With 155 games behind them and a crucial off-season ahead, Orioles? management will meet Wednesday to discuss the direction of the organization.
Manager Dave Trembley and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail are scheduled to begin deciding what the team will do to improve during the offseason, including which players to sign and which coaches to retain.
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Trembley acknowledged he?s spent time thinking about the future of his coaching staff, but doesn?t believe his assistants are a priority.
“I think the philosophy, an agenda, an identity, a direction, identify personnel – I think that?s probably more [appropriate],” Trembley said.
Trembley said he talks with MacPhail almost daily, and MacPhail ducked into the manager?s office Monday afternoon to have a few brief words with Trembley before acknowledging the duo has discussed the coaching staff.
There is at least one vacancy, as first base coach Sam Mejias announced on the team?s recent road trip he plans to resign at the end of the season.
Bench coach Tom Trebelhorn, hitting coach Terry Crowley and third base coach Juan Samuel are signed through the end of this season, while pitching coach Leo Mazzone?s contract lasts through the 2008 season. Bullpen coach Alan Dunn, who was brought on board shortly after Trembley?s contract was extended through 2008, will remain with the team next season.
GUTHRIE SET FOR THURSDAY: Rookie right-hander Jeremy Guthrie loves to pitch, and that?s what is driving the right-hander to make one more start by the end of the season.
He threw a side session Monday andappears on track to start against Toronto on Thursday.
Guthrie hasn?t appeared in a game since Sept. 9, when he strained a left oblique muscle against Boston.
“I want to pitch because I enjoy pitching,” Guthrie said. “I didn?t want my season to end on [Sept. 9].”
Guthrie is 7-5 with a 3.65 ERA in 31 games, including 25 starts. He began the season in the bullpen and told Trembley he?d be willing to return.
But Trembley declined, as wants to be sure Guthrie is completely healthy before the rookie make his next start.
“I think he wants to leave here knowing, more mental than physical, that he?s ended the season on the real positive side,” Trembley said.
