If You're an O's fan, are you worried about Nick Markakis?

[Dry1313]

As one of my favorite players to heckle, Markakis has been living up to every tag of "bum" (often laced with expletives) that I can offer.

"OK, he's hitting .251, has 9 home runs, and 24 RBIs. So what? Those are fine numbers for the teams best hitter (sans the average). That means he'll hit 28 HR and have 70+ RBI...it could be worse."

Well, the issue is, Markakis has a bunch of interesting splits.

For one, he's hitting lefties better than righties. Most would see this as a good thing, but when one is hitting .246 against righties as a LH Batter, there's a minor cause for alarm.

"OK. He has no lineup protection...and he never gets chances to drive in runs...pitchers have walked him 33 times, 2nd in the AL"

True and false. That either means he's pressing too hard for hits or he's just playing like the Pat Burrel of yesteryear. He's also 9th in SOs with 48.

He's hitting .222 with RISP and hitting .210 with Men On.

"So, he's in a slump. Big deal. His team won't last long in the hunt."

He's hitting under .300 in every clutch stat...except when the opposing team is up by more that 4 runs, he's hitting .533. He's only hitting in garbage time, period.

"BIG DEAL. At least he adds Gold Glove defense to the OF..."

Meh, he's OK, a little above league average...plus teams still run on his arm, and he's thrown out 8 would be baserunners...so I guess I see your point.


Still, are you guys surprised to see his SO #'s rising, and his hits falling rapidly?

[Kingdom]

Sitting at .292 now, obp near .400.


I'd say they're not worried.

[OrioleMagic]

Nick seems to be a second half guy all the way. He got hot a few weeks ago which is sooner than he did last year. This O's fan sees him as a franchise player for many years to come.

[browntown653]

He'll be fine...Markakis has a long good career ahead of him. Just a slump.

[Kingdom]

I think any major leaguer wishes if they had to go through a slump, they'd want his slump.

[redsrbetter]

Yep I agree, he still has good numbers and as a few said about Harang in the Reds forum; even great players go through slumps. And my contention is that he will be great.

[Snoozarella]

Nick has had his shares of slumps , but also have had his shares of being on fire. I think he is still young and he will continue that for a little while, but I still think he is one of the better young OFers in the game.