"It seems like every time he pitches, he gives us a chance to win."
Bottom line: It has been a totally schizophrenic first half for the Orioles.
There have been some inspiring wins, a lot of deflating losses and a few gritty comebacks they can build on, too, especially the thrilling 11-10 victory over the Boston Red Sox two weeks ago, the greatest comeback in team history.
By the way, it was nice seeing Trembley back in uniform Sunday after his suspension, instead of hanging out in a polo shirt and khaki pants in a broadcast booth.
Is it just me or was his vein-popping, thermonuclear meltdown with umpire Tom Hallion last week one of the highlights of the season so far?
Spiking the cap to the ground after he was ejected - now that was inspired. Somewhere in South Florida, a smiling Earl Weaver raised a gin and tonic in a toast to Trembley and silently murmured, "That was brilliant, big guy."
Then - and this was my favorite part - Trembley acknowledged that he hid behind a policeman in the dugout and continued to instruct the team, in violation of league rules, which just about guaranteed a suspension.
Oh, you can't make this stuff up. You talk about first-half memories - that's one that'll stay with me.
But along with the hopeful signs from the first half, there are reasons for concern, too. The starting pitching is Bergesen, period. Melvin Mora has only three homers and 24 RBIs. Brian Roberts has looked shaky at the plate at times and has just 18 steals for a team that needs him to ignite the offense.
Nolan Reimold's batting average is down to .257, and he has looked over-matched recently.
But nobody wanted to dwell on that Sunday.
Sunday was all about building momentum, establishing a positive vibe, wishing superstar-in-waiting Adam Jones well as he heads off to the All-Star Game in St. Louis, and looking forward to the second half of the season.
"We've won some series, we've played a little bit better in the [daytime] and we won on a Sunday afternoon," Trembley said. "Everybody goes into the break positive. You know we've got some challenges ahead, obviously.
"But if our pitching holds up and we can get some production out of some of these guys we feel should be hitting, I think we'll be better."
You wonder whether that's good enough for Orioles fans after 11 losing seasons.
We'll find out soon enough.
The Ravens open training camp July 27.
Listen to Kevin Cowherd on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Jerry Coleman on Fox 1370 AM.
