Mike Trombley was one of the "key" acquisitions in the 2000 off season. Since he had performed a yeoman’s job of closing for the Twins after the trade of Rick Aguilera in the ’99 season, the O’s felt he would provide an excellent setup man, as well as a potential closer, since Mike Timlin had flopped so dismally upon his arrival on orange and black.

A not particularly hard thrower, the Duke graduate brought his quality split-finger and decent curveball, as well as a self-depreciating sense of humor, to the O’s. The fans, however, tired of one high-priced bullpen flop after another, turned quickly on both Trombley and Chuck McElroy when they got off to disastrous starts.

Trombley was unable to provide relief when the bullpen began to melt right after the season started. He gave up three home runs in his first six appearances, and the floodgates were opened. As bad as he was in April, he was worse in May, pitching to a 7.27 ERA, and giving up four more homers. At the end of May, Mike had thrown 18 innings, given up 12 earned runs, and SEVEN homers.

The rest of the season was much more "typical" Trombley; decent control, striking out a batter an inning, pretty much getting the job done. By the time the season was over, his numbers were only a bit higher than his numbers for the past three seasons. His second half consisted of an ERA of 3.79, only five homers in 40 innings, less than a hit per inning, and a .391 slugging against.

One of the genuine ‘good guys" in the game, it’s hoped that Trombley’s 2001 season will be a bit closer to his second half performance than his first.

TO CONTRIBUTE IN 2001, TROMBLEY MUST:

Pitch more consistently. His splits between the first and second half are far beyond what a manager wants to see from a key bullpen member.

Make better initial offerings. Mike gave up a .262 average and a .537 slugging mark to the first batter he faced in 2000, and batters offering at his first pitch rang up a whopping .615 slugging percentage.

Stay ahead of batters. Trombley’s walk numbers are not high, but his batting average and slugging percentages allowed go through the roof when he falls behind hitters.

NOTES: very articulate player, active in local charitable activity…pitched very well against Gotham teams, with a 3.68 ERA against the Yanks, and a 1.80 against the Mets…pitched to a 3.38 ERA at home, while the road yielded an inhospitable 4.93…only converted 4 of 11 save opportunities.