Nick Markakis is steadily becoming the model of consistency within the Baltimore Orioles organization. A .300 batting average, 20 home runs, 45 doubles and 100 RBI are just a few things coaches, teammates and fans expect of Markakis every season. And so far, he hasn’t disappointed anyone with the exception of his female fans that aren’t quite digging his offseason mountain man look.
The 26-year-old right fielder has established himself not only one of the top-tier hitters in the league, but one of the best right fielders as well. He finished second in the league among right fielders in assists (13) and ranked among the top-10 in putouts, fielding percentage and zone rating.
So what does that all mean for this season? Well, it means that the Orioles will have a solid No. 3 batter in the lineup and won’t have to worry much about runners scoring when the ball is hit to right field. It’s always nice to have someone on your team who can put up solid numbers at the plate and field his position with ease. It’s also nice to have someone who can produce big hits in the clutch. Markakis has developed into that someone for the Orioles. This isn’t too big of a surprise, though, considering how Markakis came out of the gate in his rookie season in 2006. He set an Orioles rookie record by batting .291 and finished sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. And he hasn’t let up since.
Another positive aspect of Markakis is that he has managed to stay relatively healthy over his first four seasons. As a result, he is the key ingredient to what some experts are calling the best young outfield in the league, along with Adam Jones and Nolan Reimold. Along with the young pitching staff, the Orioles’ outfield is one of the bright spots of the team and could quite possibly get them to where they want to be, which is in the thick of the AL playoff race. Needless to say, Orioles fans have a lot to look forward to out of Markakis and his fellow outfielders.
Submitted by Steve Giles
The beard was awesome. It was hilarious seeing him take the stage at fan fest looking like that.
Nick is a true bright spot for the Birds. I just wish he was a little more of a leader in the clubhouse.
I think AJ will be that leader. As long as Markakis keeps consistent (especially on defense) the O's will be fine.
As much as a homer a s I am, I just don't like Markakis. He reminds me of Harvey Grant for the Bullets, a few years back. He put up 18pts and 10 rebounds a night but he really did not do anything. Maybe it is because he is so quiet. Don't count out Felix Pie either. Now this guy is primed for a big year.
As much as a homer a s I am, I just don't like Markakis. He reminds me of Harvey Grant for the Bullets, a few years back. He put up 18pts and 10 rebounds a night but he really did not do anything. Maybe it is because he is so quiet. Don't count out Felix Pie either. Now this guy is primed for a big year.
Nails,
It's a lot easier to root for Adam Jones because he's so outspoken. I wish Markakis was that guy, he'd at least have one gold glove by now if he was. But he isn't…
I am surprised your not a Kakes fan though. I think a lot of people hope he continues to grow, but I think that there's a good chance we might have seen the best he's got to offer. Though that isn't disappointing in my book.
YOU heard it here first, Nick will have a monster year and join AJ at the mid season classic. AJ will provide the club house leadership and keep em loose …Nick will quietly complement the stats.
He tailed off afetr that big $60million contract…
Gotta be better vs LHP.
And alot better in clutch situations.