October 24, 2008 Orioles' president Andy MacPhail has contacted the agent of Nick Markakis , according to MASN Sports. It has also been stated by MacPhail that there isn't any bitterness over Markakis just being renewed for $700,000k last season. The Orioles hope to extend him through all of his arbitration years and a couple of his free agent years as well.
Our View:Signing Markakis would send a positive message to Baltimore fans, and would also be a good baseball move. The future of baseball is building through drafts and the minor leagues, with using free agency just to fill holes.
October 10, 2008 The Baltimore Orioles are going to enter into discussions with outfielder Nick Markakis on a contract extension this winter, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View:Markakis is one of the top young outfielders in baseball, hitting .306 with 20 home runs, 87 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Those numbers should only increase, so locking Markakis into a contract now would be a wise move for the Orioles.
September 24, 2008 Nick Markakis was 3-for-4 on Wednesday in the Orioles' 11-6 loss to the Rays. With the three hits Markakis raised his average to .303 and also drove in his 87th RBI.
Our View:Fantasy owners expected a big year from Markakis and that is exactly what they got. In a rough season for the Orioles Markakis is showing why he is the future face of the organization.
September 20, 2008 Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis may be in line for a contract extension with the club, even though he is under their control until 2011, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View:We are seeing clubs lock up players when they are still arbitration-eligible more often these days. It guarantees the player some money, while potentially saving the club some. Markakis is going to be a key piece to the Orioles future, so the team is exploring what it may take to get him signed.
September 16, 2008 Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis may hit other pitchers as well as he does Toronto's Shaun Marcum, but he does not hit any better. Markakis has an ideal matchup when the two square off, as he has hit .471 (8-for-17) against Marcum in his career. Better yet, five of those hits have been home runs, and Markakis' career slugging percentage off the Toronto right-hander is 1.353.
Our View:Markakis is having a fine season, and it could get considerably better on Tuesday. He obliterates Marcum's pitching, so by all means, double-check to be sure he is in your fantasy starting lineup.
