The dirty deed is finally done. The Orioles have a new manager and fans have had their human sacrifice, which would be just fine if that represented any fundamental change in the nature of the ballclub.
The dismissal of Dave Trembley, like most managerial changes, was more cosmetic than strategic. That doesn't mean it wasn't necessary or appropriate, but for it to be more than public relations window-dressing it has to be part of a wider in-season makeover and not just an attempt to appease the public or shake up the clubhouse.
Andy MacPhail could dig up John McGraw and it wouldn't be enough to turn this Orioles team into a winner. It's going to take another bold turn like the winter housecleaning that restocked the 40-man roster during MacPhail's first year as president of baseball operations.
No, I'm not talking about throwing "The Plan" out with the bathwater, but I am talking about another housecleaning and a very aggressive foray into the free agent market next winter. I'm talking about a veteran fire sale — which could start any time now — and a complete return to player development for the remainder of the season.
MacPhail apparently disagrees, at least for now.
"I'm still hopeful we can end up with a better record than we had last year," he said. "I still want to move that needle…Obviously we've handicapped ourselves greatly, but I think getting our players healthy will help us in that regard."
No doubt, getting back Brian Roberts, Felix Pie, Jim Johnson and an effective Michael Gonzalez would make a difference, but by the time the team is at full strength, it isn't going to matter in the greater scheme of things. What might matter is another influx of talent in exchange for the useful veterans who aren't signed beyond this year anyway.
Kevin Millwood was a good acquisition gone bad through no fault of his own. He did everything the Orioles could have asked him to do, but now the best thing he can do for the team is waive his limited no-trade clause and get the O's a couple of more prospects.
Miguel Tejada has also been a positive presence, but if there's a contending team that needs a shortstop/third baseman or a DH, put him on a plane and call up minor league third baseman Josh Bell. Same goes for Ty Wigginton, who is having a very solid season and would be attractive to a number of teams. Do whatever you need to do with Garrett Atkins and call up Michael Aubrey when he comes off the minor league disabled list or Brandon Snyder when he heats up at Norfolk.
How can you do that to the fans?
How can you not?
The one thing Orioles fans understand is that the current situation is unbearable. Given the choice of waiting around for this group to bounce back with a few wins (which will happen at some point, believe it or not) or watching Bell and Jake Arrieta take their first baby steps at the big-league level, I'm pretty sure I know which is more likely to get people back into the ballpark.
The one thing that should be obvious to everyone from Peter Angelos to MacPhail to the man on the street is that this season — from a competitive standpoint — is a total loss. There is no corner up ahead for this group to turn. No scenario in which the final weeks of the season become some upbeat lead-in to a dramatic turnaround in 2011.
MacPhail needs to concede that the rebuilding effort just lost a season and promise what remains of the club's fan base that no expense will be spared to upgrade the team this winter so that next year can truly be judged on wins and losses.
That's easy to say now, of course, before the best free agents get extended by their current clubs. When the time comes, it may take some wily general managing to reel in a big-swinging cleanup guy like Adrian Gonzalez or Adam Dunn, but MacPhail will have to find a way to do that (and much more) or his rebuilding effort is going to flop.
I realize that plenty of people think it already has, but there are still a lot of good young players on the Orioles roster who have a chance to develop into the nucleus of a competitive team. The trick is to change the culture of losing before they all drown in it.
The best way to do that is to start winning, but that doesn't appear to be an option right now.
The next best thing was changing the manager, but only if there is a lot more change to come.
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM) on Fridays and Saturdays at noon, and with Brett Hollander on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6. Also, check out his blog, "The Schmuck Stops Here," at baltimoresun.com/schmuckblog.
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