All throughout the beginning of the year, the Orioles struggled to find any sort of consistency at the DH position. Nolan Reimold, Steve Pearce, and whoever would spot fill the DH role could barely even get the lumber on the ball, let alone produce. Now, with sudden emergence of Danny Valencia, the O’s may have found another Dan Duquette nugget.
In 2012, the Twins gave up on their once highly regarded third baseman, and shipped him over to Boston for a short stint. He was then dumped off to Baltimore for cash considerations. Since being called up on May 19th, Danny is batting .313 with two home runs and two doubles, once again making DD look like a genius.
Valencia was originally picked up for his strong defense and lopsided stats against left handed pitching. He started his first three games when there was a lefty on the hill, but was given the nod yesterday against right-handed R.A. Dickey.
Danny went 1 for 3 with a two-run home run, while also drawing a walk. The game before he also hit a two-run home run and double, after which he would come around to score on a bases-clearing double by Nick Markakis.
It is safe to say, besides Adam Jones short rehab session, that Valencia has been the most productive designated hitter. The electricity he brings at the bottom of the lineup has made sparks fly for Baltimore Orioles offense, who have scored 20 runs in the last three games he has started.
The Orioles DH’s so far this year are batting .180, worst in the American League. If Valencia can provide some sort of stability at the DH position, then the Orioles number two rated offense (in MLB) will become that much more dangerous.
In the finale of the four game set against Toronto, Danny will get his third start in a row against another right-handed pitcher. Hopefully his power surge will continue and help solidify the bottom of the Orioles line-up.
Go O’s!
