By Richard Schortemeyer III
In this “Opening Day 2008″ issue of ‘On the Record’, I’m going to focus on two players; one surprising — the Orioles’ proposed cleanup hitter, Kevin Millar, and one not-so-surprising — “Bad Luck” B.J. Ryan.
Surprise: How will Kevin Millar fare as Baltimore’s cleanup hitter in 2008?
Baltimore’s long-standing star, Miguel Tejada, finally got what he wanted … a one-way ticket out of Baltimore. This left Manager Dave Trembley with a major issue to address. In truth, it was only one of many problems, but without many options in the clubhouse to choose from, he’s made the best of a bad situation and gone the secure route. He’s chosen a veteran presence with decent pop in his bat, Kevin Millar, to be his new clean-up hitter.
Kevin Millar has been known to be many things, but a “cleanup hitter” definitely isn’t one of them. If you think about it, though, Millar isn’t a bad choice. There will be two All-Star caliber players, Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis, in front of him. They are smart with the bat, and they get on base; they combined for a .295 average, 85 doubles, 150 walks, and 68 steals in ‘07. Luke Scott is slated to hit behind Millar in the batting order. One of the guys they grabbed in the Tejada trade, Scott is a promising pop-star, who, in his third season in ‘07, belted 18 HRs in 132 games.
Millar will benefit from a solid dose of playing time, and he’s surrounded by the best talent the Orioles can muster, so don’t be too surprised to see a 20-25 HR, 85 RBI season from him. After all, someone in this line up has to produce … no? Millar would be a great, late-round pick … or a great fill-in during the season for your squad. However, be on the lookout for Scott trying to lay claim to the #4 position sometime during the season .
Not So Surprising Anymore: Will B.J. Ryan ever prove that he’s not a one-year wonder with a ballclub?
After several seasons as a middle-inning specialist in the Orioles’ bullpen, B.J. Ryan was given a chance to prove that he had the stuff to be a stud closer. In 2005, his all-important contract year, Ryan racked up 36 saves. He also finished first in the AL, among closers, with 100 Ks.
That one solid season was good enough to get him a contract worth $47 million over five years as he became Toronto’s 9th-inning specialist. However, B.J.’s “time to shine” North of the Border lasted just, you guessed it, one year. After 5 games in his second season as a Jay, he was forced to have Tommy John surgery.
Ryan had hopes of a solid comeback here in 2008; however, this past Thursday, he complained of soreness in that same elbow … as well as his biceps and forearm. Ryan and General Manager J.P. Ricciardi don’t seem to be that concerned and believe that this is just a short-term set-back. However, I don’t believe there should be a rush to bring Ryan back into the fold, especially after the way third-year reliever Jeremy Accardo stepped up and filled Ryan’s cleats in ‘07.
Accardo saved 30 games in 35 chances with a 2.14 ERA last year and allowed batters to hit just .206. If Ryan can’t get healthy, Accardo has tremendous value. Consider drafting, or trading for, him because he should give you solid numbers … regardless of whether he is Toronto’s set-up man or stopper.
Check back next week to see what else is ”On the Record.”
Until next time, adios all.