Nick Markakis

2013

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2012

Markakis remains unable to recapture the magic of 2008, when he posted a .897 OPS, 20 HR and 106 runs. Markakis set a career low in OPS in 2011 with a .757 mark and continues to show shockingly little power. The 28-year-old finished with a .122 ISO, a below average mark for the second year in a row. He should be at or near 100 percent when spring training begins after suffering a bruised pelvis while diving for a ball late last season, but it's clear that 2010 and 2011 are more along the lines of what to expect as his slugging percentage has fallen in each of the last three seasons. He subsequently had surgery in January to repair an abdominal tear and will miss at least the first two weeks of spring training.

2011

Markakis was a huge disappointment last season, but his power and RBI drop was at least in part attributable to the failure of others, notably Adam Jones' regression and the absence of Brian Roberts in the lineup in front of him. His batting average and contact rate have remained stable, he's still hitting doubles, and he walked considerably more last year. If Roberts can stay healthy and keep getting on base in front of Markakis, we'll see a recovery this year. We just may never ever see that power breakout that many were hoping for - his range in any given year is in the 15-25 area.

2010

After signing a six-year extension prior to the start of the season, Markakis saw some of his numbers dip in 2009. He was more aggressive at the plate, cutting back on his walks from 2008. The effects were felt in a rise in RBI, but a drop in OBP and OPS. Meanwhile, after stealing just six bases it appears Markakis is no longer a threat on the basepaths. He's still a nice option for fantasy owners in the early-middle rounds, but the ceiling may not be as high for him as it once appeared.

2009

Though Markakis produced some similar numbers to his 2007 season in 2008, he fell 25 RBI and eight stolen bases short of his previous totals. Although he hit second in the order more often, Markakis actually had better numbers nearly across the board in that situation. He did not take the next step with his power, but he gained more plate discipline by increasing his walks more than 50 percent which in turn helped his on-base percentage and OPS. Look for a similar season, but know that his ceiling is probably 30 HR, 110 RBI and 20 SB.

2008

The Orioles justifiably get a lot of grief over their failures to draft and develop major league talent, but Markakis has gone a long way towards helping them shake that reputation. They were bold to promote Markakis out of spring training in 2006 with only 33 games of Double-A experience, but that gamble has paid off, both at the plate and in the field. Once again, he turned on the power over the second half of the season, hitting 14 homers and slugging .550 after the break.

2007

The Orioles stuck with Markakis after a slow start to the season, when he unexpectedly earned a spot after spring training, and the decision paid off in spades. After the All-Star break, Baltimore's top prospect hit .311/.364/.532 with 14 homers and 41 RBI in 267 at-bats. Translated over the entire season, that would yield 29 homers and 85 RBI. Moreover, Markakis spent most of the season batting in the No. 9 spot, and is expected to hit in the No. 3 spot in 2007 behind Brian Roberts and Melvin Mora and in front of Miguel Tejada. The 23-year-old should break out big time in 2007.

2006

Markakis is the new golden boy of the Baltimore organization, living up to his preseason billing as the team's top prospect by raking in Single-A and Double-A, batting .310 with 15 homers and 92 RBI. He continued his success in the Arizona Fall League with a .326 average and .408 OBP in 86 at-bats. What's scary is that Markakis was converted to an outfielder from a pitcher not too long ago, and still has room for improvement. He'll likely spend most of the next season in Triple-A, and could see time as an injury replacement or September call-up if he continues to hit well and adds a little power to his stroke.

2005

Markakis was Baltimore's No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft. He hit well for Greece in this summer�s Olympics, and had a successful season at low Single-A Delmarva. He�ll likely spend most of 2005 with high Single-A Frederick and is at least a couple years away.

2004

Markakis was Baltimore's No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft. He was a pitcher/outfielder at junior college, but the O's see him as an outfielder. He had some success, but limited power, for Single-A Aberdeen and was named the top prospect in the New York/Penn League. He's still about three years away.

2003