The Teacher is In: Orioles 2007 Season Grades - The Staring Outfield...

Well, I'm going to play teacher this morning and assign grades the best I can to the Oriole players on the squad.

Some are going to like what I have said, and the grades I have issued, some are not.

That being said, let's begin.

We all know that the Orioles have more or less sucked this season, and this winter will be nothing short of critical in charting the course of the franchise in the future.

Today, I'll be doing the starting outfield...

Nick Markakis, Right Field
2007 Numbers: .300 AVG, 23 HR, 112 RBt’s, .485 SLG, .362 OBP. 191 hits
Grade: A

In a year where fans and observers like had to sit through a putrid season, Markakis was one of few bright spots. I thought he might have been a tad overrated, but he’s the real deal.

After a slow start in 2007, his numbers picked up and he was the only Oriole to bat .300, hit over 20 homers, and drive in 100 runs. Seeing him play makes me think of Dwight Evans in the field, and Wally Joyner at the plate. He’s got a nice swing, and I have been even more impressed with his fielding and his arm.

Just think of it.

If Nick Markakis played for anyone else but the Orioles; i.e., a contender like Philadelphia, the New York teams, Boston, or an Atlanta, he’d be a Gold Glover – easily.

Hell, if he was a Yankee, he’d have a statue ready for him in Monument Park, and if he were a member of the Red Sox, he’d be a god in Boston.

So far, it’s been good for Nick, and he should only get better at the plate if he can get his power numbers up. Fans should only expect nothing but the best, and although he’s a very quiet guy, you can count on him taking a leadership role sometime down the road.

He’ll no doubt be part of the future; however, fans should not expect him to be the next Cal, Frank, Brooks, Jim Palmer rolled into one – he’s just Nick. We are all longing for a winner, but he’s no doubt a huge piece in the puzzle.

Jay Payton, Left Field
2007 Numbers: .256 AVG, 7 HR, 58 RBI, .292 OBP, .376 SLG
Grade: D

Jay Payton was signed to be an extra part of a contending team, and was supposed to be a proven winner that as supposed to supplant an offense that needed speed and experience.

He was nothing but a disappointment, and based on his numbers along with attitude, Payton seemingly lost interest along with played sloppy at time. As well, I think he got very disturbed by the losing and his body language at times suggested it.

His poor numbers only show he was part of the Orioles problem, and he was.

Personally, I think he needs a change of scenery and should be dealt. Both sides need it.

Corey Patterson, Center Field
2007 Numbers: .269 AVG, 8 HR, 45 RBIS, 37 SB, .304 OBP
Grade: C

I like Corey Patterson, and he’s got a lot of god given athletic ability that most players dream of.

However, for one reason or another, he’s not been able to get it all together.

His problem has been consistency along with get command of the hitting zone at the plate. He’d be a great leadoff guy with his blazing speed; however, he strikes out way too much and his on-base percentage is nothing to be happy about. He’s got some power, but his numbers have gone down, and not improved at all.

Corey is a wizard in the outfield, and is a great defensive presence. In light of it all, some of his habits that led to his departure from the Cubs came with him to Baltimore. I do give him credit, he picked his numbers up big-time after the All-Star Break before he went down with an ankle injury.

He’s in his free agent year, and I would not re-sign him unless the price is right. The team could find better on the open market, or look in house for a solution (read: Tike Redman).

Tike Redman, Center Field

2007 Numbers: .318 AVG, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 7 SB, 132 AB, .462 SLG
Grade: B+

Well, Tike Redman was a fall call-up and got a chance to play everyday due to injuries to members of the team.

So, far in a small sample size with the Orioles, it’s been good. In his time with the team, he brought a mix of speed, a little pop and aggressiveness to the plate.

My only problem with him is that he has not impressed me in the outfield. He’s made some terrible plays in the field, and has at times missed balls that the average center fielder would have gotten.

Despite it all, he’s been a welcome surprise to the team, and should on the roster next year.

Jay Gibbons, Left Field/First Base/Designated Hitter

2007 Numbers: .230 AVG, 6 HR, 28 RBI, .272 OBP, .348 SLG
Grade: F

Jay Gibbons is a nice guy, and was great with the fans, but he’s worn out his welcome with most fans in Baltimore.

There I said it.

Being a nice person helps, but when you have completely forgotten how to play the game, you will not endear yourself to anyone.

Along with his awful season, the stench of the drug witch hunt came back to Baltimore and this time, he got caught in the drama as he was shown to have bought drugs from Signature Pharmacy out of Florida.

Considering he was the player’s rep, denied he ever used drugs, and as well denounced Jason Grimsley and Rafael Palmiero for their involvement, he comes off as a total fraud.

If you mix in the drug problems with a guy whose offensive numbers have regressed and someone who cannot play the field, you have a player who hurts rather than helps the Orioles. At times, he’s looked clueless at the plate; however, even worse groused to the media about his playing time and role on the team. He’s struggled with injuries, and has never lived up to his problem; alas, I’ll give him credit – he’s made a lot of money and had gone further than anyone probably imagined based on his natural talent.

All of that is a mixture for a team cancer.

He’s got to go, no matter how much money is owed.

The Teacher is In: Orioles 2007 Season Grades - The Catchers

Well, I'm going to play teacher this morning and assign grades the best I can to the Oriole players on the squad.

Some are going to like what I have said, and the grades I have issued, some are not.

That being said, let's begin.

We all know that the Orioles have more or less sucked this season, and this winter will be nothing short of critical in charting the course of the franchise in the future.

Today, I'll be doing the catchers...

***

Ramon Hernandez, Catcher
2007 Numbers: .258 AVG, 9 HR, 62 RBI, .333 OBP, .382 SLG
Grade: C-

Granted, Ramon was injured and suffering through a few ailments, mainly an oblique issue (boy, we have had a lot of those); saying he had a down season would be an understatement. Hernandez obviously did not follow up on his successful 2006, and at times, he became part of the problem.

Along with struggles at the plate, there were times when he was catching that I was completely disturbed. I sit behind home plate on Friday nights and there have been a handful of times where I have seen him lazy, not blocking balls and apathetic catching.

For an example of his lazy catching at times, hark back to the Mother's Day Massacre.

I'm not going to criticize his game-calling as frankly, the pitching has been so bad and I don't even think he could have saved it.

At this point, the brass are just waiting for Wieters to come and be the savior for the team, but until that happens, Ramon is the man.

He needs to be more attentive on the field, and if he comes into spring training healthy, we may see the Ramon of '06 return.

Paul Bako, Catcher
2007 Numbers: .205, 1 HR, 8 RBI
Grade: D

Great guy, nice with the fans, always signed autographs.

Sadly, I am not even sure you're that good of a defensive catcher, but hitting at the Mendoza line will not endear you to fans at all. Alas, there's no use being a backup catcher if you can't hit. At this point, give J.R. House, a young guy, or a battled tested veteran (who's cheap) a shot to do the job

The Teacher is In: Orioles 2007 Season Grades - The Starting Infield

Well, I'm going to play teacher this morning and assign grades the best I can to the Oriole players on the squad.

Some are going to like what I have said, and the grades I have issued, some are not.

That being said, let's begin.

We all know that the Orioles have more or less sucked this season, and this winter will be nothing short of critical in charting the course of the franchise in the future.

Today, I'll be doing the infield starters.

***

First Baseman, Kevin Millar
2007 Numbers: .254, 17 HR, 63 RBI, .365 OBP, .420 SLG, 140 games
Grade: C

Kevin Millar did as expected, in my mind. He's nothing great, but he helped the team a lot in July and August with his bat and then wilted in September. I think he's a suitable first baseman, but these days, the first base position is a premier offensive slot and the Orioles are surely weak there. He'll be back next year as he's surpassed the number of appearances in his contract to trigger the option.

He's an on-base-percentage machine, and he breaking the club record of consecutive games where a player got on base is indicative of his ability.

Millar is a great clubhouse guy, and a fan favorite; however, if I had my way, I'd like to see what's out there before slotting him back into first base.


Second Baseman, Brian Roberts
2007 Numbers: .290 AVG, 12 HR, 57 RBI, 50 SB, .377 OBP, .432 SLG
Grade: B

Brian is no doubt one of the faces of the organization through his charity work and interaction with the fans, and his 2007 season was solid and he's proven that he's been able to come back from the gruesome injury he suffered 2 years ago in New York.

He's a good all around player with speed, power and hits for average. Roberts did a great job at the leadoff spot in the order and was rewarded with a All-Star appearance.

He wilted towards the end, and it looks like he's grown frustrated with the losing; however, he's shown a willingness to perhaps tough things out and see where it goes. Brian looked tired towards the end, and perhaps struggled with some ailments along with the everyday rigors of playing baseball.

Whether he should be traded is another topic, but I think if the Orioles consider his age (almost 30) to be an issue and do a full rebuilding program, he might be a name (to the sadness of some fans) that could be moved.

Miguel Tejada, Shortstop
2007 Numbers: .296 AVG, 18 HR, 81 RBI, .357 OBP, .442 SLG
Grade: B-

On September 30th, Miguel Tejada might have played his last game in Baltimore. Overall, his numbers have been solid; however, they have slipped from when he first came to the Orioles. He's been the big bopper in the Baltimore lineup, always hit for average and has served as an important cog in the lineup.

Although he missed more than a month due to a wrist injury that ended his consecutive game streak, his 2007 numbers are in line of what expect from Miguel Tejada.

He's faced a lot of criticism for his play in the field, his fielding and perhaps more detrimental, his attitude in the press along with his waffling of being traded and actually wanting to stay with the organization.

I say he's traded at some point -- for young talent.

I said this on Oriole Magic: "It looks like the Orioles are going to rebuild and this time, it may be a slow process from the bottom all the way up, rather than adding pieces here or there. Honestly, if we are going to pay a guy $12-13 million dollars, we need to be contending and the pieces need to be around that player. There’s no point paying him all that money if we are not going to be competitive.

Sadly, I don’t see him staying, and if he does, it’s only because he could not be moved or the Orioles did not try hard enough. He needs to go for the good of the team, and we could possibly get some prospects in return."

He was a productive bat, but his attitude and sometimes lack of motivation got to him. His play has cost us games, and I say either trade him or hopefully he accepts a position change.


Melvin Mora, Third Base
2007 Numbers: .274 AVG, 14 HR, 58 RBI, .341 OBP, .418 SLG
Grade: C+

Melvin did what I expected him to do; however, the question is does he move to left field or do we keep him at third?

Honestly, he's a much better third baseman than I expected in the long run and he is productive, but is he worth 8 million per year? As well, is he a tangible part of the future of the organization?

I say no on both counts. Another fan and organizational favorite, his numbers have dipped and keep on going south. Is this decline phase of his career, or is it just the matter of aging? Personally, I think they should try to deal him - but, um, oh yeah, he's got a "no trade clause". He might jump at a move, but with his family here and a life situated, he may not.

Still, in spite of the criticism, he's still got a mix of power and hits for average, so it's not like he's by far the worst player on the team; however, he's not the same guy he was in 2004 when he hit .340.

At this point, I expect him to be a .260-.290 hitter with some pop and the ability to drive in runs, and be situated at the bottom of the order -- nothing more.


Aubrey Huff, First/Third Base/DH
2007 Numbers: .280 AVG, 15 HR, 72 RBI, .337 OBP, .442 SLG
Grade: B-/C+

If not for his hot August/September, I would have considered him a monumental disappointment. Yes, I sort of alluded that he'd be good for a .280 average and provide Miguel protection, but for the first four months of the season, he was one of the subpar hitters on the team and was part of the problem, not the solution.

His offense picked up in the latter half of the season and that gave his numbers a big boost; however, he drove a lot of fans mad by not being there at the plate when the team needed him.

Not much of a fielder at third or first, he was signed basically for his bat. His numbers have gone down since he left Tampa Bay, but he was counted on doing a lot more for the team.

Honestly, he showed us in the last months of the season he can hit, but you cannot get hot when the grave has already been dug for the Orioles.

Not to say he was the problem in 2007, but he sure did not help things at all.