Luke's first test
Luke Scott finally got some real action at first base in the second inning. He fielded a hot shot cleanly and took it to the bag unassisted, then made a nice pick on a long one-hop throw from shortstop Cesar Izturis to end the inning.
He was all smiles when he got back to the dugout, and he can use all the positive reinforcement he can get after a pretty frustrating second half at the plate. Maybe some success with the glove will give him a confidence boost going into September. It also would help the club sort out the first base/designated hitter situation headed into the 2010 season.
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Comments
Oooo, I hate to outright disagree with you, Peter, but I must in this case.
It would be nice if Scott had another method to contribute, but he has shown no ability to be a 500-plus AB guy. He reminds me of a left-handed hitting version of Gary Roenicke. Give him 300 ABs, and he'll give you 20-25 HRs and a .265 BA. Give him 500 ABs, and he'll give you 23-25 HRs and a .235 BA.
Scott can be a useful cog on a good team but the Orioles need an everyday masher at at least one of their corners. I believe Scott needs to have his opportunities hand-picked. "Everyday" will not be a proper adjective for him.
(Yes, he should play at 1B in this otherwise meaningless September. Let's hope he is not auditioning for an everyday role.)
BTW, I must salute the O's for sending eight players to the Arizona Fall League.
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Pete's reply: I don't disagree with you. I didn't mean to imply that he would solve the first base issue next year if he can play, but finding out he can play there could still be helpful on a lot of levels.
Posted by: waspman | August 26, 2009 9:35 PM
It already is sorted out as far as Luke Scott goes, when the season is over he is out of here because we don't need a trainee at first base nor a guy who hits under .200 for the entire second half of the season.(currently 20 for 113 since the all-star break). Luke has some power but you can't steal first buddy. Of couse he can't steal second either because he has no speed. Hopefully he will be replaced on the roster by someone who has more tools.
Posted by: Donald | August 27, 2009 8:46 AM
@waspman
"...a 500-plus AB guy. ... Give him 300 ABs, and he'll give you 20-25 HRs and a .265 BA. Give him 500 ABs, and he'll give you 23-25 HRs and a .235 BA."
Don't think i've ever read a better description of what is & what isn't an everyday player.
Congrats. Wish that i'd written it.
Posted by: dave | August 27, 2009 9:02 PM