Thoughts on Nick Markakis:

[horatio]

He had a great year last year but what do you all think his HR ceiling is? Will he hit 25 this year?

Also he had 18 stolen bases last year but he was caught 6 times, anybody think he'll be less likely to get the green light this year?

[rib217]

I don't see any reason why he doesnt get the green light. I am planning 20-22 SB with 25 or so HR, he should just continue to get better!!

[The Artful Dodger]

I think he can post 30 HR, 20 SB as soon as this year, but Roberts being traded could have some bearing on his RBI total and the lineup protection a bit lacking. Markakis should produce well nonetheless.

[hot4tx]

All things being equal with a player's lineup getting a lot worse, I'd look for his batting average and HRs to dip just a bit (as well as his Rs and RBIs) but his SB chances to go up. Now depending on the strides he makes as a hitter, that could change.

I'd predict about the same for HR and average, with less Rs and RBI but maybe a few more SBs as they should give him the green light even more if no one is there to knock him in. Also his OBP might go up if they are more careful and pitch around him a bit.

[Field]

Does he really have 20+ SB type of speed? I'm somewhat skeptical, he seems to be more of a 10 SB or so player. In his rookie season and his last year in the minors he only managed to get 4 SBs total. I guess the stolen bases might be more of a product of him and the O's trying to make something happen - still, expecting 20+ isn't really wise. There are actually some comparisons to be made between him and Jason Bay a few years ago with regards to team situation and SBs; however, Markakis' career is much more advanced than Bay's was at the same age.

[stevethumb]

best oriole greek ever !! way ahead of gus triandos and milt pappas

look for 25-100-15 .295 $26 value comps are abreu and rios

[Yoda]

Does he really have 20+ SB type of speed? I'm somewhat skeptical, he seems to be more of a 10 SB or so player. In his rookie season and his last year in the minors he only managed to get 4 SBs total. I guess the stolen bases might be more of a product of him and the O's trying to make something happen - still, expecting 20+ isn't really wise. There are actually some comparisons to be made between him and Jason Bay a few years ago with regards to team situation and SBs; however, Markakis' career is much more advanced than Bay's was at the same age.

Well, he stole 18 in 2007 so 20+ is not so far out of the question. I also believe most of his SB came after Palazzo was fired. Also account for the poor lineup support and I can see him getting the green light. I'd expect around 15 and anything above is just gravy.

[rib217]

Is the O's lineup really that much different than last year? Obviously if Roberts leaves that is a different story but what is so different from last year? Tejada is gone but you added Jones and Luke Scott. It's pretty much the same, with potential to be better if the young guys develop throughout the year.

[Russell James]

I love Markakis in fantasy because he gives me something in every stat.

[The River]

A cheap 5 tool OF. Even thought it looks like Roberts may be traded, that should only affect his RBI total but nonetheless the O's lineup does have some nice rookies surrounding the Greek Freak in Adam Jones and Luke Scott.