Don't Expect Much From Wieters
Even though he is arguably the most talented prospect in all of baseball, don't expect Matt Wieters to blossom into a superstar from the get go.
If history is any indication, it is unlikely that Wieters will be an impact player in his first couple months with the O's. While anyone is an upgrade over Gregg Zaun and Chad Moeller, don't expect Wieters to instantly provide a solid bat in the middle portion of the lineup.
Even the most highly rated prospects struggled in their first couple months in the big leagues. Nick Markakis, for example, batted .220 in his first 100 at-bats with only 2 homers. Through their first 100 at-bats, Adam Jones (.210), Evan Longoria (.220), and Dustin Pedroia (.180) each struggled in the first couple of months after getting called up. However, after their initial struggles, all of the aforementioned players turned into impact players.
Rarely will a rookie will burst onto the scene in the couple months following their call-up. Joe Mauer is an example of such a rarity. The batting title-winning Mauer hit .320 to go along with 6 HR's in his first 100 AB's.
As for Wieters, he may join the likes of Joe Mauer and immediately live up to the hype. Prior to the 2009 season, a large handful of 'experts' including ESPN's Buster Olney picked Wieters to win the AL Rookie of the Year award. Olney believes that Wieters is 'Joe Mauer, with power.' It is possible that Wieters comes right out of the gate swinging. However, a player like Mauer is an anomaly. While some have considered Wieters to be an anomaly as well, I am not going to be foolish enough to expect too much out of this kid before he settles into the major league environment.
Either way, the Orioles don't need him to produce in the short run. If Wieters is batting under .230 halfway through July, don't panic. This kid seems like the real deal but we have to give him time to develop, much like the Orioles team as a whole.
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36 comments
Comments
buzzkill.
"Your wife told you to play in New York.
Well, my wife told me you look like a dork." Boo Teixeira guys.
by birdman on May 27, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
MacPhail already said it
Although no one was listening. He mentioned something to the effect that Matt hasn’t faced any C.C. Sabbathia’s in the minors. They think he’s ready, but he’ll have to adjust. I’m OK with that as long as he adjusts in a big way.
by drj on May 27, 2009 1:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He did face a David Price
and did pretty well if i recall.
by kba26 on May 27, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not that I remember
I was at the game (unless he faced him more than once) that he faced Price and if I remember correctly I think he was 0-4.
by Gorilla Bird on May 27, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reimold did well
dont think Wieters did.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on May 27, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
There is an adjustment period that Wieters will have to go through before he can blast off to super-stardom. You’re right, MacPhail made sure last night that we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves…
BK
by BKsportstake on May 27, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am excited
For the fact that we are headed in the right direction with youth..For many years it was veterans who couldn’t hold up. I am excited for the first time in a lot of years..Go Oreos!!
Bruce E. Barker
by Go Oreos on May 27, 2009 2:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man...
If this guy isn’t hitting .850 with 200 home runs and have us in first place within 2 weeks I’m going to be really, really disappointed. Just saying.
"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver
by rebop on May 27, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree with this post 100%
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
by exitfare on May 27, 2009 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am expecting a grand slam from Wieters in his first at bat
EVEN if the bases are empty.
by Timmy L. on May 27, 2009 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Matt Wieters' first hit will be a 25 run HR
as he will be carrying the team on his back.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on May 27, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Arent you the same guy
that said the O’s offense is struggling and that Matt Wieters should be called up to fix it? It may not have been you, just seem to remember that post…
In any even, if Matt Wieters ever strikes out (unintentionally of course) I will be completely dissapointed and may have to end my life.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on May 27, 2009 6:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dont. Surely a Wieters strikeout is entirely out of sympathy.
by kba26 on May 27, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I figure
he might do so just to know what it feels like. I mean, I’d be curious to know what it feels like to hit a HR; I’m sure he’s curious to know what it feels like NOT to hit one.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on May 27, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never said that Wieters will fix it...
I am the same guy and I understand what you’re saying. I posted an article that said the Orioles need some kind of spark and it’s possible that Wieters could provide that spark. I’m just trying to make the point that in the event Wieters does not do terribly well right off the bat, don’t worry, it takes time for the best of them to develop. But hey, two days after I called for Wieters promotion, MacPhail made the decision to bring him up. I’m just saying…
BK
by BKsportstake on May 27, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree with you
I also have complete confidence that no one who posts here is crazy enough to start calling for the kid’s head if he hits .240 for the rest of the season.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on May 27, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JOHN GIBBONS WOULD!
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
by duck on May 28, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, this isn't gonna grow old for a while...
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
by duck on May 28, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinking it was time for a John Gibbons reference
by brooklynlovesorioles on May 28, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so was southflori..... oh never mind
"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow." ~ Earl Weaver
by Graham71681 on May 28, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I expect Wieters to be angry at you for this FanPost.
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
by BrianS on May 27, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't make Matt Wieters angry.
You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
by duck on May 27, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't taunt Matt Wieters
If Matt Wieters begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head.
Ingredients of Matt Wieters include an unknown glowing substance which fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.
Matt Wieters has been shipped to our troops in Saudi Arabia and is also being dropped by our warplanes on Iraq.
Matt Wieters comes with a lifetime guarantee.
I’m smart, not a dummy. ~Adam Jones
by Stacey on May 27, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
WIETERS is a vengeful god
fortunately, the hell he sends you to only has 3 levels
unfortunately, they are NY, Boston, and Pittsburg
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on May 27, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pittsburg, KS?
The horror!
"The United States is the New York Yankees of countries...powerful and respected until the year 2000." - Homer J. Simpson
by Brotz13 on May 27, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm keep expectations low
I’m giving him at least 2 months to get the Orioles into first place.
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on May 28, 2009 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We're only 6 games out!
3 weeks, max.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
by duck on May 28, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
6 games out?
I’m giving him 5 games to get us there.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on May 28, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A couple of things.
-BLASTPHEMOR!!! Wieters has already made a blind man see and made that atrocity that once blocked the Bromo Tower transparent.
-ZAUN and Moeller are both superior to Razor, so not ANYONE would be an upgrade
-it’s Pedroyer! Just ask Gary. And for future reference it’s SexTon and WigginGton.
Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."
by dayzd toe on May 28, 2009 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And according to Tom Davis...
It’s Koji Yoorirahrah. I cannot even wrap my mind around the way he pronounces that name.
"The United States is the New York Yankees of countries...powerful and respected until the year 2000." - Homer J. Simpson
by Brotz13 on May 28, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
doesn’t he sound like he’s in pain every time he says it? Like the contortions it requires to pronounce a Japanese name is just too much for him to handle.
I’m smart, not a dummy. ~Adam Jones
by Stacey on May 28, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you clearly have not heard Rick Dempsey pronounce players' names
If you think Tom Davis is bad…Over the past year or so, I have heard Dempsey pronounce dozens of names incorrectly on O’s extra. Choney Figgins, Vladmo Grero, Geremy Guthrie, Felix Pie (he pronounced it like the food), etc. Does anyone else know what I am talking about?
BK
by BKsportstake on May 28, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I know
If the guy’s name is the least bit ethnic, he’s screwed. Robinson “KAHN-O” and Danny “BAY-ez” come to mind.
"The United States is the New York Yankees of countries...powerful and respected until the year 2000." - Homer J. Simpson
by Brotz13 on May 28, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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