"In the end, we're all responsible for our jobs. We have to be realistic. We have to be aware of the environment and do what is required."
First baseman Kevin Millar pondered the possibility that some players may have let the recent slump and the coming trade deadline get into their heads, then summarily dismissed it.
"I don't think that concept has set in yet," he said. "Talk to me in 10 days if things keep going the way they have, but this team is still focused. We're trying to surprise people. We want to get back to .500. I think it's a little early for that."
Designated hitter Aubrey Huff, who knows all about being the subject of midseason trade talk, also cautioned against reading too much into one or two disjointed performances.
"We can't worry about what they may do or may not do in the front office," he said. "We've got to play baseball. If I get traded, I get traded."
Trembley is taking the same approach in his advice to anyone who might be letting hypothetical possibilities obscure the job at hand.
"I think you have to spend more time one-on-one with guys," Trembley said. "You put yourself in their position. You want to convey to them to control what you can control. Don't get caught up in any emotional things. It's all about pride."
While he was at it, he also sent a message to anyone -- players, fans, media -- who might doubt his commitment to changing the culture both inside the clubhouse and throughout the organization.
"In my wildest dreams, you think that was part of my job being a major league manager?" Trembley said. "No, but I'll deal with it because I'm committed that while I'm here, it's going to better than it's ever been. There isn't going to be one stone unturned here because I see everything, I hear everything, and I live and die with everything here. Not for Dave Trembley, but for the Baltimore Orioles. And if you think that's a bunch of poppycock and this and that, people don't know who I am. They don't know who I am. That's my sermon."
peter.schmuck@baltsun.com
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM) at noon most Saturdays and Sundays.
