What should the Baltimore Orioles do about RF?
By Nate Wardle
Apr 24, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles catcher gives pitcher Bud Norris a new ball as Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Colby Rasmus rounds the bases behind them in the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Could Bud Norris be watching Colby Rasmus circle the bases after a home run in a Baltimore Orioles uniform next year?
The Baltimore Orioles need to find a right fielder for the first time in nine years, as Nick Markakis will not be standing in front of the scoreboard.
It is 2015, and reminiscing about Nick Markakis is done. Let’s move on Orioles fans.
So, the question turns to who that replacement is going to be.
This is not my first post on the topic. But since the former, a lot of the options have dried up.
Matt Kemp – traded to the San Diego Padres
Marlon Byrd – traded to the Cincinnati Reds
Seth Smith – traded to the Seattle Mariners
Wil Myers – traded to the San Diego Padres
Justin Upton – traded to the San Diego Padres (what an outfield they have in San Diego)
Alex Rios – signed with the Kansas City Royals
Corey Hart – signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Michael Morse – signed with the Miami Marlins
Melky Cabrera – signed with the Chicago White Sox
Yoenis Cespedes – traded to the Detroit Tigers
That takes care of many of the candidates that at some point were linked to the Orioles, or would have made sense. So who does that leave?
Well, let’s start quickly with the internal candidates. I discussed them in detail here.
Since then, Markakis obviously went elsewhere. Quintin Berry has been released. David Lough remains, as does Alejandro De Aza. At this point I would say they are the two from that list that the Orioles are comfortable using as starters entering 2015.
After reviewing the outfield candidates, I found four players that could be viable solutions.
Chris Parmalee – 1B/OF, Designated for Assignment by Minnesota Twins
There have been numerous reports that the Orioles’ brass has some interest in Parmalee. Parmalee has spent his entire career in Minnesota, and the results are underwhelming. A career .249 hitter, Parmalee is not a big power hitter, nor is he a base stealer. I would much rather go with what the Orioles have on their roster and in the minors.
Emilio Bonifacio – 2B, SS, 3B, OF, 2014 with the Atlanta Braves
Emilio Bonifacio has been linked to the Orioles before. He is a utility player who can play anywhere but first base and catcher. He is good with the glove, something that intrigues the Orioles.
He is a speed guy as well, but isn’t known for his bat. And the Orioles undoubtedly want some kind of offense out of one of their corner outfielders.
Nori Aoki – OF (primarily RF), 2014 for the Kansas City Royals
Aoki is intriguing to many Oriole fans. He is not the smoothest outfielder, as shown in the playoffs; but he generally rates as a good defender. Aoki is a high on-base guy and consistent hitter. In his three years in the majors in the U.S., Aoki has hit .288, .286 and .285. For the Birds, he would be a prototypical leadoff hitter.
Colby Rasmus – OF (primarily CF), 2014 for the Toronto Blue Jays
Colby Rasmus appears to be who the Orioles have the most interest in. Rasmus is a fairly young guy, only 28 years old. He is known as a center fielder with some pop and a good fielder.
However, he is not a very consistent hitter. Rasmus in his six seasons has hit .251, .276, .225, .223, .276, .225. In 2014, he was benched by the Jays and played the fewest games in his career.
The Orioles are concerned about his attitude and his inconsistent past. In fact, Buck Showalter is headed to meet with Rasmus this week to get a feel for him.
None of these four are great options. What do you think the Orioles should do?