Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Markakis Watch #1
He definitely needs a nickname.
So, why not? The Greek God of Baseball strikes fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers.
The Mykynos Masher. The Oriole from Mt. Olympus.
In any case, he did it again.
During the Orioles spring training victory over the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday, Markakis added to his already stupid numbers by going 2-2, both hits being doubles. His on-base percentage for the Spring is a robust .909 as, so far, he' s managed to get on base 10 out of the 11 times he's stepped to the plate.
Markakis has 3 walks to go along with 4 singles, 2 doubles and a home run, and, his only out came on a screaming line drive that the fielder had to make a good play to get.
In fact, his numbers and obvious skills thus far have made such an impression that he is the topic of nearly every reporter's question, not to mention the last two blogs I've written.
Orioles right fielder, Jay Gibbons, when asked who Markakis' game can be compared with, said, with a straight face, Babe Ruth.
While the Sultan of Swat may be a bit of an exaggeration at this point, Gibbons did also say that Markakis makes unbelieveable contact for a player at his age. Gibbons also said that he has yet to see Markakis swing and miss.
The Tzatziki Terror: Coming to a Major League Ballpark near you, April '06.
