The much-criticized Felix Pie experiment did produce a potential marquee left fielder - it just wasn't Pie. The jury remains out on Rich Hill, but both former Chicago Cubs have served MacPhail's greater purpose, even if that purpose was not always clear to the fan base.
The manager
Trembley was brought in to instill a philosophy grounded on strong fundamentals during the organization's rebuilding process but has come under criticism during the first half for the club's seeming lack of focus, particularly on the bases. Still, it's hard to make the case that the club is underachieving when most of the experts had the Orioles winning fewer than 70 games this year and they entered Saturday night's game on a 73-win pace.
It's no secret that Trembley's future as manager depends heavily on how the Orioles play in the second half, though not necessarily on where they finish in the standings. MacPhail has said that the goal for this year is to end on an upswing instead of with another discouraging late-season collapse.
The owner
Peter Angelos has kept a low profile this year, but he did say during spring training that if the rebuilding effort bears enough fruit this season, his checkbook will be open for a pivotal free agent or trade that might help lead the Orioles into contention next year. Fans have a right to be skeptical about that, especially when you consider that MacPhail may be more conservative than Angelos when it comes to the payroll.
The fans
Surprisingly, the club's fan following has held steady so far, in spite of the nation's economic woes and the prospect of another sub-.500 season. The Orioles are on pace to sell 1.95 million tickets, almost exactly what they did last year. There has been a slight drop in average attendance, but the gross figures line up because the Orioles had only 78 home dates in 2008.
So, what are we to conclude from all this?
Nothing concrete. The rebuilding program appears to be slightly ahead of schedule, and overall fan confidence in MacPhail's long-range plan seems to be growing with the emergence of each new prospect. But those same fans have every right to be skeptical until they see organizational progress where it really counts - in that place broadcaster Joe Angel likes to call "the win column."
Listen to Peter Schmuck weeknights at 6 on WBAL (1090 AM) and check out "The Schmuck Stops Here" at baltimoresun.com/schmuckblog.
