The Baltimore Orioles have seen Nelson Cruz and 9 year O’s outfielder Nick Markakis fly out-of-town this off-season via Free-Agency, leaving outfield condition in question. Who do the O’s now have in their system to plug in LF and RF?
Nick Markakis was Baltimore’s right fielder for 147 games last season.He made 6 appearances as the teams DH and 2 as the teams first baseman. Over his 9 seasons with the O’s, Markakis played over 1300 games in RF. To say that he is leaving a huge hole to fill would be an understatement.
Nelson Cruz left after just one season with the O’s, but left a lasting impression with bat. He hit a career high 40 home runs and drove in over a 100RBI for the first time in his career. So he packed up his bat and headed to Seattle where he signed a multi-year deal….and will see his offensive number go bye-bye. Cruz spent time as the O’s DH (89GP) and 60 games in LF and 11 games RF.
It doesn’t seem likely that the O’s can replace either of the departed outfielders offensive production with the guys now on their Depth Chart (MLB.com).
LF Alejandro De Aza is a serviceable LF, but he’s lacked the consistency that made Nick Markakis so valuable. De Aza isn’t the greatest of fielders. He’s a decent base stealer but not great. He has power but has only hit over 10 once in his 6 years in the majors.
De Aza 2014 Stats
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/8/2014.
RF David Lough appeared in 112 games for the O’s and gave Buck Showalter solid defense and some speed on the bases. Ultimately, David is more of a bench guy that will step in for the regulars from time to time.
| Year | Tm | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | OPS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | BAL | 112 | 174 | 31 | 43 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 8 | 5 | 15 | 33 | .247 | .309 | .385 | .694 | 96 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/8/2014.
The O’s have several unproven options in Triple-A and Double-A. These option will get serious consideration in Spring Training, unless there are some trades/signings.
Risky Option
Quintin Berry is a LHB that can give add speed and versatility to the lineup. Quintin spent all but 10 games in Norfolk. In the 10 games with the O’s, Berry’s role was strictly in pinch running situations, but hit fairly well for the Tides.
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | AAA | 112 | 365 | 53 | 104 | 19 | 1 | 3 | 35 | 25 | 6 | 57 | 84 | .285 | .382 | .367 | .749 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/8/2014.
Best Option
RF Dariel Alvarez split time between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk in 2014. He was a member of the 2014 Mid-Season All-Star, Post-Season All-Star, and Futures Game squad. With the season that Alvarez had, it would make sense to hand him the key to RF and let him use that upper-cut swing to replace some of the power lost. I know he only hit one HR with Norfolk, but he is the best internal option
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/8/2014.
Darkhorses
Mike Yastrzemski has the talent but not the polish. Yas started the season at A-Ball and quickly moved up two levels to finish the year at Double-A. Yas will likely end up back at Double-A to get more polish. Mike has a good idea at the plate, below average power, and solid fielder/arm.
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/8/2014.
OF/DH Henry Urrutia is a really big darkhorse, but with a good spring Urrutia can surprise. Many in the organization thought when Henry signed with the O’s, that he was more polished than Alvarez. Urrutia hasn’t shown much power so far and struggled with health in 2014. If Henry can come to camp healthy than he stands a good chance of making this team.
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/8/2014.
In all likelihood external options will end up filling the vacant outfield positions, but I would like to see Alvarez granted the opportunity to win the job this spring. An outfield of De Aza, Jones, and Alvarez would give the O’s a blend of speed, power, and defence.