TT: Would you pay Joe Orsulak $12 million year?

[Tony-OH]

A pretty good article with Markakis' rank in several offensive categories vs other OFers.

http://calltothepen.com/2014/12/02/braves-dont-need-nick-markakis/

[brianod]

The problem with this analysis is that Orsulak never had to lead off due to the complete lack of others able to do it. If we don't sign Nick, that gives us no-one to lead off. I'm not arguing that Nick was a good leadoff man, I'm simply saying that if we let him go, we have a hole and need a plan.

[DrungoHazewood]

The problem with this analysis is that Orsulak never had to lead off due to the complete lack of others able to do it. If we don't sign Nick, that gives us no-one to lead off. I'm not arguing that Nick was a good leadoff man, I'm simply saying that if we let him go, we have a hole and need a plan.

Orsulak did bat cleanup for the O's on occasion, despite his .374 slugging percentage.

[srock]

I still think it makes the most sense that Markakis sign in Baltimore for something like 3/28 with a couple of mutual options years. He is most valuable to the Orioles and Nick has to realize his value on the open market isn't huge.

That being said, I won't be surprised if some team throws 4/45 at him. A bad contract indeed, but history is littered with bad free agent contracts. He should take that offer and dance all the way to the bank.

[Tony-OH]

Here's a great fangraph piece on Marakakis.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/what-are-we-missing-about-nick-markakis/

[srock]

Here's a great fangraph piece on Marakakis.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/what-are-we-missing-about-nick-markakis/

His batted ball distances have been nothing short of terrifying, really:

Avg. Feet MLB rank

2009 297.91 71

2010 291.23 124

2011 279.86 145

2012 284.07 124

2013 271.22 223

2014 267.92 228

Terrifying.

[smoke1974]

I'd walk away from Markakis and sign Melky Cabrea