So far, my favorite new Oriole has to be shortstop J.J. Hardy. The soul-patched middle infielder has been a terror at the plate this month, has successfully filled in for the injured Brian Roberts in the leadoff spot and his defense seems to be the glue that keeps the infield together.
Now about that June, Hardy is hitting an astounding .361 this month, with five homers and 11 RBI. In the leadoff spot, he’s hitting .317 in 9 games with four doubles, three home runs, six runs and six RBI.
We’ve already talked about the likelihood of Baltimore re-signing Hardy before this offseason as he was brought in on a one year deal. Now that he has proven to fill Brian Roberts’ shoes so well, I’d say re-signing him has to be a top priority for Andy MacPhail and the O’s.
Hardy also appears to love hitting at Camden Yards, where he has hit .310 this season with four homers and 11 RBI.
I’d also leave Hardy batting leadoff when Roberts comes back. He’s earned it. Bat Roberts 2nd.
Quit talking about it and sign him. This is the latest potential folly under McPhail. Sign him, period, and stop talking about it.
I am very anti-Oriole even though I am an Oriole fan but I have to say to you die-hard fans. If McFail DOES NOT sign Hardy then this team is the pits and you die-hard fans need to stop wasting your money on this team to send Angelos a message.
I’m all for signing Hardy, in fact, THEY HAVE to sign Hardy.
I was saying the other day, sign Hardy and when Machado is ready, move Hardy to 2nd as Roberts will be toast by then. That will still be a good, young up the middle defense with Machado/Hardy/Jones…
It will be telling if the O’s don’t sign Hardy…
Hardy needs to stay at short. Never played any other position.