Orioles Discussing Four-Year Deal With Nick Markakis (Signs w/ATL)

[Frobby]

By the way, I'm not quite sure what I expect Nick to do next year. In early to mid August it seemed like he was on his way to a really fine season, and then he went into a really prolonged slump. At the end of the day it's the full season numbers that count, but I still think Nick is more likely to be .750+ than under .700.

[mdbdotcom]

By the way, I'm not quite sure what I expect Nick to do next year. In early to mid August it seemed like he was on his way to a really fine season, and then he went into a really prolonged slump. At the end of the day it's the full season numbers that count, but I still think Nick is more likely to be .750+ than under .700.

He seemed to rebound after getting a few days off. I wouldn't mind seeing him rested for a couple days each month. No shame in playing 150 games.

[waroriole]

He seemed to rebound after getting a few days off. I wouldn't mind seeing him rested for a couple days each month. No shame in playing 150 games.

This, but try telling that to Buck.

[Babypowder]

By the way, I'm not quite sure what I expect Nick to do next year. In early to mid August it seemed like he was on his way to a really fine season, and then he went into a really prolonged slump. At the end of the day it's the full season numbers that count, but I still think Nick is more likely to be .750+ than under .700.

I'm not sure why you feel this way, other than your admitted Nick bias. His last two seasons are .685 and .729.

[MurphDogg]

I'm not sure why you feel this way, other than your admitted Nick bias. His last two seasons are .685 and .729.

Because he has more than a two year track record and has had a .750+ OPS the other 7 seasons.

[fearthenoodle]

I think OPS+ or wRC+ is probably a better barometer than harping on his raw OPS the last two years. The offensive enviroment in baseball has changed dramatically during his career. His OPS+:

2014: 107

2013: 88

2012: 126

2011: 106

2010: 120

2009: 108

2008: 136

2007: 121

2006: 106

[Nevermore]

My understanding is that Nick's contract talks are hung up on deferred payment. This should be sorted out in the next few days. With his track record and with Buck's guidance, Nick should do just fine.

[Guest]

If Nick does come back he better not be the lead-off guy Orioles need a upgrade.

[Can_of_corn]

My understanding is that Nick's contract talks are hung up on deferred payment. This should be sorted out in the next few days. With his track record and with Buck's guidance, Nick should do just fine.

But Nick is now listening to other offers.

We can hope someone else steps up big.

[Guest]

But Nick is now listening to other offers.

We can hope someone else steps up big.

[clapdiddy]

If Nick does come back he better not be the lead-off guy Orioles need a upgrade.

I've always felt that Nick was better hitting out of the 2 hole. I know it really doesn't matter, but his OPS hitting second is much higher than at any other spot in the order.

[Prayin4Reign]

Careful what you wish for.

[Guest]

Careful what you wish for.

Sorry what Nick does is nothing special.

[Dipper9]

According to the not to be believed(by the OH cognoscenti) JDXM, the O's initial offer was 4/34. I would have been fine with that.

Gordo, you can take shots at me if you want, I'm okay with it, but herein lies my issue with Jim Duquette (with a U). Out of one side of his mouth, he says the deal is done and is "lying on the desk" of an Angelos boy being held up. Then, out of the other side of his mouth, he implies negotiations are ongoing when he says the Orioles "initial" offer was 4/34. Which is it Duke? Ya know, since he's got the in with his cousin and all.

[Bulgaria]

According DD, we have enough financial flexibility to retain both Cruz and Markakis.

I'll pass. Markakis is big time favourite for all of us, but he's not better player than Aoki ( http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/instagraphs/interesting-free-agent-comparison-1/ ). Spend that money on Melky Cabrera, Nori Aoki and Adam Laroche.

Opening day:

LF Cabrera S

3B Machado R

CF Jones R

DH Laroche L

1B Pearce R

C Wieters S

SS Hardy R

2B Schoop R

RF Aoki L