Community Projection: Luis Matos

by Scott Christ on Feb 9, 2006 9:02 PM EST in News & Rumors

Matos might be the starting center fielder. He might not. Depending on what happens with the Corey Patterson/Kevin Millar/Jeff Conine trio during the spring when positions get decided, Matos could be squeezed out.

Two years ago, Matos had a pretty nice 439 at-bats for the O's, hitting .303/.353/.458 with 13 homers and 15 steals. In 2004 he was hurt and awful when he wasn't, and in 2005 he was injured again and a slap hitter at the bottom of the lineup. If Matos were the type of guy that could steal 50 bases that'd be easier to deal with, but on a team that struggles to score runs, you'd like some more pop, and Luis just didn't have that in 2005. He wasn't awful or anything, but he was below the league average (.712 OPS to .737 for the league, park-adjusted OPS+ of 95). He wasn't a contributor despite the respectable batting average and OBP and it all boils down to the fact that he didn't hit for any power.

He's a good center fielder and if Patterson doesn't show some remarkable improvement from last season, Matos will still be our best choice to go out there every day.

Matos' last three seasons:

       AB   AVG   OBP   SLG   HR   SB/CS    BB/K
2003 BAL   439  .303  .353  .458   13    15/7   28/90
2004 BAL   330  .224  .275  .333    6    12/4   19/60
2005 BAL   389  .280  .340  .373    4    17/9   27/58

That's the line: AB, AVG, OBP, SLG, HR, SB/CS, BB/K. Does he finally get back to the promise he showed in 2003, or is this basically his last stab at establishing himself as a regular?

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nice pic....

235 AB, .271 AVG, OBP .341, .392 SLG, 19/6 SB/CS, 17/32 BB/K

basically expecting about the same level of performance. won't ever be a full time starter, just a fill in for rest days and injuries. Will see a lot of pinch running appearances. Will be released after the season and will hang on for 5-6 more years from team to team being a decent 4/5 outfielder.

by dtran2k3 @ Camden Chat on Feb 9, 2006 9:46 PM EST reply actions

Matos?

When I watch this guy play it just looks like he doesn't enjoy the game. He just does it for the money. It will be interesting to see if Cpat plus his walk year puts a fire under him. If that can't nothing can or will.

by el gordo on Feb 10, 2006 12:14 AM EST reply actions

Matos

I've actually always regarded him as lazy. I guess I'm not the only one. I don't know that I've even ever read a beat writer or a scout or an anonymous source say the same thing, but watching Matos sometimes feels like watching someone move at half speed.

"My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.'" - Earl Weaver

by Scott Christ on Feb 10, 2006 1:57 AM EST up reply actions

My projections

I agree with what's been said above that Matos doesn't strike me as someone who loves the game or gives it his all. I don't think he'll be a starter this year, even if Patterson flames out he'll hit 15 HRs.

235 AB, .260 AVG, .325 OBP, .370 SLG, 3 HR, 10/3 SB/CS, 15/50 BB/K

by punkrawka on Feb 10, 2006 8:01 AM EST reply actions

I dont know

Patterson sucked hard last year and his horrible OBP means 15 HR means nothing, see Sammy Sosa.

"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow" Earl Weaver

by Larry Bigbie3 on Feb 11, 2006 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

Matos

In addition to what folks have already said, it seems to me that after 2003, pitchers just figured Matos out -- you don't have to throw him strikes, and he'll get himself out. As the Os sort out Patterson, Markakis, and Majewski (these latter two probably beginning in July) to see who is part of the future, I think Matos only gets a bit more than a mediocre half season's worth of ABs, basically in line with what people have already said:

300 AB, .266/.319/.402, with 8 HR, 20 BB/54 K, 15 SB/7 CS

by Joltin Joe Orsulak on Feb 10, 2006 8:29 AM EST reply actions

Luis Matos

300 AB, .268/.318/.381, 5 HR, 15 SB/6 CS, 22 BB/55 K

by tank222 on Feb 10, 2006 11:59 AM EST reply actions

Matos...

...made the most spectacular fielding play I've ever seen at a baseball game this past season vs. Boston when he jumped over the fence and pulled in a home run ball hit to dead center by David Ortiz. Being a Red Sox game, the Yard was about half filled with Boston fans who were all cheering, thinking it had gone over. But then there was confusion in the air ...Matos showed he had held onto the ball for the third out, the O's started running off the field, and Orioles fans recalimed the stadium as the New Englanders shrunk back into their seats. O's went on to win 9-2.

For this bit of Orioles Magic alone, I'm giving Mr. Matos the benefit of the doubt...and a decent projection for this season. Well that and I think that he has the talent...and that the added competition this year will light a fire under his ass.

AB 450, .300/.350/.480, 15 HR, 14SB/6CS, 30BB/70K

by Jonnypops on Feb 10, 2006 11:29 PM EST reply actions