O's Outfield Top in League?
After learning Nolan Reimold had been named AL Rookie of the Month Friday, I spoke to John "T-Bone" Shelby about the Orioles outfield. He told me, forget the future, he'd put the trio of Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Reimold up against any other outfield in the American League.
He has a point. Right now the O's outfield leads the AL with 18 outfield assists, and Shelby said he expects them to continue to dominate that category for many years to come.
In 2008 Markakis established himself and his cannon for an arm by leading the majors with 17 outfield assists. The O's right fielder currently leads the AL with eight.
This year, Jones has put his hat in the ring. He's tied for seventh in the AL with five outfield assists. Reimold has done his part with two.
It goes without saying---offensively the Orioles outfielders are a potent group. The three are batting a combined .294 with 29 homers. Not bad numbers considering Markakis and Jones have scuffled at the plate a bit lately.
Back to defense---Shelby told me Reimold has made a lot of adjustments defensively like charging in on the ball. The first base coach said it's been encouraging how Reimold has made "tremendous strides" in leftfield.
Shelby says Jones has really become a "captain" out there in center. He's taking charge. He wants to catch every ball. Shelby says it's to the point where Reimold and Markakis joke that he really wants every ball, and isn't afraid to call the other two off.
Also, Jones has developed a good mental database of American League hitters since last season and will use that knowledge to position the other outfielders. Shelby pointed out--- that is what good center fielders do, they act like a captain.
It wouldn't surprise me to see Jones' name called as the only Orioles representative at this year's All Star Game. It's up to AL team manager Joe Madden to decide which Oriole will make the team.
Something tells me we'll see all three O's outfielder at the Mid Summer Classic at some point in the future.
 |
Categories (click for archive)Amber Theoharis | MASNblogs |
I'm an Orioles fan in living in St Pete. I completely agree that Jones deserves an All Star appearance this year. He's terrific offensively & defensively and a thrill to watch. Markakis is a great hitter & fielder and Reimhold is having a nice rookie season.
Although the Tampa Bay Rays have been platooning Gabe Gross, Gabe Kapler and Ben Zobrist in rightfield I'd still give the edge to the Rays in having the top outfield in the league.
I believe BJ Upton and Carl Crawford are the best 1-2 punch in the batting order and the best duo of outfielders in MLB. In the outfield they are tremendous atheletes and consistantly make amazing plays. At the plate both have speed and power. Crawford is perhaps the most exciting player in the game today. Gabe Gross was a qb for Auburn and has a terrific arm.
I think the Orioles' outfied is a close second and I still root for them, but they're not quite where the Rays are yet.
the os outfield is young but talented we might see them all in one year make an all star game
Hey Amber,
You are the only female sports' reporter I can stand, You're the greatest! But I was wondering if you could post a video...you know how you quized some of the players on the 4th...well could you please post that! I thought some of the stuff was funny....like Adam saying he wasn't stupid!
Wish i could break into something with the Orioles, would be my dream!
Thanks again for all you do!
~Becky
Best outfield?? Best doing what? Markakis looks like this year he is just putting in time and collecting his check! Jones is swinging at everything like last year! Remold hasnt done anything lately. League is catching up to him. All star game!! No one on this orioles team is worthy! You are kidding me right?
Amber, Good call on the Maddon selection. Jones is a great choice, for sure.
SHERNORIOLES, I read your comments above and will turn your question back around on you, You are kidding me right? Your dumping on the Orioles' fine outfield is not in line with the facts. Consider:
Jones-- On occasion he's been swinging at bad pitches, but not nearly so much as last year. Adam's batting .306, 12 HR, 46 RBI and he's played a solid, sometimes spectacular center field. His performance absolutely is deserving of an All-Star nod.
Markakis--He's hardly just putting in time. He leads AL outfielders with 8 assists, is hitting .294 with 8 HR. His 54 RBI are 11th highest in the AL.
Reimold--Not doing anything? He was just named AL Rookie of the Month for June. He's hitting .279, 9 HR, 20 RBI after a call up in mid-May.
Next time do a little homework before you embarass yourself, please.
Ken francis--you need to read a little more carefully!! Jones has been swinging at bad pitches more than occasionally. I said here LATELY reimold has not been doing much! And markakis is not hitting as well as he did last year!! eVIDENTALLY YOU DIDNOT SEE THAT PLAY LAST NIGHT THAT DROPPED BETWEEN NICK AND BRIAN!! Believe me i would love to see these guys be better. But i am being honest and not a homer! This is not the best outfield in AL, I dont miss an Orioles game so I donot need to do my homework. I have eyes to back up my facts!! Plus Reimold is in a slump!!
Dear Amber,
Great article! Just defensively, they rank among the best! Its the little things they do like charging a ball and not letting it play you.
Those little things make big endings. The team as a whole is improving. Your article points to one of them changing for the better.
As a whole, barring injury, they will all get better! Doubles will turn into singles, runners will be cut down, and home runs brought back, much to the delight of us all!
Thanks,
Dean