In the midst of his first two months in the major leagues, Orioles rookie Nick Markakis was doing his best to not look overmatched. His struggles, evident by an average in the low .200s, were well-documented and created a stir as to whether he had been exposed too early.
How the season has changed.
Markakis, 22, has proven over the past two months that he indeed belongs. He batted .403 in July and delivered a clutch, run-scoring double late in Tuesday?s 2-0 win.
Markakis? comfort in the field has transitioned to the plate. And with his success comes more consistent at-bats against left-handed pitchers.
“He?s starting to hit them better,” said Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo. “His track record has been that he?s always able to hit left-handed pitching.”
It?s difficult to put a finger on exactly what clicked for Markakis. Perhaps it was the work with hitting coach Terry Crowley that led to lower his hands while at the plate.
“(Crowley) has worked extremely hard with him,” Perlozzo said. “I think, also, it bodes well for the young man that he?s been able to keep his head straight and battle.”
Markakis lowered his hands in an effort to be more direct to the ball. It speeds up his bat, but that change wasn?t made to increase his power.
“Power numbers are probably the last thing I?m thinking about right now,” Markakis said. “Eventually, the power is going to come, so you just work on getting a feel for things and keeping a good approach.”
YOUNG SAINT NICK
» Markakis was the Orioles? first-round pick (seventh overall) in the 2003 draft out of Young Harris (Ga.) Junior College.
» Markakis never reached Triple-A, making the Orioles roster out of spring training having played just 33 games at Double-A in 2005.
» He batted .301 with 27 home runs and 184 RBI in 279 minor league games.
