Luis Matos

2013

There was no outlook written for Luis Matos.

2006

Matos couldn't avoid the injury bug again in 2005 -- missing over a month after breaking a finger attempting to lay down a bunt in May -- and ended the season with only 389 at-bats in 121 games. The Orioles have negotiated with other center fielders during the offseason, and though he has a tentative grip on the job right now, Matos could be on the way out if the team signs a free agent to take his place. If Matos lands a regular role in 2006, he's likely to repeat his past numbers with a decent average and a moderate number of stolen bases but little in the way of runs, RBI and home runs.

2005

After appearing to be the future of the organization in center field in 2003, Matos struggled from the plate in 2004 before having season-ending surgery on his right shin in August. While Matos is by far the best defensive outfielder on the team, Jerry Hairston excelled in center field while also hitting well after Matos went down, and is the frontrunner to begin 2005 as the starter. Unless Hairston is dealt before the season, Matos will need to have a superb spring at the plate to reclaim his starting job.

2004

Matos emerged when Gary Matthews Jr. struggled early on. His defensive skills were never questioned, but the offense he put up in Baltimore came as a surprise to many. Was the offense for real? We'll find out in 2004 as Matos will be a fixture in the lineup, hitting second or third and starting in center field.

2003

Matos seems to get hurt every year and 2002 was no different. He broke the hamate bone in his left hand during spring training, further hindering his growth. He's ready defensively and showed some flashes with the bat at AA Bowie where he hit .275 with nine homers and 40 RBI in 218 AB. Matos provides a little speed, too, stealing 14 bases. There's a logjam in the outfield, so it's likely he'll start the season at Triple-A.