Tony Batista began the season as the All-Star third baseman of the Toronto Blue Jays, coming off a year in which he mashed 41 home runs while hitting .263 in his first full season of over 500 AB. He ended the season as the heir apparent to Cal Ripken with the Orioles.

Batista got off to a terrible start with the Jays last season. In the season’s first 72 contests, he hit .207/.251/.399 with 13 home runs for the punchless Jays. As has been their wont in recent years, the Jays totally abandoned their structure and were ready to dump Batista only a half-season after signing the then-27 year old to a four year, $16M contract. When they placed him on waivers, the Orioles claimed him in a heralded move.

How could have Batista’s stock fallen quicker than you can say "Pokey Reese"?

Batista has the most unorthodox stance and batting style in the majors today. He stands perpendicular to the path between the mound and the plate, using the stance as a means to gain better sight of the ball during the pitcher’s delivery, and he times the closure of the stance to coincide with the arrival of said pitch. Since he fully extends his arms upon every swing, he can effectively pull fastballs from the middle of the plate in, but he can’t reach the outside strike.

It was a concern that Batista’s diminished numbers in the second half of 2000 and the first half of 2001 were no fluke, but rather a pitching adjustment to the hitter’s unorthodoxy.

With the collapse of Cal Ripken, however, and with no replacement looming on the horizon, it was a chance the Orioles seemed to be ready to take. His numbers for the Orioles were a vast improvement over his previous 150 games, enabling the Orioles to muster a collective sigh of relief. However, Batista’s overall performance was more indicative of his overall career numbers than his stunning 220 games for the Blue Jays…he managed a .266 average with a .468 slugging percentage, and his 27 collective homers led the Orioles by a wide margin.

Defensively, he proved unorthodox but capable. His long overhand throwing motion results in a looping, lazy-appearing throw, but it gets the job done. What he lacks in mechanics he usually makes up in range, having been a shortstop, although his zone ratings for the last few years are much higher at short than at third.

Even though he finished the season strong and the Orioles have him signed for three more seasons, the team made overtures during both the late season and the off-season to possibly replace Batista at third, although the team could expect to play him at shortstop.

1. Must work with Terry Crowley and staff to cut down on his vulnerability to the outside pitch.

    

2. Should consider whether it is wise to continue the use of his batting stance.

NOTES: Hit .321/.361/.538 in September in 21 games…went 2 for 16 with the bases loaded…in an unusual reverse, only hit .181 in day games, .266 at night…18 of his 87 RBI came at the expense of the Red Sox (.275/.330/.575)…homered against every 2001 opponent except Baltimore (7 AB), Philly (11 AB) and Montreal (11 AB)…has four career Grand Slams.