Jayson Stark reports the O's are after Nick Johnson

[wildbillhiccup]

This just in. FA firstbaseman Nick Johnson fractured his finger while posting a tweet.

[Scrat1]

This #4 hitter stuff is blown way out of proportion.

That's certainly the truth.

[waroriole]

This #4 hitter stuff is blown way out of proportion.

I guess you haven't heard that this is the AL East. This ain't intramurals, brother.

[Frobby]

Am I the only one who thinks Wieters is going to be our no. 4 hitter as of some time in 2010? All this talk that we need a no. 4 is short term thinking IMO. With Jones, Markakis, Wieters and Reimold we're fine 2-5 in the long run. I will bet on 90-100 HR from those four in 2010.

[Roll Tide]

Am I the only one who thinks Wieters is going to be our no. 4 hitter as of some time in 2010? All this talk that we need a no. 4 is short term thinking IMO. With Jones, Markakis, Wieters and Reimold we're fine 2-5 in the long run. I will bet on 90-100 HR from those four in 2010.

I dont think Wieters will hit enough homers.

[LookinUp]

I dont think Wieters will hit enough homers.

He's the prototype for a #3 hitter, IMO. The only weakness is his lack of speed.

[mweb]

I dont think Wieters will hit enough homers.

The Yanks somehow had their late 90's dynasty without having a 30 hr guy on most of those teams.

We have at least 3 guys who profile to be around 30 hr's imo.

[theobird]

He's the prototype for a #3 hitter, IMO. The only weakness is his lack of speed.

I like Wieters a lot, and I think he will be a 30+ HR guy. But I do not see him as a #3 hitter. I see him as either a #4 or #5. Reimold, if he can carry on from last year, is a prototype #3 hitter IMO. I just don't think Wieters fits, he will be a basepath clog at #3.

[SilentJames]

I would take a shot at Nick Johnson. If he could give us a season like his last one I will take it.

[DrungoHazewood]

I dont think Wieters will hit enough homers.

Define enough. Most people seem to think he'll end up hitting 30+ a lot of years. That's enough for me.

[OrioleFanatic2008]

Am I the only one who thinks Wieters is going to be our no. 4 hitter as of some time in 2010? All this talk that we need a no. 4 is short term thinking IMO. With Jones, Markakis, Wieters and Reimold we're fine 2-5 in the long run. I will bet on 90-100 HR from those four in 2010.

I completely agree. I think this "quest" for a "middle of the order bat" that everyone speaks of is way exaggerated as well. Many OH'ers are clamoring loudly that obtaining some more pop at the #4 spot is "vital" to our success going forward.

While I agree that at some point, if we want to contend, we'll need some more "pop" at that spot in the order, I still believe that Wieters could very well be that guy as early as mid-season 2010.

This next season is still a season for development to see what we've really got. Personally, I'd like to let it play out rather than desperately seeking some expensive and overpaid FA.

[hoosiers]

Am I the only one who thinks Wieters is going to be our no. 4 hitter as of some time in 2010? All this talk that we need a no. 4 is short term thinking IMO. With Jones, Markakis, Wieters and Reimold we're fine 2-5 in the long run. I will bet on 90-100 HR from those four in 2010.

It depends who ends up at 1B and 3B, but I think Nolan is a good 4 candidate with a discerning eye and power. I'd prefer to see BRob, Nick, Wieters and Nolan at the top of the lineup with AJ fifth for now.

[Sports Guy]

It depends who ends up at 1B and 3B, but I think Nolan is a good 4 candidate with a discerning eye and power. I'd prefer to see BRob, Nick, Wieters and Nolan at the top of the lineup with AJ fifth for now.

As things stand today, I agree with this...Nick 2 and Wieters 3 is what i want to see.

Both players are the most comfortable in those spots in the lineup, so why not go with it? let them bat where they feel they are at their best...Even if it is a bs mental thing, so what...It is what it is, so go with it.

[RShack]

Am I the only one who thinks Wieters is going to be our no. 4 hitter as of some time in 2010? All this talk that we need a no. 4 is short term thinking IMO. With Jones, Markakis, Wieters and Reimold we're fine 2-5 in the long run. I will bet on 90-100 HR from those four in 2010.

I'd put Nolan and Nick at #2 and #3, or vice versa, don't care which one is which. Maybe try it both ways and see.

I'd bat Wieters 4th, AJ 5th, and Luke 6th.

[mikezpen]

Wow, 7 home runs...or was it 8? 62 big ribbies

what a presence