By Jeff Zrebiec jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com

7:30 PM EDT, July 5, 2009
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Good days have been few and far between for Brian Roberts lately, so it figured that even in a game he led off with a home run and finished with three RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base, the end result was another Orioles loss on Sunday.

The strong individual performance came just two days after Roberts summoned manager Dave Trembley for a lengthy meeting in the dugout and a day after the second baseman was in the middle of two key defensive miscues that contributed to the Orioles' 11-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels Saturday. After the game, Trembley said he had "no explanation" for Roberts' play, which has come under scrutiny recently due to an extended slump and defensive mistakes.

"He hasn't played up to his expectations on a consistent basis, and I think that's bothering him," Trembley said. "I think he's searching for an answer for that. I think he feels like he's let some factors get to him and affect the way he's played. He told me the other day that he accepts responsibility for that. He felt like he let me down, let his teammates down. I told him all he can do is go forward.

"Whether he wants to or not believe it, he should be the guy that sets the example and sets the tone for this team all the time. And that's the responsibility that he has. I think he understands that. He told me that we'll all see a new and better approach from him."

Roberts, who has been dealing with an illness, offered little about his meeting with Trembley, saying only that he requested it and it was a "personal conversation between me and Dave."

"Has it been frustration at times? Sure. But every season has its frustrations," Roberts said. "Actually, I think it's looking up, to be honest with you, with everything. I'm not too worried about any of it to tell you the truth."

Roberts certainly looks better at the plate, breaking from a 3-for-34 slump Saturday with two hits, and adding two more on Sunday, though he did strike out with two men on in the eighth. It's the other aspects of the game Trembley wants Roberts to focus on.

"I had a long discussion with the team before we left. I addressed some things and effort was one of them and eliminating mental mistakes," Trembley said. "I told Roberts, 'You're one of the guys I was speaking directly to.' He knows that. I just know he can play better, and he shouldn't be so affected by making an out or not getting a hit. He can bring so much more to the game, to the team. That's what we want from him."

Markakis mans up

Not long after the Orioles returned to the visiting clubhouse following Saturday's loss, right fielder Nick Markakis stepped into Trembley's office and apologized for the defensive miscue that resulted in Juan Rivera's popup falling in between him and Roberts, and the go-ahead run scoring in the seventh inning.

"It's a real tough lesson to learn," Trembley said. "I'm real big on integrity and respect for the game, and I think that needs to be reciprocated by the guys that are playing. As soon as you let that get away from you, things like last night happen. It's unfortunate."

What's next for Berken?

Trembley didn't exactly give rookie right-hander Jason Berken a strong vote of confidence Sunday. Asked if Berken will make his next scheduled start Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays, Trembley said, "We really need to get through the All-Star break. He got 12 outs [Saturday] night and he worked his tail off to get 12 outs. You guys see the game. Look at the numbers."

Berken has lost five straight decisions, his ERA sitting at 6.25 after eight starts. On Saturday, Berken allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and one walk over four-plus innings. It was the sixth time in his past seven starts that he's failed to pitch more than five innings. During that 28 1/3-inning span, he's allowed 25 earned runs.

Because of Thursday's off day, the Orioles have the option of skipping Berken's start and bringing back Rich Hill on regular rest. However, Trembley's pronouncement that the situation will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break would seem to indicate that no immediate changes are planned.

"I don't see us doing what would be considered the popular thing to do," Trembley said in regards to calling up one of the club's top prospects to start. "The popular thing to do is not necessarily the right thing to do. I think everybody, from [president of baseball operations] Andy MacPhail on down, has been very up front about that. Everybody is talking about [Triple-A Norfolk's Chris Tillman]. I don't see that happening right now."