Spotting Sasquatch in the outfield
How long has it been since the Orioles had a legitimate outfield?
Probably hasn't been since the mid-90s. Last night we learned the O's have one now. The defense was phenomenal as Nick Markakis gunned down Whitesox slugger Jim Thome at 3rd base in the 3rd inning from right field. Look for it on SportsCenter. Then in the 5th, Luke Scott threw a rocket home from left field---Orlando Cabrera was meat.
Scott's throw was one of the prettiest throws I've seen in my 5-seasons covering the Orioles. Honestly, when it happened, it was as if I'd seen Sasquatch.
I knew those type of throws probably existed, but I'd never seen one---not by an Oriole at least. Hopefully, my friends will believe me when I re-tell the story.
Those two plays go much further than just last night. From here on out, forward scouts from ball clubs all over the league will write, "do not run on right or left fielders," when preparing their base runners to face the Orioles.
Offensively Scott and Markakis are both batting over .300. Good teams have solid outfielders who can hit and have good arms. Imagine in a year-or-two when Adam Jones really comes into his own. The Bird's outfield could be one of the best in the Major Leagues.
Based on what i have seen lately, Jones is a star in the making... i think he will rise up through his first year and into his second as quickly as someone like Andrew Jones did. Millar is just a down in the dirt hard nosed ball player. He's not flashy, will not get the 25-30 HRs you want in a 4 hitter but gets the job done when you least expect it. What is to his advantage is just when other teams don't think he can hurt them, he does. Markakis is a superstar, solid hitter and fielder and given a 4 hitter that will enstill some fear in a pitcher, he will shine even more.
Even at his best Millar is not a 4 hitter. Until someone can step into that role, Markakis and others will not get the pitches they need to get the offense going.
How good do you think millar and jones will do this year????
Shaky start for Loewen yet again. He seemed to settle a bit after the 1st inning, no dobt encouraged by the defense behind him. Markakis has has a good reputation about his arm and Scott seemed to solidify his stature as well. Loewen seems to be overthrowing... alot of his pitches were still a bit wild, mostly high. Millar continues to surprise me, just when i don't expect much from him in the 4-hole he makes a good at-bat. Still, I'd move him to the 6 spot and move Huff and Scott up and put Jones back in the 8 spot. What do you think Amber?