You're Fired

The axe finally fell early today, as Dave Trembley was handed his walking papers...sort of. Apparently, Andy MacPhail would like the now ex-manager of the Baltimore Orioles to stay in the organization in some capacity. If I were the Trembs, I'd say 'no thanks, I'm good'.

This was an inevitable situation, folks. The truth of the matter is that the O's were destined for problems from the start. Their offensive igniter, Brian Roberts, never was healthy coming out of spring training, and his absence from the leadoff spot has had an immensely negative ripple effect on every hitter in the lineup. Felix Pie could have been a worthy replacement at the top of the order, but he went down to injury as well. Oh and then the guy we paid millions of dollars to close out games never got going, blowing two of his first three save opportunities. I still believe those early blown saves completely killed the sense of optimism and motivation that had been simmering among the team during Spring training.

This was supposed to be the year of respectability. As it turns out, it was another reality check. The Orioles are still just a team of potential. So far, the young guys have not developed at the pace that the front office would have hoped for. The team has no kind of veteran leadership, at least among positional players, which is essential for a team with so much youth and inexperience. You have rookie pitchers throwing to a rookie catcher. These guys have to learn on the fly, which is a tall task in the big leagues. Even Miguel Tejada, arguably the only semi-successful offseason pick-up for the O's, had to change positions going into the season. Although Tejada has at times shown impressive displays at his new post, he's still prone to committing errors that have cost the team some games. Oh yea and we haven't had a HR from the first base spot - that pretty much says it all in terms of the team's hitting woes.

I can't say I always agreed with Dave Trembley, especially when it came to his bullpen management. That was probably his weakest point as a skipper. However, he has remained a class-act throughout his tenure with the team. I'll always remember the press conference that took place after the O's ended their long string of Sunday losses (last year?). Trembley had a big fat cigar in his mouth for part of the interviews (although it didn't look like it was lit). That's the image I'll remember from Trembley, a guy who clearly appreciated all that was given to him.

The next coach that needs to be fired is Mr. Terry Crowley. I know the players probably love him, but he needs to answer for how this team is swinging the bat. Quality ABs are at a premium for this team. Aside from Nick Markakis, you can't point to many other guys who can effectively take pitches and work the count. It's time for the Crow to GO! That's all for now, peace and crackers.