Markakis continues to be a hit atop the order

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Nick Markakis led off today's game against the Rays with a single into center field, his 1,459th hit with the Orioles. He's 115 behind Boog Powell for fifth on the club's all-time list. Too soon to keep track? Markakis began the day batting .301/.360/.418 with 14 doubles, a triple, six homers and 28 RBIs in 70 games. He's now batting .406 in the first inning this season. Showalter was curious about the All-Star voting and how Matt Wieters continues to lead American League catchers despite being lost for the season following elbow surgery. Wieters hasn't played since May 10. Wieters could finish first and make an appearance at Target Field in Minnesota despite being replaced in the lineup. Would he do it? "Yeah, I hope so," Showalter said. "He's earned certain parts of that, OK? He really has. "It was a hell of a month." Good one. Markakis ranks 10th among American League outfielders. He's never gone to the All-Star Game. "What's that all about?" Showalter asked. "He makes our highlight reel every night." Markakis always says he'd rather spend the three or four days off with his family. "He actually would, but we would rather him be at the All-Star Game," Showalter said. "Nick's usually not saying something that means something else. He cuts right to the chase. Very blunt, very professionally blunt." Is Markakis deserving of a spot in the Mid-Summer Classic? "Oh sure," Showalter said. "You kidding?"