Nick Markakis
.291/.351/.448, 25 doubles, 2 triples, 16 homeruns, 62 RBIs, 2 stolen bases
Grade: A-
2007 outlook: Markakis cemented himself as the Baltimore Orioles starting right fielder for at least the next 5 years this season. If someone told me Markakis would finish his first MLB season at 22 years old with these numbers, I would have been ecstatic. He should improve on his power numbers as he develops and he needs to be more consistent. He started off ice cold for the first 2 months, caught fire over the summer before tiring out in September and struggling again. Franchise player in the making.
Jay Gibbons
.277/.341/.458, 23 doubles, 13 homeruns, 46 RBIs
Grade: C
2007 outlook: Injuries once again hampered Jay’s season. Started off in right field and hitting good before hurting his knee. While he was gone, Nick Markakis took over right field permanently. When he came back, Gibbons became the DH. He showed more patience in his approach after coming back and should get regular playing time in 2007 at DH and first base. He can also fill in the outfield if needed.
