The Orioles signed Ty Wiggington today to bolster their depth as a guy who can play first, second, third or the outfield. It's conceivable that Wiggington will get 300 at bats and if so, will give the Orioles some pop, especially against left-handed pitching.
Wiggington had a Slugging Percentage over .500 last year with 23 homers in limited at bats. His home and away splits are somewhat discouraging meaning that playing as a right handed batter in Houston helped him out quite a bit with that short porch in left.
But Wiggington has batted .275 or better in each of the last three years with an average OBP of .335, which is pretty decent. There shouldn't be any game against a left-handed pitcher that Wiggington sits this coming year. He absolutely feasted on southpaws with a 1.055 OPS in 105 at bats.
After years of terrible front office work, the Orioles seem to be making strides in personnel moves. Markakis is a star and will only get better. Sherrill, recently signed to avoid arbitration, saved 37 games last year in his first year as a closer. Danys Baez, who did not pitch in 2008, should help in the bullpen.
And they have some good young players. Adam Jones showed star potential (he needs more plate discipline) and everyone is talking about young catcher, Matt Wieters. Everything written about the guy to this point says he's the next big thing. It seems he'll probably start at AAA, but the Fan says to bring him in now. Unless you want a bunch of games caught by a Ben-Gay collection of Chad Moeller and Greg Zaun.
With Markakis, Huff, Wiggington, Mora, Luke Scott and Brian Roberts, the Orioles should score some runs. Starting pitching will make or break them and it doesn't look too pretty beyond Guthrie and...well...Guthrie.
1 comment:
Agreed, nice pickup for them. But in that division, they have no hope of getting in the postseason. Like ever again.
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