Nick Markakis News: Pro Sports Daily

Markakis turns down offer to play in World Baseball Classic

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December 23

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis said today that he has turned down an offer to play for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Markakis, who hit .306 last season with 20 homers and 87 RBIs, said he got a call this week from Billy Ripken, who is on the staff of the American team, which is managed by Davey Johnson. But he had to decline the invitation due to family concerns. Markakis was married earlier this offseason and he and his wife, Christina, are expecting their first child during the tournament. "My first child is due on March 12 and that's right in the middle of it," Markakis said. "It was an easy decision. It's definitely a big honor and something I'd like to ..."

Talks between O's, Markakis on hold

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December 2

Baltimore Sun

"Contract-extension talks between the Orioles and their star right fielder Nick Markakis have broken off and likely will not be revisited for at least six weeks. Both club president Andy MacPhail and Markakis' agent, Jamie Murphy, confirmed that the sides exchanged proposals last week for the first time this offseason and that after several discussions, an agreement could not be reached. Stopping short of calling it an impasse, Murphy said Markakis has decided to observe what happens with baseball's current free-agent class before negotiating again. Murphy said he expects talks to pick up in late January when the sides exchange filings for salary arbitration. "In many respects the talks ..."

Markakis, Roberts still high on O's to-do list

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October 30

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles president Andy MacPhail reiterated yesterday that contract extensions for second baseman Brian Roberts and outfielder Nick Markakis are among the organization's offseason priorities and that the team has talked "generalities" with the agents of the two players. Although there hasn't been real movement on extensions for either player, that's expected to change in the coming days. "I would say we're still in the initial contact phase, but there have been conversations as it relates to both players," MacPhail said. "We have plenty of time to talk to the two of them, but it's not a horse race. It's not one over the other or one ahead of the other. We're interested in talking to them ..."

O's to talk extensions with Roberts, Markakis

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September 20

Baltimore Sun

"Ten days before the start of a pivotal offseason, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he will explore contract extension talks with the agents of Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis in the coming weeks. Roberts, who turns 31 on Oct. 9, is expected to be the higher priority because the two-time All-Star second baseman is eligible for free agency at the end of next season. "It would be difficult for me envisioning an offseason where we don't explore and see what their appetite [for a contract extension] is given that he is coming into his final season next year," MacPhail said. "I would expect that we have a conversation. Where it's going to go? I don't know. But I would ..."

Markakis driving toward RBI goal

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August 14

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis doesn't sit down each spring and script out any personal goals for the coming season. But when he thinks about what will constitute a good individual season, Markakis always come back to one statistic. "I think RBIs are the biggest thing," Markakis said. "RBIs, on-base [percentage], runs scored. Those are more important than home runs and batting average. I think home runs are overrated. Yeah, it feels good. But if you're still driving in 100 runs and not hitting as many home runs, I still think that's as productive of a year as some guy hitting 45, 50 home runs. If you're driving in 100 runs, you're really doing something right." For much of the season, ..."

Markakis contract extension talks suspended

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July 22

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles and star right fielder Nick Markakis engaged in negotiations for a contract extension in the past week, but those discussions halted Monday and likely will not be rekindled until after the season, according to several baseball sources.Markakis, 24, who is considered the cornerstone of the team's rebuilding plan, is eligible for arbitration after the season and is under Orioles' contractual control through the 2011 season.Asked about the talks between the Orioles and Jamie Murphy, Markakis' agent, club president Andy MacPhail said: "We don't comment on negotiations."Murphy and Markakis also declined to address the topic Monday."

Markakis gives O's push in right direction

May 27

Baltimore Sun

columnist Peter Schmuck

"Sometimes, you just have to marvel at the strange psychological dynamics at work in a major league ballgame. The Orioles arrived back at Camden Yards yesterday in a serious funk, their five-game losing streak dropping them into the American League East cellar and their inability to put runs on the scoreboard becoming a bigger issue with every passing day. Which is why it would be tempting to look at yesterday's 6-1 victory over the New York Yankees and assume the Orioles simply snapped out of their hitting slump with the five-run seventh inning that broke the game open."

Markakis breaks out in O's win vs. Yanks

May 27

Baltimore Sun

"Markakis had three hits, including a tiebreaking solo homer in the sixth inning, and threw out a runner at home plate, and starter Garrett Olson redeemed himself with seven scoreless innings in the Orioles' 6-1 victory in front of an announced 34,928 at Camden Yards. The win ended a discouraging five-game losing streak that had dropped the Orioles (25-25) below .500 and into last place in the American League East."

For Markakis, There's Two Sides to the Orioles' Victory

May 27

Washington Post

"But the difference in winning and losing can sometimes depend on but a single player, especially when that one man possesses the talent to singularly change the course of events for the other 24. "There are certain guys that we rely on so much," Orioles Manager Dave Trembley said. "If they don't do it, it becomes very glaring for us." So after the Orioles ended their losing streak by beating the streaking New York Yankees, 6-1, on a gorgeous Monday afternoon, the most encouraging development wasn't necessarily left-hander Garrett Olson's seven scoreless innings, or Aubrey Huff's clinching three-run homer or even the victory itself."

Markakis aiming to limit K's

May 23

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis readily admits he goes through a couple of stretches a season in which he picks up strikeouts in bunches. Those stretches are just lasting a little longer than usual this season. "I've been going in and out of those streaks all year," Markakis said. "I just have to make adjustments and figure it out. I'm still trying to adjust to off-speed pitches, and whenever I do get that fastball to hit, I'm missing it usually. I need to be able to do something with it.""

Movement on youth

May 20

Baltimore Sun

"But teams throughout the majors have been locking up young players at a dizzying pace, assuming the injury/ineffectiveness risk while saving money in the future. Since Jan. 1, 26 players who were at least two years away from free agency have signed multiyear extensions. Markakis, hitting .260 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs this season, wasn't one of them. It has been the signing of Longoria, 22, a highly touted prospect who is hitting .231 with four home runs and 17 RBIs this season, that has sparked debate throughout baseball."