Damning assessment: In today’s post game show, anchor, Jim Hunter noted he observed “several” Orioles not running out ground ball outs to first base, that they are “turning right and heading to the dugout.” What could better reveal losing chemistry than this? Winners NEVER concede an out. Winners don’t quit.
In Dave Trembley’s post game press conference, seldom was the word “winning” mentioned. The talk was on how miserable losing felt. This is not the language of a winner: nine games, eight losses. Things are getting worse. In the early losses, the Orioles were ahead early in the game only to blow leads. That’s not the story the last two games. They were down 6-0 so quickly in today’s game it almost seemed as if the team was intent on forfeiture.
Think of the language we hear from the Ravens, no matter how the game turned out the focus is always on winning BEATING the other team, taking the competition to the opposition, and intensity. Be it Ray Lewis, the on-the-field leader or head coach, John Harbaugh, the talk is always about winning and losing – well it’s just not acceptable, period. The Orioles don’t have a player like Ray Lewis, but listen to any of the purple and black talk about their game compared to the orange and black and the difference in approach is stunning.
Jim Palmer observed last summer that the young Orioles should be watching the work habits and approaches of players who are good at winning. He pointed out Derek Jeter of the Yankees. Part of losing is learning how the other team beats you. If our fellows aren’t constantly studying the other teams, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, they will never win. There’s no sense in dwelling on what the Orioles have done wrong except where there are some true skill deficiencies that need to be corrected. The challenge is developing a true sense of team play, working together, with the single-minded shared sense of purpose, just win.
For this reason, Dave Trembley must go. The chemistry must change. The expectations must be shaken up. There needs to be a new and clear sense of direction. Teams that focus on trying not to lose will lose. Teams obsessed with winning that have the talent will win. It’s time for the Baltimore Orioles to choose what kind of team they are. The fans will not accept a team that isn’t committed to winning.
In Dave Trembley’s post game press conference, seldom was the word “winning” mentioned. The talk was on how miserable losing felt. This is not the language of a winner: nine games, eight losses. Things are getting worse. In the early losses, the Orioles were ahead early in the game only to blow leads. That’s not the story the last two games. They were down 6-0 so quickly in today’s game it almost seemed as if the team was intent on forfeiture.
Think of the language we hear from the Ravens, no matter how the game turned out the focus is always on winning BEATING the other team, taking the competition to the opposition, and intensity. Be it Ray Lewis, the on-the-field leader or head coach, John Harbaugh, the talk is always about winning and losing – well it’s just not acceptable, period. The Orioles don’t have a player like Ray Lewis, but listen to any of the purple and black talk about their game compared to the orange and black and the difference in approach is stunning.
Jim Palmer observed last summer that the young Orioles should be watching the work habits and approaches of players who are good at winning. He pointed out Derek Jeter of the Yankees. Part of losing is learning how the other team beats you. If our fellows aren’t constantly studying the other teams, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, they will never win. There’s no sense in dwelling on what the Orioles have done wrong except where there are some true skill deficiencies that need to be corrected. The challenge is developing a true sense of team play, working together, with the single-minded shared sense of purpose, just win.
For this reason, Dave Trembley must go. The chemistry must change. The expectations must be shaken up. There needs to be a new and clear sense of direction. Teams that focus on trying not to lose will lose. Teams obsessed with winning that have the talent will win. It’s time for the Baltimore Orioles to choose what kind of team they are. The fans will not accept a team that isn’t committed to winning.
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