Baltimore Orioles' Nick Markakis Proving Extension Was Deserved

On January 22nd, 2009, the Baltimore Orioles signed their "Golden Boy" right fielder, Nick Markakis, to a six-year, $66.1M contract, avoiding arbitration. The star would be a 25-year-old going into the year, and was coming off a 2008 season in which he batted .306 with 20 homers, 87 RBI, a .406 OBP, 99 walks, and 17 outfield assists. What's not to like? The Glen Cove, NY native has been consistent. Through approximately 3.45 seasons, he averages 20 homers, 94 RBI, a .299 average, and .371 OBP per year. He has it all. Power. Contact. Patience. Arm. Glove. Speed. He's the so-called "sexy" prospect you hear Baseball America writers raving about. Except, this guy is a player you seldom hear about. However, Markakis is the ultimate package. This year, "experts" claim he is having a bad year. Oh really? 11 homers, 63 RBI, a .297 average, 11 outfield assists, a .353 on base percentage, 29 doubles, and 41 extra base hits hardly warrant a bad year. In fa...