I certainly didn't expect to ever link Jonathan Schoop, current Orioles infielder with Larry Haney, one-time Orioles catcher from the late 1960s.
But as of last night they are the only two Orioles to ever homer in their first major league games. Haney did it on July 27, 1966 against the Cleveland Indians. He was in a lineup that day that included Frank and Brooks Robinson, Boog Powell and Davey Johnson and he caught Dave McNally in a 7-1 O's win.
The 21-year-old Schoop homered in his third big league at-bat last night off Kyle Drabek in the sixth inning when he hit a rocket out of the yard to center field. That had to be excited for Schoop and O's fans.
Schoop can put a charge into a pitch as the Cuban national team found out in the World Baseball Classic last March and as the Blue Jays got to see last night.
Schoop could be the future second baseman of the Orioles. But after just 70 games this season at Triple-A, he may need more minor league seasoning and may not be ready to take over on opening day 2014.
Last year, Schoop hit .245 with 14 homers, 56 RBIs and a .710 OPS at Double-A Bowie. This year, with Triple-A Norfolk, he hit .256 with nine homers, 34 RBIs and a .697 OPS.
He has made progress but he certainly didn't tear up the Eastern League or the International League. His day is coming, but it may not be coming as fast as some think, even after his big game last night.
By the way, not only is Schoop talented, but he's smart. When a reporter suggested he could have been auditioning last night for a potential opening at second base next season, Schoop would not take the bait.
"No, no, no. I didn't think about that," Schoop said. "I just play baseball and whatever they need, whatever position they need, I'll be there. I feel comfortable wherever they need and I'm just worried about me getting better."
Good answer and a respectful one as Schoop realizes there are also two players still in the clubhouse that could play second next year in Ryan Flaherty and Brian Roberts.
In one respect, Schoop potentially needing more minor league time come next April could lead the O's to have interest in a one-year deal for Roberts to hold down the fort until the kid is ready. It is one scenario that could play out.
Jonathan Schoop is an Oriole now and likely will be in future years. But when will that future start?
Live chats today: I'll be hosting another live chat today starting at 1 p.m. right here on this website with Orioles outfielder Adam Jones and later Darren O'Day will join us for his live chat. Hope you can watch live here this afternoon. You can send us questions via Twitter to #askDarren and/or #askAJ. Both players have joined us before and they answer a wide variety of questions from the fans so be looking for this later today here on MASNSports.com.
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