands tied behind his back.

I still don't buy into the meat of AM's plan, but he did the right thing in this instance.

Will be interesting to see all the hypocrite posters flailing away now.

Laughable actually!

I'm disappointed, but willing to respect MacPhail's decision and give Trembley a fair shot. Here's my final rant on this issue.

As I've pointed out in many posts this season, the Win-Loss record is completely irrelevant to my argument that Trembley should be removed, so it's frustrating to see Trembley advocates (including Schmuck) basing their arguments largely on the fact that it's not Trembley's fault this team is a loser.

Peter, I agree that stability and consistency have value, but this can work in reverse as well. Sometimes a change can shake up a team stuck in complacency, make the players and fans feel as though they're getting a fresh start, and provide a much better opportunity to change a myriad of things- from overall culture to specific factors like practice habits and the treatment of players. It's much harder for an incumbent to come in and say "hey guys, we're doing things differently now!"

I also think Trembley has shown clear deficiencies in preparing and motivating his players, in-game managerial decision-making, and overall leadership of the team. Peter, I am not "presumptuous enough to think I know more than he does" about baseball either, but I can recognize when a team makes repeated, fundamental mistakes that other teams don't make, and when players sometimes seem to lack effort. I'm not going to second-guess specific instances of managerial judgment, or blame a poor win-loss record solely on the manager. But I think there are things even a layman like myself are justified in criticizing about Trembley's performance this year. As I've said before, Trembley is a known quantity and I don't think anyone would compare his skills (independent of win-loss record!) to LaRussa. Why not at least try to do better?

Finally, I think this move officially announces that management does not expect this team to be competitive next year, which is probably the wrong message to be sending fans, free agents, and current players. Without major moves in the offseason, I go into next year's spring training questioning this team's desire to win in 2010.

Pete, my sentiments exactly! Well said.

Pete

I agree with you that the Orioles organization has made the correct decision in excercising the 2010 option on Dave Trembley's contract. I believe that MacPhail has shown his support of Trembley and that should be reflected in Dave's demeanor next season. He should conduct himself as he likely did as the confident, self-assured minor league coach and manager that he was for all of those years, particularly given the fact that most of his players were very recently in the minors.

I was on the fence about Trembley, but I think there is a certain logic about retaining him for next year. He is a good man.

I don't understand the ranters and ravers on here that get all dramatic about it. At all. It certainly wasn't an easy decision, since the team's performance has been disappointing this year.

In 2010 they won't be good either, but I hope that they will dangerous, and not roll over against divisional opponents. That's the goal. Player development has to continue, but the O's have to show some teeth as well.

I was on the fence about Trembley, but I think there is a certain logic about retaining him for next year. He is a good man.

I don't understand the ranters and ravers on here that get all dramatic about it. At all. It certainly wasn't an easy decision, since the team's performance has been disappointing this year.

In 2010 they won't be good either, but I hope that they will dangerous, and not roll over against divisional opponents. That's the goal. Player development has to continue, but the O's have to show some teeth as well.

Wow,

I was shocked by this announcement! In fact reading into the decision, AM must not think were there yet which in turn likely means that PA won't be getting his wallet out for any real talent. Why do I think this? I see just two possiblities; either AM is as good a baseball man as most think and sees just the first phase of the transistion complete thus keeping DT. Because a good baseball man, whose team was to be competitive would want a capable Major League manager versus DT!

A very SAD day in Birdland! Just another year of the same thing!

Since 97 they've had Ray Miller, Mike Hargrove, Lee Mazilli, Perlozzo and Trembley. None of them could win with the players they've been given so maybe its time to quit blaming the manager.

Hey Pete, I have a question. Now that Trembley will be back next year, how will the O's go about getting a first baseman , third baseman, and/or a starter? Do you think trades are a real possibility? And do you think Bell has a shot to make the opening day team over wiggington @ third?

What a bunch of nonsense you people are spouting. Even IF Dave Trembley were a terrible manager, how much of a difference is he going to make? Baseball managers are by far the least relevant "head coaches" in sports. Grady Little proved himself a buffoon against the Yankees in the Pedro game, but..THAT TEAM WAS STILL IN THE ALCS!!! The idea that keeping/firing Dave Trembley is the difference between the Orioles winning and losing next season is absolutely ludicrous.

Well good for Dave, glad Andy is a stand up guy. Looks like Markakis is happy about it tonight.

maybe this was the right decision... i dont really know. all i know is that he needs to never go to anyone with the initials BB (Brian Buress/Brian Bass) out of the bullpen ever again. talk about the killer b's...

...also never use matt albers again either...

yet as i type that, he gets him up...

freakin bullpen.

i will right posts only about ravens anymore this was my wosrt fear , how can you say hes done everthing he was suposed to do . he is not a leader nor a manager hes just a yes man , this team wont see 500 baseball with this guy at the helm , i feel sorry for me and the few fans left its the last staw , i guess trembly will be here for years because it takes years to build a winner but and my son will not buy a ticket plan this year nor next has long as this single a manager is there after 46 years hard to say but buybto the birds .they will be just another team to watch ill see more bowie games , sad sad day indeed .

i will right posts only about ravens anymore this was my wosrt fear , how can you say hes done everthing he was suposed to do . he is not a leader nor a manager hes just a yes man , this team wont see 500 baseball with this guy at the helm , i feel sorry for me and the few fans left its the last staw , i guess trembly will be here for years because it takes years to build a winner but and my son will not buy a ticket plan this year nor next has long as this single a manager is there after 46 years hard to say but buybto the birds .they will be just another team to watch ill see more bowie games , sad sad day indeed .

Hi Wayne,

I think in essence you agreed with me but your posts contain so many taunts and insults they are hard to sort out.

Your basic reasoning is sound however your invective needs a lot of work.

Sometimes when I read your posts I get a visual of you pounding the keyboard looking like George Brett in the pine tar incident.

Lighten up a little, stop taunting and your posts will have more credibility. I have the phone number of some excellent anger management people.

That's just me.

The post from Wayne was from me and I don't know how it came up under"Anonymous."

Gil,

That was actually funny!

Good form!

Wayne,

That post to you was from me. I don't know how it came up under "Anonymous". Real men aren't afraid to state their names.

Peter: You're right, the decision just isn't that important today. Let's see what kind of talent the O's have next year and then maybe it's time to worry about getting a better manager.

In the meantime -- can we get Adam Eaton back for the final series? We need to stay ahead/behind Pittsburgh for that No. 2 draft pick, and even Berken's not getting it done.

haha

i love how gil thinks everyone tries to agree or disagree with him. no offense gil. i do like your opinions mostly. just sayin

For those of you who claim the manager does not matter then explain the Colorado Rockies to me. Jim Tracey took over with the Rockies at 10-28. Yesterday they clinched a playoff berth with a record of 91-68.

I have to respectfully disagree Pete. I think DT kept his job because the players like him which means we'll see more "uncle" than "boss". Besides, next year he's a lame duck which I am sure the pro-trembley Faction will point out and say he needs an extension to solidify his authority. I don't get how he can be right choice when even the people who favor his return say we need a "new" Dave. He's been at this a long time. Do people really think he's going to change. Frankly, that's unfair to ask. Go ask Brian Billick how that works out.

I have to respectfully disagree Pete. I think DT kept his job because the players like him which means we'll see more "uncle" than "boss". Besides, next year he's a lame duck which I am sure the pro-trembley Faction will point out and say he needs an extension to solidify his authority. I don't get how he can be right choice when even the people who favor his return say we need a "new" Dave. He's been at this a long time. Do people really think he's going to change. Frankly, that's unfair to ask. Go ask Brian Billick how that works out.

Pete,

How about the club spend some money on the players this off season... I got two suggestions that will really help the 40 man roster. 1) Mirrors for the players. 2) The book, Baseball for Dummies.
Mr Angelos and Mr. MacPhail you have a good manager in place, THANK YOU !!!

Pete,

How about the club spend some money on the players this off season... I got two suggestions that will really help the 40 man roster. 1) Mirrors for the players. 2) The book, Baseball for Dummies.
Mr Angelos and Mr. MacPhail you have a good manager in place, THANK YOU !!!

I have to respectfully disagree Pete. I think DT kept his job because the players like him which means we'll see more "uncle" than "boss". Besides, next year he's a lame duck which I am sure the pro-trembley Faction will point out and say he needs an extension to solidify his authority. I don't get how he can be right choice when even the people who favor his return say we need a "new" Dave. He's been at this a long time. Do people really think he's going to change. Frankly, that's unfair to ask. Go ask Brian Billick how that works out.

Pete,

How about the club spend some money on the players this off season... I got two suggestions that will really help the 40 man roster. 1) Mirrors for the players. 2) The book, Baseball for Dummies.
Mr Angelos and Mr. MacPhail you have a good manager in place, THANK YOU !!!

I have to respectfully disagree Pete. I think DT kept his job because the players like him which means we'll see more "uncle" than "boss". Besides, next year he's a lame duck which I am sure the pro-trembley Faction will point out and say he needs an extension to solidify his authority. I don't get how he can be right choice when even the people who favor his return say we need a "new" Dave. He's been at this a long time. Do people really think he's going to change. Frankly, that's unfair to ask. Go ask Brian Billick how that works out.

Is everyone saying that DT is so bad that if he managed the Yankees or Red Sox that those teams wouldn't make the post season. If I remember correctly, the Phillies were horrible when Francona was the manager and look at him now.

Is everyone saying that DT is so bad that if he managed the Yankees or Red Sox that those teams wouldn't make the post season. If I remember correctly, the Phillies were horrible when Francona was the manager and look at him now.

For some reason, it's hilarious to me that people are giving up on this team because of a MANAGER.

After a dozen years of Peter Angelos, the front office stupidity of Syd Thrift, Jim Beattie and Mike Flanagan, years of terrible players and so on, fans are quitting on the team because of a guy whose impact is somewhere around +/- 3 wins.

Hilarious.

Good luck to Slugger and Bob Lancione. Enjoy giving up on the O's when they're finally crawling out of the pit of the past ten years. We'll see you guys back in a year or two.

Releasebass,

Point well taken. I try. Wayne's IQ is probably in the Mensa range, He gets it and is a real fan. I just tried to tweak him a little bit because there is nothing left to do about this season but to entertain ourselves.

well im glad you realize it haha.

speaking of entertainment, i cant look at your name without thinking about geronimo gil. i remember going to a game against the royals where he hit a shocking 3 run game tying homerun late in the game and then steve kline came in and... balked in the winning run... that was a heartbreaker. june 18th 2005 i think...

Matt R. -

Exactly, my friend.

A manager is only as good as the team.

Look at Tony LaRussa with the 1993 A's. 7th Place. The same guy won 300+ games in three seasons from '88 to '90. What was different? Mark McGwire was hurt in '93. Jose Canseco was gone. Also gone were Dave Stewart and Curt Young. And Storm Davis was terrible in '93.

Oh, and LaRussa only won 73 and 75 games in '97 and '99 with St. Louis.

Other so-called "great" managers who didn't look so great because of bad teams:

- Our very own Earl Weaver won only 73 games with the '86 O's.

- Joe Torre was bad with bad Mets teams in the 70's, good with good Braves teams in the 80's, mostly decent with mostly decent Cardinals teams in the 90's and then he was suddenly incredible from 1996 to 2007. Why? Because he managed 12 years of incredible Yankees teams.

- Jim Leyland was great with the Pirates when they were great in the early 90's. Then he rounded out his Pirates years with a bunch of .400-.450 winning percentages on bad Pirates teams. Then he was amazing with an amazing young Marlins team in 1997. Then the Marlins sold all their players and the Marlins and Leyland were terrible in 1998.

Managers don't make that much of a difference, my friends.

found it.... heartbreak

BALTIMORE - Kansas City blew a seven-run lead, then scored the tiebreaking run on an eighth-inning balk by Steve Kline.

Angel Berroa, Matt Stairs and Mike Sweeney hit home runs for the Royals, who snapped a five-game skid. Kansas City had lost 14 of 16 and 17 of 20.

The Orioles, who rallied from an 8-1 deficit before losing for only the third time in 14 games, got home runs from Melvin Mora, Javy Lopez and Geronimo Gil.

Sweeney hit his eighth homer, the sixth in eight games, in the ninth off Jorge Julio.

Ambiorix Burgos pitched 22/3 scoreless innings for the Royals, who averted a three- game sweep.

Kansas City AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
DeJesus cf 5 0 1 1 0 0 .252
Graffanino 2b 2 1 1 0 0 0 .224
a-Gotay ph-2b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .195
MiSweeney 1b 4 3 2 1 1 1 .339
Harvey dh 4 1 0 0 1 2 .225
Stairs rf 5 1 2 3 0 0 .246
Brown lf 4 2 1 0 1 1 .194
Berroa ss 4 1 1 3 0 2 .237
Teahen 3b 3 1 1 0 1 0 .233
Buck c 3 0 0 0 0 1 .163
c-Long ph 0 0 0 0 0 0 .221
d-McEwing ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .342
ACastillo c 0 0 0 0 0 0 .154
Totals 38 10 9 8 4 8
Baltimore AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
BRoberts 2b 3 1 0 0 2 2 .361
Matos cf 4 1 1 0 1 0 .286
Mora 3b 5 1 2 3 0 1 .306
Tejada ss 5 1 1 0 0 0 .339
JvLopez dh 5 1 1 2 0 1 .324
Gibbons rf 4 1 2 0 1 1 .256
Gomez 1b 2 1 1 0 1 0 .474
b-RPlmeiro ph-1b 1 0 0 0 1 0 .221
Bigbie lf 3 0 2 0 0 0 .263
GGil c 4 1 1 3 0 2 .229
Totals 36 8 11 8 6 7
Kansas City ......000 620 011 - 10 9 0
Baltimore ......100 007 000 - 8 11 4
a-popped out for Graffanino in the 4th. b-walked for Gomez in the 7th. c-announced for Buck in the 8th. d-grounded out for Long in the 8th. E - Mora (2), Tejada 2 (6), Williams (1). LOB - Kansas City 5, Baltimore 8. 2B - MiSweeney (11), Teahen (1), Matos (5), Mora (8), Gibbons (6). HR - MiSweeney (8), off Julio; GGil (1), off Cerda; JvLopez (6), off MWood; Stairs (3), off RLopez; Berroa (3), off RLopez; Mora (7), off BriAnderson. RBI - DeJesus (10), MiSweeney (28), Stairs 3 (8), Berroa 3 (9), Mora 3 (16), JvLopez 2 (19), GGil 3 (7). SB - Mora (3). S - Bigbie. GIDP - MiSweeney. Runners left in scoring position - Kansas City 2 (DeJesus 2); Baltimore 5 (BRoberts 2, Mora 2, GGil). Runners moved up - Stairs, Buck, McEwing. DP - Baltimore 1 (Mora, BRoberts and Gomez).

Kansas City IP H R ER BB SO ERA
BriAnderson 2 3 1 1 0 1 6.75
MWood 3 4 3 3 2 2 5.03
Cerda 1-3 1 3 3 2 0 9.39
MacDougal BS, 2 1 3 1 1 2 0 3.86
Burgos W, 1-1 22-3 0 0 0 0 4 1.35
Baltimore IP H R ER BB SO ERA
RLopez 41-3 6 8 6 3 2 4.46
Bauer 12-3 0 0 0 0 1 9.72
Williams L, 3-2 11-3 1 1 1 1 3 3.95
Kline 1 0 0 0 0 1 5.91
Julio 2-3 2 1 1 0 1 1.62

Rusty -

The Rockies are a good team that just needed a fire lit under their butts. A managerial change will do that.

Jim Tracy put up a .415 winning percentage in two years with the Pirates. Go ahead and believe that it was his managerial awesomeness that turned the Rockies around.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they kept Trembley! time for all the DT hater crazies to go on suicide watch!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its not the mgr, its the players. . .

release Bass,

Seriously dude?

R B,
Live and die with the birds since I was 8 in '56. In the Autumn of my years I want to see the franchise return to the "day" so my kids don't think I am lying.

If Andy Macphail has his Grandfather's instincts there is hope.

ell they're building a gallows outside my cell and I've got 25 minutes to go
And the whole town's waitin' just to hear me yell I've got 24 minutes to go
Well they gave me some beans for my last meal with 23 minutes to go
But nobody asked me how I feel I've got 22 minutes to go
Well I sent for the governor and the whole darn bunch with 21 minutes to go
And I called up the mayor but he's out to lunch I've got 20 more minutes to go
Then the sheriff said BOY I'm gonna watch you die with 19 minutes to go
So I laughed in his face and I spit in his eye with 18 minutes to go
Now hear comes the preacher for to save my soul with 13 minutes to go
And he's talking bout' burnin' but I'm so cold 12 more minutes to go
Now they're testin' the trap and it chills my spine 11 more minutes to go
And the trap and the rope aw they work just fine 10 more minutes to go
Well I'm waitin' for the pardon that'll set me free with 9 more minutes to go
But this AINT THE MOVIES so forget about me 8 more minutes to go
With my feet on the trap and my head on the noose 5 more minutes to go
Won't somebody come and cut me loose with 4 more minutes to go
I can see the mountains I can see the skies with 3 more minutes to go
And it's too darn pretty for a man to want to die 2 more minutes to go
I can see the buzzards I can hear the crows 1 more minute to go
And now I'm swingin' and here I go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!

sorry al... got carried away reminiscing....

so no more slugger and blancione???

hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ravens 24-18

glad to read that dave trembly will be back next season i hope he does like you said,be a little bit less of a nice guy and make the players straighten up and fly right when such moves are necessary

I am glad Dave will be back. He deserves better than he received this year. Hopefully, McPhail can get a big bad for the middle of the lineup. Hopefully, the players will work on their conditioning and avoid injuries next year. The rotation looks good, outfield looks great, catcher is set for 6 years, we just need to get a 3rd baseman, a 1st baseman and a bullpen. Why Not 2010!!

Sorry Gil,

Wayne's post is brilliant! It's not the typical long winded rant, and no one can possibly dispute the logic.

I also don't see how it's as negative as you claim. Seems the guy just says it like it is while holding the team accountable.

By the way, I hope you do get to see the O's flourish again. You're obviously a great fan and deserve as much.

This is exactly the right move. The Orioles for too long have been reactionary and short-sighted. Keeping DT shows a commitment to stability and growing and nurturing young talent. Believe it or not we have young talent now and the team is going to improve. We may never have the opportunity to be on an equal payroll footing with the Yankees and BoSox but we can draft well and develop talent from within, forcing our young guys to start over with another manager now would not be productive. I defy any of you clowns to name one manager who could have gotten seventy wins with the roster DT was given. Watch any team for 162 games and you will disagree with decisions made by the manager. Torre burned up his bullpen in NY year after year but they could go get new guys to mask his deficiencies.

Get on board or get the fcuk out of here. I am tired of the fair weather fans.

chris ray ladies and gentlemen....

I was one of the people who thought that a new manager could bring a much-needed culture change and could provide the spark needed to turn the corner. But it's a valid point that this season's poor record was in no way Trembley's fault.

Now the decision has been made, and time will tell whether it was the right one. It's not the one I would have made, but it could very well turn out for the best. I probably wouldn't have kept Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay either.

Now let's hope MacPhail makes the moves that will REALLY count -- bringing us at least one power-hitting corner infielder, some bullpen help, and ideally a front-line starting pitcher. We have about two-thirds of a quality team in place, so depite the 98 losses this year, 2010 is far from hopeless.

Best of luck, Dave!

Shamrock,
R.I.P.

Was that "poetry" weird or what? Kinda funny, too, and maybe a testament to how this blog has sen it all over 160 games.

I commend Andy MacPhail for the move. The major problem is what it long has been: a shortage of talent. Now that the young talent, combined with a small core of quality veterans, gives us at least a glimmer of hope, the stability will speed up the provess of figuring out where this "transition" is going anywhere.

I commend Andy MacPhail for the move. The major problem is what it long has been: a shortage of talent. Now that the young talent, combined with a small core of quality veterans, gives us at least a glimmer of hope, the stability will speed up the provess of figuring out where this "transition" is going anywhere.

I commend Andy MacPhail for the move. The major problem is what it long has been: a shortage of talent. Now that the young talent, combined with a small core of quality veterans, gives us at least a glimmer of hope, the stability will speed up the provess of figuring out where this "transition" is going anywhere.

I commend Andy MacPhail for the move. The major problem is what it long has been: a shortage of talent. Now that the young talent, combined with a small core of quality veterans, gives us at least a glimmer of hope, the stability will speed up the provess of figuring out where this "transition" is going anywhere.

I commend Andy MacPhail for the move. The major problem is what it long has been: a shortage of talent. Now that the young talent, combined with a small core of quality veterans, gives us at least a glimmer of hope, the stability will speed up the provess of figuring out where this "transition" is going anywhere.

b: some if those 70 win totals other managers achieved would be a huge improvement. I think you proves that a good manager can make a difference between being average versus an embarassment.

And to all the people who think we are 2 or 3 piece away from contending or even 500, if that's the case, We should have a lot better record right now.

Let's recap the optimsts: it's the players fault not trembley's but we're just a few players over the offseason from being pretty good. So with 85-90% of the current roster back and the same manager, we're going to improve by 20+ games? Yup, that makes sense

Speaking of seen it all, you never know what's going to come out of the O's bullpen. Chris Ray, former acclaimed closer and injury-rebound project, well. ...
At least we win. Two in a row and some of the future possibly on display. Weiters ends the year with .300 BA, 10 homers – now that would be cool.

Earl Weaver couldn't have won with this team.
It is all on Andy McPhails head lets see what he does this offseason...

I only wish that the O's had made the announcement earlier. If they had, I wouldn't have had to scan past as many posts from the drama queens who somehow believe the O's management will do what they want if they threaten to quit posting to this blog. Don't let the door hit you on the way out, ladies!

Patience. O's were never projected to be good until 2011. Need to consider that the engines driving the Yankees and Sox are getting older by the day. Arod, Jeter, Posada, Damon, Rivera are all mid-to-late 30s and two years from now they won't be producing like they are now. Same thing for the Sox with their older crew. Granted, both teams will buy talent but O's went that route several years ago and look where we're at. Most of the O's talent is extremely young and in two years they should be peaking where the Yankees and Sox should be dropping quickly.

All,

In Feb of this year on this blog, I predicted with the starting pitching we had acquired we would lose 100 games and attendance would be down some 100-200K from 2008. If neither happen both or close and both possibly will occur! That said, for the record as many have stated DT was not dealt a fair deck for assessing him if wins and losses are the barometer! However, if instilling fundamentals, playing quality innings, using your bench, running the bases, overusing the hit and run, making up the line-ups, resting some players every 3rd day (wieters) and never sitting Nick. The guy may be the nicest guy in the world, but define what he did to give him the option year? The corp group has made the big show, learning fundamentals once they get comfortable is unlikely! Instilling a fire in this corp group after having been Captain Kirk on Qualudes isn't gonna change if you buy him a 3B and a starting pitccher. Like everything else, your kicking the can (and the core problem, DT) down the road. But while the corp group will eventually develop, 2010 is clearly not the year! So letting Dynamo Dave lead them down the path of obsurity why not! Like PA said, when we get close I'll open my pocketbook, I guess he'll buy a manager at that point too!

I stayed away from the Trembley issue all season. I think AM did the right thing keeping him. Now he has to fill the holes and give Trembley a chance to show some improvement next year. What I really like about this move is it means no Bobby Valentine here. He's the last guy this team needed to manage it.

Hi Wayne/Doug/Etc

How many other names do you post under? I recognize the style.

It's Ok

Have a great weekend.

Siince YOU HAVE DIRECTED to tell the current baseball how to do his work, I will relate to you how to do the job of a knowledgeable reporter. Write what areas are to be addressed and exactly how the action/measure is to occur. Admit a fault when you fall on your wide butt. BE RESPONMSIBLE, that ought to provide a lot of laughs.

"I only wish that the O's had made the announcement earlier. If they had, I wouldn't have had to scan past as many posts from the drama queens who somehow believe the O's management will do what they want if they threaten to quit posting to this blog. Don't let the door hit you on the way out, ladies!"

AMEN!!!! Reading all the "I will never post again", and "I am done with the O's" Seeya , will not miss you!!

It is like you want us to beg you to come back......that is not happening :)

I am so sick and tired of people pretending that changing the manager will change the results on the field. Aren't we all tired of the manager merry-go-round under Peter Angelos. Personally I think Dave Trembley hit all the right notes this year - ok, a little tense with the press, but he has the respect of the clubhouse which is more than I can say for the last couple of managers. We all bought into the this-is-a-training year stuff and then we expect better results than the club than was on the field? Mr. MacPhail knows he has more work to do to get the kind of depth that will prevent these late-seasons swoons. Until then, the buck stops at his desk, not Trembleys.

I guess everybody should have figured that the club was still rebuiling when McPhail traded Sherrill, Huff and Zaun for prospects. So Trembly comes back to complete the process.

Slugger,
You promise?
sianora
don't come back next year when the O's are ten games over 500 and fighting for playoff spot.....please!

Pete,
I don't mind the decision but what makes me feel sick to my stomach is that it might signal Macphail is already conceding next season!

Just to add my vote, I agree with Peter completely.

Glad to see Andy MacPhail: (1) bring Dave Trembley back, and (2) raise the level of expectations for 2010. Smart, smart man there.

Interesting to see what coaches will be rehired. Crow and Kranitz better come through and get their players ready and keep them fine tuned through the season, or all three of them won't be back in 2011, the year when things should really start to pop for the O's.

Go Birds!

bill fredirick

seriously dude?

When Casey Stengel was asked what made great managers, he said, simply enough, "great players." Duke University nearly fired Coach K after two years of sub .500 records. As for Jim Tracy and the Rockies' remarkable turnaround, as a Colorado resident and avid O's and Rox fan, I can tell you that the Rockies turned around because Tracy is more LIKE Dave Trembley than he is unlike him. Tracy is not a screamer, not a Weaver or Billy Martin type; he's deliberate with decisions, helped players relax. Stability means a great deal in most any business, and, given decent talent upgrades, DT can be an excellent manager. Consider that only in baseball is the head man NOT called a coach. Managing a game is quite different from coaching a game. Balto fans might remember that the Ravens were World Champs a few years ago with a QB who was "only" a manager of the game.

I think the future is pretty bright. Weiters for ROY!

I love the Orioles.

I completely understand blancione's resignation and surrender in the other thread. Baseball is screwed up, and the Orioles will probably never compete unless either this market miraculously grows or MLB changes. But I still love the O's, and will keep cheering for them. And it's nice to see a GM treat a manager with respect and fairness.

Wow Gil,

You're on to me sir! You are the smartest person posting.

Now please

go away

looks like everyone will be back but slugger and blancione. maybe juan samuel won't either.we'll see.

good to see the blog's resident scholars, al and doug, have decided to remain. their insight has proved invaluable to those of us who barely knows what a baseball looks like. I know, i haven't thanked them enough, so let me publicly acknowledge their outstanding efforts here tonite. When
PA is looking for the next GM, i truly hope that their resumes are the first that he sees. He might even take them to the bathroom for, well, more in-depth reading.

Was a good move. If I were sitting in AMcP chair, could not fire DT after the injuries and the trades I made. Picking up the option and then seeing how he does at the top of next year is key. If more of the same, then you can make a move.

I personally don't expect this team to contend for the division. Just finish mid-table... ideally above 500. That would prove a point. And contend with the Yanks and Sox in ever meeting.

The losing as sucked, yes. But some of these kids have been a blast to watch. Wieters, Aubrey, Reimold, Matie, Tillman, Bergie. Watching them work it out... figure out how to play. It's been fun.

The bullpen are the moves AMcP needs to make next. Closer, Setup man, and a long reliever... and some leadership out there. Mark provided a bit of that... but they need more of that.

Hi Gil/Jim66/etc

How many others names do you post under? I recognize the style.

It's OK

Have a great weekend

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another year of Bonehead Trembley!!!!! They have got to be kidding me. One blogger hit some points right on the head. Trembley manages like he is using a beginner's guide book on how to be a manager. Let's see it's the 8th inning so I must bring in my set up guy regardless of the matchups. Often the guys will be hitting well over 300 against the incoming pitcher for the Os but Trembley still puts the guy out there. Basically Trembley puts his players in situations their bound to fail in. He makes moves like bringing in Jamie Walker to face Robinson Cano with a few runners on when Cano is hitting well over 300 with a few homeruns against Walker. His rationale well I wanted the lefty match up. What does Cano do? Promptly hits a homer. That happened over and over again.
Also the vets didn't respect him. What's with having to kiss their as_ and telling them their not going to be in the lineup. Heck you're the manager you're the boss. He then let's Mora blast him. I would have benched Mora for several games after Mora ran his mouth, end of conversation and asked AP to release him.
Trembley is like a Staff Sergeant of barely average intelligence in the army who has 19 years been passed over several times for promotion, a good guy, done his time and is waiting to retire, has some military skills but no leadership skills, no one really respects him, and then all of a sudden he's put in the position of leading a army company of 100 soldiers. Not going to work.
Sure people will say Trembley coached alot in the minors. So freaking what!!! The majors is the real deal.
AP is a smart guy. I think he realizes the Os are still a ways away from competing and needs a lame duck guy in there until the Os start to turn the corner. Then he'll hopefully bring in a manager with some brains and braun.

In other words, the Orioles didn’t need a new manager, but they could use a new and improved Dave Trembley. -- Pete

Pete--What's going on? Are you writing now for "Mad Men"?

Geez, this reasoning has all the depth of advertising copy.

I also think he needs to go with the flow of the game a little more, but that’s just an opinion. I’m not so presumptuous as to think I know more than he does about game strategy. He just seems a little too predictable at times. -- Pete

You are so modest here that I don't know what to make of it. As someone who watches every game--like I do--I think you have seen enough to know that Dave is not someone who see's steps ahead, feels for the game, and can improvise.

You are pretending Dave will go from 5th grade recitals to Sonny Rollins at the Village Vanguard.

This all makes as much sense as saying that you, Pete will know more about baseball in 2010 and will convey that in your writing.

You are Peter Schmuck, Baseball Writer. And Dave Trembley is the current manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

I do like you the way you are. I do not believe Dave is a Major League manager.

If Dave becomes someone else next season, that will be something to see.

I love my Birds. I have agreed with Andy's moves all along. Today? I am surprised. I thought we were further along and ready to surprise everyone next season.

Perhaps, that's just it.

Now, if it happens, it will be an even bigger surprise. A whopper.

As the eternal optimist, lucky to be raised next to the radio listening to Frank and Brooks coming through in the clutch, I'll continue to follow my late Dad's advice ---the same words I tell my boys:

Stick with those Birds.

Ok ladies and gentleman???

Who was coming here to replace DT anyway?

Are you suuuuuuuuuuuure?

Slugger-
~~This is about MacPhail buying himself time.~~

How do you figure? Wouldnt firing DT and bringing in a fresh face enable him to say we need to give the new guy more time? I think your logic is flawed here.

Wayne -
~~YOU CAN'T say 'In Andy I trust', then disagree with keeping DT on.~~

Of course we can. I can have faith in Andy's plan and his ability to implement it while still disagreeing on one detail or another. But I don't in this case.

~~YOU CAN'T talk about 'The Plan', then disagree with keeping DT on.~~

see above.

~~YOU CAN'T say 'it's never been about this year', then disagree with DT keeping DT on.~~

DT keeping DT on? We can say, and I have, that rebuilding means by definition getting worse before you get better, So it IS about the development of the organization this year, just not about wins and losses this year. And DT was tasked by MacPhail with the development of and protection of the key young assets being brought up this year. That was proven by AM saying that DT did the job he was asked to do. No young kids had career threatening injuries and several showed signs of reaching their ceilings in the near future. So he did the job his boss gave him and in return had his option picked up.

~~You see, if AM bailed on DT now, a part of his cred would have jumped out the window.~~

Why? DT was not his hire. I dont understand why any of AM's cred was tied to DT.

~~While I felt they should keep DT on, I did so because they gave the man NOTHING to work with, thus I felt bad for a manager dealing with both hands tied behind his back.~~

DT was kept on for one reason. He accomplished the single main task he was assigned. AM said as much at the press conference

~~I still don't buy into the meat of AM's plan, but he did the right thing in this instance.~~

agreed but for different reasons than yours.

~~Will be interesting to see all the hypocrite posters flailing away now. ~~

no hypocrites. Why cant you just accept that some of us disagree with you and are not brainwashed or hypocrites?

~~Laughable actually!~~

Actually sad, not funny that you cant disagree agreeably instead of insulting and striking out blindly.

Lucky,

Good post.

I disagree, but very good post!

Cheers.

I am not happy about the move because I don't believe that anyone on this blog, complained about the losses, as a reason they wanted DT, to be fired, but the lack of focus, hustle, dismal base running and his 3000 rules that he and Juan, etched in stone this past winter. I'll be the 1st to say I was wrong if they improve, just like most of us wanted Baez and Hendrickson, sent packing before the season and Huff, the year prior, fans will forgive and support if the effort is there. Look no further than Felix Pie. He went from one the most hated men in Baltimore (2nd most behind Jim Hunter), to a guy the fans enjoyed seeing get more ABs. My biggest fear isn't the money to buy out DT, but if the O's get off to a horrific start, your stuck with a staff that you might not have wanted and same with the Manager. I was advocating for Jauss in August and Pete, said that if the O's went on huge winning streak that the wrong guy might end up with the job so I don't see this as a win-win situation.

I loved that Andy, said that wins matter in 2010. Andy, said he would improve the farm system, good drafts, overseas prospects and nurturing the young kids, and he has done that so I think he knows that now is the time to fill the holes. He wouldn't say it if he wasn't going to do it. Looking at his tenure here, he's done what he's said. I just hope free agents will come here.

On a positive note, Michael Aubrey, has been very good and I hope he gets a long look. His minor league #s might not stand out, but he doesn't look confused at the plate and he's good in the field. I just hope DT, doesn't view him as the next Oscar Salazar which means, nothing Aubrey can do, will please the Captain.

Juan, still sucks and should be fired, but since he is getting surgery to get pointy ears and goes around calling himself Mr. Juan, I feel that Captain Dave, will keep him.

Anybody that thinks Trembley and McFail should be back in 2010 must be brain dead. Like losing that much, hey?
After the better part of 2 and a half years of losing with a littany of excuses and alibis, isn't it time to pull the plug on this clown act?
First, Trembley needs a one-way ticket to Indianapolis and Mc Fail should be deported to Samoa
You wanna know what two years of these lamebrains mean.
Wiffle bats
Gloves with no webbing in them
Lead shoes
Lack of anything that even remotely can pass for motivation.
More Yankee and Red Sox fans at Camden Yards.
Let's face it, the Baltimore Orioles are the baseball team from hell.
Angelos, Trembley and his staff need to be tarred and feathered and run out of town, NOW!!

Next year when Trembley calls for an ill timed slow runner 2 strikes on batter hit and run that results in a strike em out throw em out double play killing a rally and losing the game --I'll remind you.

Next year when Trembley pulls Bergesen after 89 pitches in a 2-1 game and the bullpen blows the game I'll remind you.

Next year when Trembley doesn't use stats and puts in a pitcher (with the wininng run on) that the up coming hitter is batting .600 against and loses the game after the hitter drills a hit I'll remind you.Next year when Trembley diks around with Pie and doesn't give the kid enough at bats I'll remind you.

Next year when the O's go into several long losing streaks of 10 games or more I'll remind you !

I hope I am totally wrong I hope the O's win ---but Trembley has alot to prove that he is a winning manager cause

" He just seems a little too predictable at times."

You will have these words in a sandwich with mustard and mayonaise and eat them when Trembley gets fired at mid season next year!

" He just seems a little too predictable at times."

You will have these words in a sandwich with mustard and mayonaise and eat them when Trembley gets fired at mid season next year!

" He just seems a little too predictable at times."

You will have these words in a sandwich with mustard and mayonaise and eat them when Trembley gets fired at mid season next year!

Keith Rowe;

I don't know why you're wondering if AM "sees just the first phase of the transistion complete". The answer is, of course. The Os were never a 2 or 3 year rebuilding project. With respect, I think it is your failure to grasp that from the outset that leads to your frustration and sadness at now having to confront it.

Go back and look at the Os 07 rostor when AM came aboard, and tell me how many guys were of the caliber to start for a good contending ballclub you would build. After Tejada, who just had to be gotten rid of, I'd say Roberts and Markakis. As far as pitchers it would be Bedard and Guthrie. Who else.

Add to that that our minor league talent was very thin and what do you have but a team that was far closer to being an expansion franchise than a contending ballclub.

So how long does it take for an expansion team to become a contender. Florida had their first winning season in their 5th season if I remember correctly. The Blue Jays did it in their 6th or 7th season. I would venture a guess that there are precious few if any who ever did it any quicker.

Disagree if you like, by the facts on the ground seem to be validating my argument and what you are now coming to realize. A winning team sometime between 2011-2013 is a reasonable timeline. 2010 simply isn't and never was. That shouldn't be a cause for sadness. Its coming and never would have without AM first blowing up the house and starting fresh.

Rob L/-I made the same posts about a month ago to no response.Peter Schmuck,I made four predictions in July,That McPhail would trade Sherill,Salazar,and Huff and that the Orioles would be about a 100 loss team,you can look it up.I may not end up four for four,but I'll end up a game or two from 4 for 4.The decision nauseates me to no end,and one more year,I can promise you my butt will not be in the stands foranother year.Peter Angeloser will not get a red cent of my money,and if I could get any other cable tv company other than cable,he wouldn't get my money for MASN either.If everything goes right we might win 70 games next year and only be 20 games below .500.Woohoo,I'm so excited about that.Bright spots-Adam Jones,Matt Weiters,Brad Bergeson,Nolan Reimold-average performance,Brian Roberts,Nick Markakis having their average season,not that they are average players,even though I expected more power and speed out of Markakis,Felix PieLuke Scott.Below average,our whole bullpen,our atrocious coaching staff,and our abysmal manager.God I wish I worked for the Orioles and got graded on the same scale as Dave Trembley.So Pete,you just keep drinking that McPhail KoolAid,and let's see where we end up this time next year.I said I'd be on at the end of the year to take my lumps if I was wrong,unfortunately I was not.Nice guys finish way last.Bob L,sad to see you go,I'll always be an Orioles fan,but this move makes absolutely no sense,you reward a manager for close to a 100 loss season whose team has not gotten appreciably better in any facet of the game.If anything they have gotten worse.I like Mike Aubrey but wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even get a look next spring.

...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Burt, if I recall, you weren't the Lone Ranger predicting Sherrill and Huff would be traded, and if you're going to predict a 100-loss season, man up when you're wrong instead of acting like you were almost right. We all knew they were going to lose at least 93-95.

This is neither a triumph nor a setback. I weighed in by saying given the black and white of the choices, I chose black.

To say Trembley has handled the adversity that it is to be an Oriole manager these days is the same as saying I did a good job not vomiting the last time I was in the back of a New York cab. Trembley has shown he knows nothing about the steering wheel or the pedals when it comes to managing a team.

Okay, he's a nice guy. Okay, the players approve. I get that. That's real nice. That's as warm and fuzzy as the two girls infatuated with the Oriole Bird in those inane commercials.

Now, get some stinking players who might make a difference and who think 40 Games Behind is a lousy idea. Then, maybe, we can judge definitively someone other than Bozo the Owner.

I will always be an O's fan. I love the Orioles and that's that, but I am still livid about giving DT, one more shot.

I agree 100% with Anonymous in that Trembley, is a by the book guy. I don't see how an influx of free agents is going to make him go with the hot hand, not take out a pitcher too early, etc.,

I don't think anyone is going to argue that that DT, didn't have a great tam to work with, but he was not being judged by W's and L's, he was being judged by the team improving with fundamentals. I didn't see them do that. I make a lot of jokes about Juan, but can anyone on this blog, say they want him back? He has no feel for the game. I thought we were going into 2010 with a new a Manger, staff and quality free agents, but I was dead wrong, as all I can hope for are the quality free agents.

This is a question for anyone: Did the press conference in which DT, ran through the check list of "HIS" accomplishments, piss you off? DT, talked about Pie was almost cut in May, but what did he do for Felix? He played because Jones was hurt. He threw him under the bus on more than one occasion. I can take a Manger that's tough IF that approach is spread evenly, but that a$$ Wiggy, can fail time and time again with the task of moving the runner over and not once did Dave or jack a$$ Juan, say "a real MLB player could move the runner." Roberts, dogged it at times (he did), but what does he get? A back rub from Captain Dave T. Kirk in the clubhouse during the game. Sorry Dave, but if your team hits into double plays at the rate they do, work their tails off on learning to steal. Markakis, Cesar, Roberts, Jones and Felix, all have what it takes to steal.

His use of the bench is pathetic. Andino, played so well that there were whispers about maybe trading Cesar, but when Izzy comes back, we never see Andino again? The guy can play the OF and pinch run, but instead he sits on the bench and people wonder why his avg. is so low?

I don't get how Wedge, who had his team dismantled twice in the last two years, is out, but Dave, still has a job? He was laughing it up tonight like the media and fans, were crazy to think he wasn't coming back. How could we get that impression? Was it the 13 game losing streak? Flirting with 100 losses? Just because he has pictures of Pete, Andy and a turtle in a hut tub in FLA, doesn't make him the right choice.

I think this move is brilliant. This year's Rockies have already been mentioned. I think back on the Capitals a few seasons ago with Bruce Boudreau. You take a team of young underachievers, let them get a little behind, and then fire their manager to let them know this is more than just a game-- let them know this is serious. Might as well initiate that plan when you have a manager you wanted to fire anyway.

The only way it could backfire is if the team never gets behind. Or if whoever they bring in to replace Trembley doesn't do better.

I guess it's not such a brilliant plan after all.

This is GREAT NEWS! Although I am on record as saying that I did not think Trembley would be back, and was in favor of making a change because the players needed to hear a fresh voice - not because of the usual complaints about his dugout performance - I also said that if MacPhail wanted to bring him back I would support that decision because Andy has access to information I don't have.

But I never contemplated the collateral impact of the decision. So many naysayers are now going on record as saying they are DONE with the Orioles! That should free up the blogs for more reasoned comments because most of the ones throwing in the towel (while accusing the Orioles of doing the same) are nothing but Negative Nellies complaining about everything anyway.

Farewell frustrated fans. You need a break anyway. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that with the return of Spring Training you will have softened your stance and will be back with your kvetching, regardless of whether the Orioles show the improvement I expect (along with some roster changes) or they continue with their quest of futility as you expect. If you even manage to stay away that long.

Groundhog's Day next year, even the re-hiring of DT at the end of next year. Remember, Andy says W-L record will be the criteria for next year. All DT has to do is improve on the near 100-loss season of this year. Duh! More of the same, year after year.

Pete,

You, MacPhail, and a bunch of your faithful are simply 6 months behind a bunch of us who were calling for Trembley's ouster.

As a successful businessman, let me state that there is no on/off switch to a manager's style.

What MacPhail is now demanding, and what Trembley is now promising is a management style charged with accountability - the very same accountability that the rest of us have demanded all along.

Trembley is now wading into unknown waters. To think otherwise would suggest that Trembley has been biting his tongue all this time. I don't think so. I believe what we've seen from Trembley is what Trembley is - a nice guy.

As soon as Trembley behaves differently he wil lose endorsement from the clubhouse.

And, if he doesn't behave differently he will lose endorsement from the warehouse.

Watch and learn all ye faithful.

So there's the "plan" AM has been selling to the public, and then there's the real plan that AM has really been operating under. He sold that this past year was a rebuilding year. The truth is, and his moves seem to back this up, that the real plan is that they won't be competitive until 2011 or 2012. And really, I can't say he's at fault either, the franchise was that barren. It's a small miracle that PA has even let AP admit to having one rebuilding year.

All the young pitching talent? They all have losing records and high ERA's. Statistically, they all should get better. Some won't. If we're lucky they approach .500, maybe one has a winning record. Not to mention there was some talent never brought up that is going to go through the same growing pains those brought up this year did. So pitching-wise they're not going to be competitive (not in the AL East at least) without all the young pitchers having at least another full year's experience.

Help from the FA market? No way. There have been articles saying this is the worst FA market in years talent-wise. Especially if you start crossing the guys who are highly likely to resign with the contenders they are currently playing with. Honestly, going down this path will return the O's to the losing ways of the first ten years with no end in sight.

Trades? Maybe. If he truly wants to make the team better next year, this is where AP is going to tip his cards. If he's serious about 2010, he'll move some of that young talent in order to get a proven #1 or #2 starter. If he's aiming at 2011, he won't move any of the young pitching. That simple.

So with all that, why change the manager? We had a revolving door for the past ten years which hurt us. Keep some stability, build back a somewhat sane rep in the community while keep building all these foundation blocks, so that when the next Girardi becomes available, he'll actually WANT to come here.If you change horses now, who the heck is going to want to manager here? Who's even available? Manny Acta?! This isn't the NFL where 4 super bowl winning coaches are waiting to get back into the game.

So the off season will be fun.Okay AP, start tipping your hand. What year are you really aiming for?

Hi Todd,

Sorry I disagree on Roberts he was sick for almost three weeks when people started up with him dogging it. He was not himself, and even though he suffered for nearly a month, he kept plugging away. Most of us do not have to wake up everyday and be an athlete, but if you do work and I am assuming you do, who knows with this economy, Brian did his best, and I am sure you would also. Lung, ear and throat are tough things for a desk worker to go through, let alone a highly trained athlete. No matter how you spin it, he was still was the better choice to run out there everyday until he could not.

Lets atleast get rid of Rick Kranitz beacuse of the horrible pitching.

Trembley will be fired by mid season 2010 and then we lose for the #1 draft pick. AM is keeping the puppet Trembley a little bit longer to motivate the fans at home before the off season and prevent 100 Ls. It is all business.

Matt,

Excellent Post!

W

I am wondering how to interpret the fact that as a group the O's players are glad DT is coming back. Does it mean that they are accepting most of the blame for another dismal season and that DT gets a 'pass' or it is because they like the laid-back, country club, no accountabilty style he seems to have?
Hopefully, it's the former, as ultimately it's the players, as how much influence does a manager really have anyway?
It's interesting to note how the Jays are reacting to their manager. If you believe gossip-columnist/reporter Ken Rosenthal, it's mutiny in Blue Jay land over the way Cito Gaston has run things. He seems to have worn out his welcome after a good start because he's 'old school'.. Interesting but don't bet on him getting an extensiona nd ironically, I thlnk he's a better manager than DT.
As the sun sets on another disappointing season, my big wish for the off-season is for everyone to get healthy and stay healthy!!! This might mean getting everyone on a fitness/strength program. In particular, ALL pitchers, even the babied young ones, have to get stronger and pitch deeper into games. We are going to see the same mess if these guys can't pitch more than 5 innings. I say the party is over for the starters; if you aren't capable of throwing more than 100 pitches or have to be shut down in Sept because of 'tiredness' then you stay in the minors until you can..
I'd like to see a solid 5 man rotation with everyone going at least 7 innings in most starts and more importanly, one that stays healthy all year. If Guthrie can do it, why can't the others?
And while injuries are part of the game,let's hope that the position players avoid the seemingly large number of players being shutdown with 2-3 months left. Our depth is clearly lacking and I don't see anyone other than maybe Aubrey, using this chance to step up.

Hey Ryan,

A pitching coach is only as good as the talent he has. Example: Leo

I think that Rick got a lot of credit, just like Leo because of the right pitching was surrounding him. As a pitching coach, you look at the mechanics help them make adjustments when needed, make sure they are on their throwing and exercise programs and work on pitching approaches to hitters. Sometimes they will work on a new pitch. Really a pitching coach cannot teach a pitcher go from having a 92 MPH fastball to a Nolan Ryan 100 MPH heater. You cannot teach a player to get people out by throwing balls out of the zone like Maddox could, they have to perform that themselves.

I know how disappointing it has been, how many times have you seen Albers throw a real nice cutter or breaking ball and it finds it's way to the middle of the plate and eventually and usually resulting in a hit. last night he looked pretty locked in, and looked very good. He has great stuff but consistency is his problem. Even great managers and great pitching coaches have issue with the mental approach and bad location. Remember the nickname that Stanhouse had when he came into a game, it was 2 pack, because of how nervous Earl was when he pitched.

If they are going to change anyone, i would love to see Billy Ripken and/or Surhoff and say goodbye to Jaun.

When it was first announced that Trembley was hired, the Orioles lost 30-3. Last night when it was announced that he will be back next year, the Orioles won big. Maybe it is a sign!

I guess we'll have to read the Cleveland papers to find out what happened to Wedge. The guy did have some fine players this year and last(Sabbathia, Lee, Martinez, Seizemore), and I think you could say without too much argument that the Indians had more talent than the Os over the last few seasons. Maybe they still do, even as they've traded their best for a slew of top rated prospects.

Todd,

~The guy can play the OF and pinch run, but instead he sits on the bench and people wonder why his avg. is so low?

Which came first, the low average or no playing time? Does anyone know if the O's were ready to chuck Itzsuris after 60 games and go with Andino? Haven't we seen enough of infielders in the Os outfield for one lifetime?

Now, if you think the success of the rebuilding plan and judging a manager comes down to playing time for Robert Andino...

I agree with the rehire, but with reservations. At times the O's showed a lack of hustle--players not always running hard on every popup or ground ball until the out is actually made. Jim Leyland, for example, doesn't tolerate lack of 100% hustle--his players are afraid not to go all out. I'm not suggesting a drill sergeant for manager, but Trembly doesn't need to be a father or friend. Instead, he needs the respect of his players, and I agree with Pete that he doesn't have to pamper Mora when he has a hissy-fit. Still, the question I have is this: Is DT the manager of the future? I believe continuity is important, but if he is to be replaced in the near future--say within a yer or two--then why not sooner than later to establish new rapport between the players, manager, and coaches.

Hire Trembley!

Anonymous,

You are relentless. Do you want to put your money where your mouth is, and make a wager on your prediction? Not that I am a gambling man, but I would take that bet.Mid Deason would be 75 to 85 games into the year. Considering you have nothing to base your guess on, I assume you would chicken out when it comes time, just like by not posting your name!

Matt;

Good post. Youy're right about free agents. The kind of guys we'd all like to see signed aren't coming to a team coming off a 100 loss season.

As far as trading some of our young pitchers, I wouldn't until we see what shakes out next season. We'll have a better idea at this time next year who the keepers are.

Well, I'm disappointed, but in the greater scheme of things this was not the most important decision this team needs to make. I think Andrew up above makes pretty much the same argument I have so I'll let his post speak for me.

Why do I feel the same outrage as when Mark T signed with the yanks? And yes I want to Boo when DT's name is announced opening day.

This move has nothing to do with baseball. It is purely business. Angelos being Angelos

Pete - I have a ques4tion I am going to ask Roch as well. Did MacPhail in any of his interviews/press conferences ever actually give a time table for competing for the playoffs? I think so many twits have posted that there is a specific timetable that we all believe it is true that at some point Andy said something specific in terms of a timetable for making the playoffs. I believe the complete rebuild is the only reasonable path that this team could take that offers a possibility of the playoffs so if it takes an extra year or even two, if inuries or a bad trade/signing decision derails it for a year or two, doesnt change my opinion that the current process is heading in the right direction. As a sidenote, as we are of the same generation doesnt it seem true (and sad) that the fans today, unlike the fans when we were growing up, cannot take any pleasure in the process because they are all like kids in the backseat screaming "Are we there yet?' or even worse "Who can we blame for not being there yet?"

@Seagulfan

"b: some if those 70 win totals other managers achieved would be a huge improvement. I think you proves that a good manager can make a difference between being average versus an embarassment."

What are you talking about? I proved that even the best managers are only as good as their teams. When LaRussa was in Oakland, and he wasn't winning, he still had a couple of decent pitchers. This Orioles team had ZERO starting pitching from the start.

"Let's recap the optimsts: it's the players fault not trembley's but we're just a few players over the offseason from being pretty good. So with 85-90% of the current roster back and the same manager, we're going to improve by 20+ games? Yup, that makes sense"

That does make sense. Do you know why?

Young players improve from year to year.

Do you think that Matt Wieters is only going to hit 9 homers next season? Based on his numbers from mid-August on, I'm thinking that he's going to hit .300 with 25+ homers and 100+ rbi.

Do you think that Brian Matusz is only going to win five games next season? I'm thinking that, based on his development and talent, he's going to put up 14-15 wins.

Also, I'm expecting a big improvement from Markakis, especially if MacPhail can land a true cleanup hitter. From '06 to '08, Markakis' OPS improved from .799 to .848 to .897. This year, it dropped to .794 and he only hit 17 homers. Even if that power hitter doesn't come, I'd expect a jump back up to .850. And if Nick does get some protection, I'm thinking he'll jump up over .900.

Other guys who I'm expecting to improve / get more consistent: Adam Jones, Chris Tillman (iif he's not traded for a power bat), Jim Johnson, Jeremy Guthrie, Brad Bergesen, Nolan Reimold, Felix Pie.

So, in essence, those who think this team is a piece or two away from .500 are right. If those pieces fit in properly, and the guys mentioned improve and/or get more consistent, I can see this team approaching 80+ wins easily.

@Birdland Todd

"His use of the bench is pathetic. Andino, played so well that there were whispers about maybe trading Cesar, but when Izzy comes back, we never see Andino again? The guy can play the OF and pinch run, but instead he sits on the bench and people wonder why his avg. is so low?"

Just because the O's put him there, doesn't mean that Andino can play outfield. The guy has played three games in the outfield in his 156 game career, and they were all because the O's/Marlins didn't have anyone else to toss out there.

Also, what makes you think Andino is capable of being an every day player? Is it his .258 career minor league average? How about the fact that he strikes out three and half times as much as he walks? That's pretty terrible for a guy who has absolutely no power.

And what made you think he "played so well" while Izturis was out anyway? Andino was the starting shortstop from June 5th to about July 8th. Over that time, he hit .222 with 1 hr, 5 rbi and 1 stolen base. He was caught stealing twice and he struck out 18 times and while taking just 4 walks. I don't know what you've been smoking, but where I come from, that's terrible. In fact, that's beyond terrible. It's so bad, I don't even know what to call it.

So you're wrong about Andino "playing so well" while Izturis was hurt. And you're also wrong about him rotting on the bench after Izturis came back.

From July 11th to today, Andino has played in 26 games and he's actually started 15 times. Over that time, he's hitting .192 with 1 homer, 2 rbi and 1 stolen base. Always true to his history, he's struck out 16 times while taking 7 walks.

Andino is terrible.

"I don't get how Wedge, who had his team dismantled twice in the last two years, is out, but Dave, still has a job?"

Correct me if I'm wrong, but since Dave Trembley took over, the O's have traded Miguel Tejada, Erik Bedard, George Sherrill, Aubrey Huff, Ramon Hernandez and Chad Bradford. If that isn't dismantling a team, I don't know what is.

firing trembley now would be like firing a nascar driver when you gave him a clunker to work with. I want to see what he can do with a lamborghini or a bugatti.

Well, with 129 comments ahead of mine I don't know if you will ever get to this but, here goes.
First, you mentioned the old admonition "Be careful what you wish for". That applies to you also Pete. Your blog carries the most weight here in Balt. so you will have to bear the fruit of it next season.
Many seem to relieve Dave of the responsibility for this season's poor showing saying that it wasn't Dave's fault. He didn't have rhe players so he had to play with a pitching staff of young starters and less than adequate bullpen support. Additionally two players of major league quality were traded with no immediate benefit to the team this year. Well whose fault was that? DT didn't have any say in the lack of quality players presented to him in March, didn't have any say in the depletion of the team's strength (what little there was of it) through mid-season trades and certainly wasn't able to call up quality players from the minors when injuries were suffered. Where were the quality replacements. A team's farm is supposed to consist of rookies who are receiving good instruction while they proceed through the various levels AS WELL AS a reasonable number of ready replacements ABLE to fill positions at the major level should the need require. Where were those ready replacements? What has MacPhail been doing in the THREE years that he has been in charge of acquiring those players. Take a stroll through the team's transaction listing on the O's website as I did. Some players acquired were never heard from, some were never to attain the level necessary to even be considered a reliable replacement and some were brought up anyway only to fulfill their lack of promise on the major league stage. If AM has only been able to sign less-than-adequate replacements for the every day position players how can anyone expect him to sign a major leaguer with power to play 1B? Bell is a lock for 3rd and every other position, except short, will be filled by the same players from this year. Oh and don't expect AM to sign Both a power-hitting position player AND a good starting pitcher. Come on! So Guthrie and 4 rookies with a half-season of experience will be expected to improve from a disasterous September to a winning April/May with only the weeks spent in Spring Training to acquire that improvement. A miracle on Eutaw Street? We shall see. For my money AM doesn't acquire a power bat OR a front line pitcher, much less overhaul the bullpen. That's another story altogether.

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Pete's reply: You're right. A lot has to happen for things to turn around and I doubt all of them will happen, but I don't think a different manager would make a bit of difference if they come back with the same team.

Anonymous calling out Anonymous!! I love it!

GREAT NEWS.

Now, the pressure is on Andy Macphail and Peter Angelos to UPGRADE this LAST PLACE team in the offseason, so we can avoid a 13th straight losing season.

Do the right thing and put better players on the field. Invest in the product.

Wow i'm still in shock.

When Trembley and Samuel teamed up to blame the players for baserunning blunders, i thought for sure he was a goner. Regardless of who's to blame, the manager should always bear responsibility, publicly anyway.

Its clear that Trembley himself thought he was out, and he's been feeling sorry for himself and making weak ass comments like "you're only as good as who you put out there" etc etc.

Wow, another year of double standards, unimaginative lineups and calling out the 25th player on the roster.

To all those posters who gleefully attack those who advocated change, by saying "we couldn't win anyway so why hire someone competent", Karl Rove couldn't be more proud.

Birdland Todd you rock btw

As a Orioles fan, it has been a long and sometimes painful season. On the other hand when they were winning it was exciting to watch. I like Dave Trembly a lot and I'm glad that he's staying with the team. I also agree with you 200% when you say Trembly needs to be a boss and not an uncle. I think that the guys respect him and if anything want him to step into that role. They are young and need the structure. The talent is here and we've seen it show from time to time. But the base runnning is sloppy and the pitching (especially closing pitching) needs to improve. I am looking foward to next season!

Birdland Todd;

It is not true that DT, "was not being judged by W's and L's, he was being judged by the team improving with fundamentals."

Just listen to AM himself. "I always felt that Dave Trembley did exactly what this franchise asked him to do," MacPhail said. "He was charged with nurturing and developing and bringing along a lot of what we think are young, talented players, and trying to introduce them in the proper environment where they can enjoy some success. In my view, he has accomplished that mission. He deserves the opportunity, he's earned the opportunity to go forward."

That is not to say that teaching fundamentals isn't part of that, but it clearly wasn't the pre-eminent criteria you seem to want to make it.

The decision to bring Trembley back is a huge mistake. You could've rode what little momentum you had (i.e. Bergeson, Tillman, Matusz.) into next year with a new manager and said "We are expecting big things from you now. We believe you have the talent, and we believe you can make the difference."

Instead, as many have noted, the move to bring back Trembley is essentially a concession of the 2010 season. And thus, I believe, the lackluster, boneheaded, uninspired play will continue. Just like I thought it was a mistake for McPhail to come out publicly in spring training this past year and basically say "Don't expect very much", this move says the same for next year.

It's sad. And I completely understand why guys like Blancione and Slugger are giving up.

The only reason I'm not giving up is because I hold out hope that Matusz, Tillman and Bergeson are good enough to turn this team around, starting next year, despite said political maneuvering by upper management. It's a long shot, I know.

Finally it has to be said though. Anyone true Oriole fan on here that honestly believes that Dave Trembley is fit to manage a major league baseball team, I feel sorry for you and your ignorence.

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Pete's reply: It's got to be quite a burden being smarter than everybody else.

djph;

People who are upset with the pace of AM's rebuilding efforts are people who had an unrealistic set of expectations in the first place. The Os never were a 2 or 3 year rebuilding job. If you can ever wrap your head around that, you'll find you will feel much better about things and come to some understanding of what AM is up too.