After a disappointing 2009 season, Nolan Reimold has entered Buck Showalter’s camp on a roster that appears to be filled in his position. The 27 year old left fielder knows that he’s battling everyday to be a part of the Major League squad and in three games with the O’s this spring, he’s making the competion pretty interesting.
Reimold has had nine at bats and twice has hit home runs. On Friday, Reimold’s three run home run helped to give the Orioles a 6-2 win over the Detroit Tigers. Nolan has scored four runs this spring and has walked four times giving him an on base percentage of .538 so far.
He’s not going to make it easy for Showalter to send him to Norfolk and the competition that he provides against Luke Scott and Felix Pie is nothing but a positive for the Orioles.
Reimold’s biggest competitor for that roster spot is Felix Pie, who replaced him last season when he struggled with inconsistencies after an achilles surgery during the 2009 offseason. Pie has a pair of doubles this spring and an RBI, but it’s his job to lose.
While a number of fans are concerned about Reimold losing playing time due to Vlad Guerrero taking Luke Scott’s role at DH, I see the move as a positive for a guy who needs to prove he’s major league ready. Reimold showed success in the big leagues when he was called up early in 2009, hitting .295 over his first 23 games between May 14 to June 9. Making him fight for a spot in a lineup that the team hopes will score a decent amount of runs this year is a great way to see what Reimold really has to offer.
There’s know way we should trade Noland Reimold . This kid will be if not already a M. L. ball player. I think the reason he didn’t play well was his health . Look what he’s doing now . Either send him down or trade Pie , but do not trade Noland . Don’t make that mistake . We’ve made enough mistakes over the years with our passed G. M.’s We have a very good one now hoping Andy MacPhil stays a long time and let him do his job . He’s the best we’ve had since Pat Gillick .
Curt