Everyday on BSR we take a look at a different Oriole’s numbers from last season and set goals for them this year. Today we look at the Bird’s catcher they picked up out of Toronto. He’s no stranger to the O’s, his Uncle was the 1983 World Series MVP (Rick Dempsey of course). We’re talking about the Z-Man, Gregg Zaun.

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Image Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun

2008 Numbers

 G   AB    R    H   2B 3B  HR  RBI  SB CS  BB  SO   BA
 86  245   29   58  12  0   6   30   2  1  38  38  .237

2009 Projections

  G   AB    R    H   2B 3B  HR  RBI  SB CS  BB  SO   BA
 107  385   36   93  16  1   8   58   3  1  42  31  .241

Before you even start to analyze our projections just know that these numbers are assuming Matt Wieters projections are correct. I’m really looking forward to seeing Zaun behind the plate this year. He’s a veteran guy who won’t have a lot of production offensively but defensively he will put Ramon Hernandez to shame.

Don’t expect Zaun’s numbers to be spectacular. For him to have a good season he should block the plate, help the young guns in the outfield like Markakis and Jones have a few assists and throw a few guys out who are trying to steal. Mix that in with a couple RBIs here and there and you’ve got at least 5 more wins that last season with a different catcher alone.

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