With Spring Training around the corner, the Baltimore Orioles roster — barring any more deals or trades — is shaping up. However, from the looks of things, one guy may already not be happy as to the organization’s future plans.
Luke Scott yesterday was on MASN’s Playmakers and let Birdland know that his defined role in 2009 may be as the regular designated hitter, not as the left fielder due the acquisition of Felix Pie. Therefore, he let his feelings be known about the situation, and one could assume from his words he’s not keen to the idea.
Calling into MASN’s Playmakers show yesterday, Scott said being the DH once or twice a week is great for getting an outfielder off his feet and keeping his legs fresh.
“However,” he added, which is the verbal red flag, “I do take pride in my defense. I really don’t want to consider myself a designated hitter.”
Scott won’t create a controversy in spring training. He’s not that type of personality. But he’d much prefer to play left field.
Scott talked about the “different mindset” of being a DH. He described himself as a Type A personality and a perfectionist who needs the outfield as a distraction from a bad plate appearance. Otherwise, he’s going to pace around the dugout and drive everybody nuts. He’ll stay in the video room, breaking down each at-bat, until somebody drags him out of there.
Now, Luke is a fan favorite, was good defensively, and has a decent bat; however, one can understand why Pie would be the everyday guy in left field — he’s young, full of potential talent, out of options in the minors and must be kept on the roster. Basically, Scott got pushed out of left field to give a highly touted prospect a chance to play in the majors. This scenario is yet another step in the rebuilding of the Baltimore Orioles.
The nice thing about everything is that Luke is being a professional, and will acquiesce left field to be the designated hitter. I’m sure this won’t be a big issue in upcoming weeks, and if Pie for some reason doesn’t work, Scott will get his spot back.
I’m sure this will be one of any storylines as the season comes upon us.
- The signs are everywhere — the economy is in the toilet, and it is affecting everyone, inclusing the sports world. WNST’s Jason Jubb believes that the Orioles are currently in the driver’s seat in terms of negotations with Brian Roberts.
- Roch Kubatko has some notes on an interview that he had with Ryan Freel.
- Peter Schmuck informs us that there are several Orioles going into 2009 without minor league options.
- Jay Trucker gives us a few storylines heading into Spring Training.
- Orioles Hangout’s own Paul Folkemer has yet another offseason report, as does Around the Harbor.
- Oriole Central and Camden Chat lament the end of the Kevin Millar era.
- Dempsey’s Army takes a look at the 2009 rotation.
- The Roar From 34 lets us know about Brian Roberts’ book (which I didn’t know he had).
- The Wayward Oriole has an interesting Oriole videography on their blog.
- Finally, the Loss Column gives their take on the Orioles and Terps…
