Baltimore Orioles Roster – 10 Items for the Next 10 Days

Mar 7, 2014; Sarasota, FL, USA;Baltimore Orioles infielder Nick Markakis (21) hits a double during the spring training exhibition game against Philadelphia Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Who could be comeback players of the year for the Orioles?

This begs the question as to who needs to make a comeback.

The #1 answer to both questions is Nick Markakis. He is healthy for the first time in a while, he is in the best condition of his career, and Nick is fiercely infused with a competitive desire to prove he is still the great player he was a few years ago. He is also in the final year of a contract – not that I honestly think that would make a difference in his approach.

Nolan Reimold would love the redemption and vindication of finally putting it together. If I could make a wish for one player, it would be for Nolan. It could happen. It could also all fall apart, or never really return.

Matt Wieters has seen his average drop year-to-year, and he has not provided the offensive production that was anticipated. Though I do see the great value he brings on defense, and I acknowledge his power for the position is at the top of his category; yet I don’t expect he will return to a .280 average or anything like that. I fear this is in the category of “it is what it is.”

On the pitching side, looking very ready for comeback pitcher of the year is Zach Britton. Everything is working for him – velocity, control, movement. This could be the pitching story of the year. Only a fool like me would write something like that; but if it turns out to be true, I’ll find this sentence to bring back in front of you again next fall.

For most of the rest of the pitchers, simply definitive improvement would be enough to bring a playoff scenario to this powerful offensive team.