Markakis Seems Set to Play LF

by therobotian on Mar 29, 2006 3:16 AM EST

The team hasn't released anything yet, but I've been really watching this develop and my gut instinct is he'll be playing LF on Opening Day. Why do I think so? The team and most sports-writers (on Orioles.com and in the Baltimore Sun) keep suggesting he will, and also suggesting that the team will only carry two catchers; Gil got placed on waivers; The Depth Chart got reorganized yesterday, removing Kevin Millar from LF and making him our F/T DH.

With Millar no longer listed at LF, the Depth Chart shows Conine as the starter... I have trouble believing that for two reasons: (1) Markakis has outplayed Conine in Spring Training, and (2) If Conine gets too many at-bats the team has to keep him next year and find something to do with him. By next year Conine will make a better coach than player, and the FO knows it. He won't be the everyday starter.

So, again, I think Markakis is a lock to make the Opening Day roster and that the FO is just holding out for a big announcement later this week.

Thoughts?

Poll

WILL Markakis be the Orioles everday Left Fielder?

Yes

17 votes

No

9 votes

26 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I'd rather see him in left

Then CF. Great arm, strong to the ball, and seemingly good positioning.
I just hope they play him every day that they can. He's gonna be a good one..and it seems like he's ready.

"What's my secret for winning? That's easy. Pitching, defense, and three run homers" Earl Weaver

by elktonfan on Mar 29, 2006 9:02 AM EST reply actions

Not sure...

what the FO will end up doing. The most likely scenario is Newhan going in a deal for a reliever, leaving Patterson as the backup. No one seems terribly interested in Matos, otherwise we'd have dealt him. Even with a trade of Newhan or Matos, Markakis isn't automatically the left fielder. He still has never been above double a ball, and the club still seems to believe Patterson may come through. I think they may end up starting Markakis at triple a and bringing him up later, when one of our crappy outfielders is struggling or when we make some trades before the deadline.

However, I think the team is better with Markakis and much more fun to watch. I'm hoping I see him at the yard on opening day. We need something to root for, right?

by BleedingOrange on Mar 29, 2006 11:25 AM EST reply actions

Javy moved to DH

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.orioles30mar30,0,2696434.story?coll=bal-home-head lines

With Javy's errors piling up in the first base experiment and it becoming a distraction to his offense, Perlozzo has moved Javy to a mostly DH role. Millar and Conine will share time at first. Does this make our outfield a little clearer? Perhaps Markakis WILL be starting in left with Matos in center and Patterson on the bench....

by BleedingOrange on Mar 30, 2006 11:47 AM EST reply actions

CF

I'm thinking Markakis is on the roster at the start of the year and is our starting CF. I say CF because that is where Sammy has put him all of spring training.

I'm excited to see what the kid can do - I just hope that the organization isn't rushing him. If he can't hack major league pitching and we need to send him back to AAA or AA, it may set him back considerably.

I also hope that keeping him on the roster and Patterson on the bench doesn't cause Corey to become a clubhouse cancer (although something tells me it will)

by wetnap on Mar 30, 2006 12:00 PM EST reply actions

Markakis

Actually, Sammy has been playing him in all three outfield positions. He's been starting in right lately while Gibby has been out with a sore back. This is mainly to get everyone else playing time, because Niner and Millar can't play center.

A lot of people have been talking about rushing him. I really don't think that's as big an issue with hitters as it is with pitchers. If you're a good hitter with a selective eye and ability to drive the ball to all fields, as Markakis is, I don't think you can be rushed. Sure, in the majors he'll see some filthy sliders and nasty breaking balls that just don't exist in the minors, but how many big leaguers can hit a slider down and away with any consistancy?

by BleedingOrange on Mar 30, 2006 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Markakis

This is a no brainer. The guy should start OD in LF and bat second. He is one of the most disciplined hitters on this club. He needs to see Major League pitching and adjust to the adjustments they make to him. I have no dought that he will succeed. He needs to learn LF but he'll get it quicker than Melmo got 3B. Defensively I'd rather see him there now than Conine or Millar. The O's are a better team with him on it!!!

by el gordo on Mar 31, 2006 3:20 AM EST reply actions