Larry Bigbie

Larry Bigbie was expected to have a quiet year in the minors in 2001, to improve his game, and to ready himself for a potential bid as a member of the 2002-3 Orioles.

But Orioles fans didn't have to drive to Bowie or live in New York state to see him play.

Unfortunately.

Bigbie slurped down cups of coffee with the O's in June and July, responding to injuries to Jay Gibbons, Mike Kinkade, Chris Richard, and Melvin Mora, as the Orioles' outfield corps was riddled with injury and ineffectiveness. Then, in August, he became a regular for a month, and a part-timer through September as Luis Matos cut into his playing time.

What did Oriole fans see when Bigbie was in the lineup?

A very skinny player.

Too skinny for someone his age. It appears that Bigbie has missed out on the steroid/weightlifting revolution so prevalent in today's offense-happy game.

A capable defensive player, but nothing really special in that regard. Decent speed but nothing outstanding. A nice looking swing, and minor-league numbers that suggest that he might be a capable major-league hitter someday, albeit one without a lot of power.

So, basically, what Oriole fans saw in a little over 100 AB is a player who looks as if he's headed for a career as an unspectacular but contributing ML player, or a fourth/fifth outfielder.

Although at least producing minor-league numbers (unlike most Oriole minor-league position players), it really doesn't look as if the Orioles have anything special here unless he fills out his frame and develops some power.

Yawn.

To contribute to the Orioles next season, Bigbie must:

show some authority at the plate. He's got to develop some power, because he doesn't have the eye or speed to make a living on his batting average or legs.

NOTES: struck out 10 times in 26 AB against the Yankees...hit .167 in 24 AB against the Blue Jays.