The Baltimore Orioles’ search for outfield help may be honing in on Colby Rasmus, according to ESPN’s Jim Bowden.
Orioles talks with Colby Rasmus are gaining steam according to source
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) January 8, 2015
Recently reports were surfacing about the Orioles’ potential interest in signing Ichiro Suzuki or Nori Aoki, while other rumors had Baltimore discussing a possible trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for Andre Ethier.
Rasmus looks like a superior fit in Baltimore rather than Ichiro or Aoki because he has the ability to replace some of the power they lost this offseason when Nelson Cruz, the 2014 MLB home run leader, and Nick Markakis both left via free agency. Last season was a down year for Rasmus, who slashed .225/.287/.448 with 18 home runs 376 plate appearances, but the Orioles would be hoping the low batting average can be attributed to an unusually low .294 BABIP.
Rasmus’ average has fluctuated during his career, but in 2012 and 2013 he was a consistent source of power. He belted 23 home runs in 2012 despite a .223 batting average, then socked 22 in 2013 in 33 fewer games.
The slugger has also had issues with management in the past, leading to his surprising trade from St. Louis when he was still considered one of the top prospects in baseball. Orioles manager Buck Showalter is known as a disciplinarian, but Fox’s Jon Morosi reported that a weekend meeting between the two went well.
Heard Colby Rasmus came away from the weekend meeting with a very favorable impression of Buck Showalter and the #Orioles. — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 5, 2015
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