It was no tape measure clout or majestic blast, but Nolan Reimold reminded us last night that he can still do some good things for the Orioles. He went 2-for-4 and hit a three-run homer in the win over Texas.
Reimold has hit just .202 this season in 37 games. In six games since returning from his latest stint on the disabled list, he is batting .278.
Last season, Reimold got off to a great start, batting .313 in 16 games with five homers, 10 RBIs and a .960 OPS.
But he got hurt again, and his inability to stay healthy has left him with an uncertain future on this team. Some probably wonder what kind of season he might have put together last year had he stayed healthy all year after such a great start. But he can't seem to do that.
For now, Reimold is trying to get his bat going again after missing so much time this year. It looks like many of those at-bats may come as the DH, with Nate McLouth getting more starts recently versus left-handed pitchers.
Can Reimold still be a key contributer for the 2013 Orioles? Buck Showalter seems to think so and is finding ways to get Reimold in the lineup.
But what will left field look like in 2014 for the Orioles? Will Reimold be offered arbitration after this season? Will McLouth, who can be a free agent at the end of the year, be re-signed?
What about the Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia - where does he fit in? While you ponder that don't forget about LJ Hoes, who is batting .338 since June 1 at Triple-A Norfolk.
Four players that could be in the mix for one position. Will they all return in 2014 and would that lead to a training camp battle for the starting job?
What is your take?: Who is the best candidate to be the left fielder in 2014 and beyond?
Update: The Orioles have reached an agreement with their 25th-round draft pick, left-hander Daniel Ayers from Columbus North (Ind.) High School. It is believed Ayers agreed to a $200,000 signing bonus. He is likely the last draft pick the Orioles will come to terms with before the 5 p.m. Friday deadline to sign this year's picks.
Ayers was the 759th overall selection, but was ranked by Baseball America as the draft's 177th-best prospect. He dropped due to signability concerns and he had a college commitment to Western Michigan.
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