And now it's official (w/Trembley statement)

The Orioles sent out their press release confirming that manager Dave Trembley has been fired and third base coach Juan Samuel will take over the club on an interim basis. As I wrote earlier, the Orioles will continue their search for a replacement. Samuel isn't expected to remain in his new role throughout the summer. It could last as little as a few weeks, depending on how quickly the Orioles start interviewing candidates and make a decision. Samuel, 49, will be re-introduced to the media in a 2:30 p.m. press conference at Camden Yards. Same guy, new office. Samuel managed Double-A Binghamton in 2006, leading the team to a 70-69 record and second-place finish in the Eastern League. Triple-A Norfolk manager Gary Allenson will coach third base on an interim basis, a move that always made sense to me. Allenson handled those duties for the Red Sox in 1994 and Brewers in 2001-2002. He's also served as a bullpen and first base coach in the majors. Allenson is part of the spring training staff every year, so the players are familiar with him and he's worked with them. He's also a stickler for detail and a no-nonsense, old-school type of guy. Trembley compiled a 187-283 record after replacing Sam Perlozzo's on June 18, 2007. In a statement issued by the club, Trembley said: "I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Peter Angelos and Andy MacPhail for the opportunity to serve as manager for the Baltimore Orioles for the past three years. The results on the field were not what any of us would have hoped for, and I understand that the organization felt the time was right to move in a different direction. While I am disappointed at the outcome, I feel it was a privilege to wear the Orioles uniform each day and I thank all the fans for their tremendous support. I hope the team will soon return to the winning tradition they enjoyed for so many years."