Nick Markakis Pushes Way Into Orioles Picture

The already crowded outfield picture in Baltimore is potentially getting even more complicated as 22-year-old Nick Markakis, who owns a dazzling .328 minor league batting average, continues to hit at a more than .400 clip for the spring and has all but made it impossible for the Orioles to send him down. Front office favorite Jeff Conine, 39, has been expected to be the opening day starter in left but perhaps would be comparatively more suited to come off the bench. Markakis runs well, though he doesn't steal much, and projects as a singles hitter with a good batting eye and gap power.