Luke Scott: Outfield Trio Deserves Credit, But So Does DH

Halfway into the 2009 season, the Baltimore Orioles outfield trio of Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Nolan Reimold are getting a lot of credit. However, it's 31-year old designated hitter Luke Scott who is also deserving of credit. Scott, born on June 25, 1978 in De Leon Springs, Florida, has become a fan favorite in Baltimore. Whenever Luke bats at home, fans chant "LUUUUKE" in unison. And so far in the 2009 season, he's responded to the fan acceptance. He missed 21 games due to an injury, but in 64 games, he has 17 home runs, 50 RBI, a .304 average, .386 on base percentage, and .589 slugging average. Throughout the 2008 season, he showcased power, slugging a career high 23 homers. However, his consistency irked fans. At one point in late April of 2008, he was hitting .361 with one homer and eight RBI. He was hitting for a very high average, but wasn't as productive as the O's would prefer. That's when Scott began to slump. He went 5-for-32 to finish ...