With the Orioles fifth and final rotation spot being filled by David Hernandez, Baltimore announced today that Felix Pie will be in left field for the Birds’ on opening day. The news is not too surprising after Nolan Reimold’s inability to show consistency this spring.
"I got to call Pie in [to the office] and say, Pie you are going to be the Opening Day left fielder in Tampa [April 6]. You have really improved; you've earned it," Trembley said to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com "This is not a slight on [Nolan] Reimold, but this is the right thing for Reimold. He's not 100 percent."
As Trembly said, the move is probably the right move for the Orioles right now. With Nolan’s heel still not fully ready, the Orioles will have a more mobile left fielder. Felix Pie will also add much needed speed to the bottom of the order.
In Felix Pie’s first season with the Orioles, Pie went through a season of growth. After spending countless hours with Orioles’ hitting coach Terry Crowley, the inconsistent hitter finally found some consistency.
After posting a dismal .230 batting average during the first half, Pie finished the second half with a .290 average, and finished with a .266 overall average. Also noted, Pie batted .321 out of the two spot for the Orioles, and hit five home runs in an eight game span where he in late August and early September.
Pie has also showed the ability to play through adversity, after dealing with a hamstring problem early this spring. Pie has hit .393 with 2 home runs, 2 2B, 1 3B, and 3 RBI on 28 at-bats.
Although Pie will not be the Orioles everyday left fielder by the time Reimold is healthy, the early at-bats will benefit Pie.The move still opens up the possibility for Nolan Reimold to start the Orioles home opener against Toronto on Apr. 9. As for Pie, all the hard work with "the Crow" has finally paid off.
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