Nolan Reimold

2013

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2012

Reimold made a relatively triumphant return to the big leagues in 2011 after spending 39 games in the minors to start the season. In just 305 MLB plate appearances, Reimold managed 13 home runs, 40 runs, 45 RBI, and seven steals, all numbers that pro-rate well to a full season. It wasn't quite as solid as his 2008 season (15 HR in 411 PA, an .831 OPS), but Reimold appears on track to become an above-average MLB corner outfielder. The makeup of the Orioles' roster heading into the season will ultimately determine if Reimold will have to platoon in left field, or if he will actually get a chance to take 500-plus at-bats.

2011

Reimold was expected to be a breakout player last season, but the Orioles surprisingly sent him to Triple-A to hone his hitting skills. Things did not go well at that level, and Reimold's power even appeared to take a hit. It didn't get much better after he was called up to Baltimore later in the season, but the Orioles still hope he will be a long-term answer in left field. Power is Reimold's upside, but if last year is any indication, he may be an average killer.

2010

Reimold got the call earlier than expected, then took the left field job and ran with it. His raw power translated to the major leagues and he held his strikeouts in check enough to be a serviceable hitter. Reimold's power and OPS lines make him look like an ideal cleanup hitter behind Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. The biggest concern is his history with injuries. An oblique injury nagged through the 2007 season and an Achilles tear cut short his September. Expect Reimold to be a sleeper candidate as he could hit 30 home runs, but consider it a high-risk/high-reward pick given his injury history.

2009

Reimold revived his bona fide prospect status by staying healthy through the entire 2008 season. He offers a world of power potential, hitting 25 home runs in Double-A. Reimold will start the season in Triple-A and could earn a callup during the course of the season if all goes well.

2008

Reimold spent a good amount of time on the DL with an oblique strain, but otherwise had a fantastic year at Double-A Bowie. If not for the glut of fourth and fifth outfielder types on the O's roster, they might be tempted to do what they did with Nick Markakis and start Reimold coming out of spring training. Instead, look for him to get the call in midseason, and when he does, Markakis will likely slide over to center field to make room. The O's wouldn't mind fielding a lineup with Markakis, Reimold and Luke Scott in the outfield.

2007

The Orioles' starting left field job in 2009 is Reimold's to lose. After clubbing 35 homers in 441 at-bats between college, short-season Aberdeen and High-A Frederick in 2005, Reimold cooled down a bit in 2006 by hitting 19 homers in 415 at-bats for Frederick. He also saw his batting average drop to .255, which hurts his cause. What he did do well, however, is walk 76 times, giving him a very good .379 on-base percentage for the season. The 23-year-old will likely start the season at Double-A Bowie, and if he continues to reach base and hit for power, he will continue his speedy progression through the system. If he sees another drop-off in batting average, however, he could languish in the lower levels of the minors.

2006

Reimold slugged an astonishing 35 homers in only 441 at-bats between college, short-season Aberdeen, and High-A Frederick in 2005. While his .265 average at Frederick leaves a lot to be desired, Reimold has yet to fill in his 6-foot-4 frame and should scarily develop even more power as he progresses through the system. If Reimold continues to mash in the low minors in 2006, he could see time in Triple-A later in the season, though he shouldn't catch a sniff of the majors until 2007 at the earliest.