So how's Adam Loewen doing these days?
Don't let the early results fool you into thinking that Adam Loewen is going to bat fifth behind Aubrey Huff next season, but it's encouraging that he started out 6-for-7 in fall instructional league games.
Beats the heck out of 0-for-7 with seven strikeouts. Lou Piniella would gladly take him right now.
Loewen was 1-for-4 yesterday as he continues to make the transition from pitcher to position player in games against the Twins, Red Sox and Reds. He's been used as the designated hitter so far, but is working out at first base, where he'll soon begin to appear in the lineup.
"He's made a lot of progress with his hitting," said David Stockstill, the Orioles' director of player development. "He's hitting the ball all over the field. And he's enjoying it. He's having a lot of fun. It definitely makes a difference when you have positive early feedback. It makes you work even harder and keeps you moving in the right direction. You always want that, but it doesn't always happen."
The work at first base is aimed at improving Loewen's footwork and getting him more comfortable with fielding the ball and making quick decisions.
The Orioles initially said that Loewen would play the outfield, but first base always made more sense to me.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko |
This might be a rhetorical question but Adam is hitting left handed, right?
I wish Lou Montanez were working out with him at first. I think it would make him a much better candidate to make the team next year.
Thanks for the update, Roch. I was wondering when we might get a little feedback on Adam and how he was doing in the early get-go! I agree and I've always thought he was going to end up at first anyway...what's not to like about a tall, athletic left-handed first baseman?
Why not let Montanez return to shortstop? We need a good hitting SS. With some top flight instructions, might we make him adequate? We could sure use his bat at that position, right?
Loewen making the Bigs as a position player would be miraculous. Can we get Vegas odds? I will literally go hoarse cheering for the guy if he ever sets foot in the batters' box at Camden Yards.
In other career threatening injury news, Rolle will miss a month due to a neck injury. I love the guy's heart, but between concussions, a seizure disorder, and a serious neck injury even the toughest guy in the world might have to think about calling it a career to be able to live a few more years with his family. The Ravens are a better team when he plays, but there are definitely some risks by suiting up again.
So Roch, what exactly do you WANT the Oriole's to do about the staff? We all can guess what will happen, but what is your ideal offseason set of moves?
How's he going to beat out Mark Texiera at first base?!?!?!
Where is Adam batting? I'm just curious to know since he's been really hot, and if he's batting in the middle, that's very interesting. But I'm sure he's in the bottom half of the line-up.
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I'll ask for the next update. At least we know he's not leading off. - Roch
Hey Roch do you know if MASN will be broadcasting minor league games again next year? It would be nice if they broadcasted more than Norfolk though, especially if Loewen ends up playing with the Shorebirds down here next season. I personally would've been more interested in watching Bowie over Norfolk this year. Thanks!
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I'm sure they'll broadcast more Norfolk games, but I agree that Bowie would have been a lot more interesting. - Roch