A mainstay of this season’s Shorebird lineup, Stu Musslewhite is the selectee for SotW. The versatile infielder has seen action mostly at second and third base this year, with some shortstop thrown in for good measure. That was his position at TCU prior to being drafted last year by the Orioles in the 24th round; however, with Miguel Tejada seemingly a perpetual Oriole shortstop, it makes sense to try Musslewhite at other positions – heck, he’s even the guy who goes out to warm up the pitchers prior to the inning at times.
While Stu hasn’t had a superb batting average this season (only hitting .239 prior to tonight’s action) he’s managed to maintain third place in the season’s RBI totals with 50 despite just 3 homeruns. The two players in front of him (Ryan Finan and Mark Fleisher) have 15 and 14 homers, respectively and are both hitting in the .260 range. So Musslewhite seems to have a knack for getting runs home in one way or another – it doesn’t have to be a hit to drive a run in, sometimes simply putting the ball in play will do even if you make an out.
Musslewhite will only turn 24 during this final homestand (Monday) so he does have a little more time to get things together. Perhaps another turn with the Shorebirds in 2007 to bring that batting average up and he may be on his way to a nice career as a utility guy for the Orioles or some other team. In this day and age of larger pitching staffs, flexibility with position players is a key element.
And it may not have been noticed, but a former 2006 Shorebird made his debut for the Orioles last night. Jim Hoey was called up to Frederick after the SAL All-Star Game in June, jumped to Bowie shortly thereafter, and was called up yesterday by the O’s as Chris Britton was sent to Bowie for a few days. He came on in the 7th inning last night against the Twins with 2 outs and one on, walked Torii Hunter, but struck out Jason Kubel to complete the inning. So Jim Hoey now has had a sip of coffee in The Show and probably will remain there for the balance of the season. He’s the first Shorebird I’ve watched to make it to the bigs!
If I had to pick any sport for my son to play it would be baseball.. why?? because it seems the most safe! lol.. I saw a football game tonight and these teens were tripping all over the field. It worried me. They could break their necks!
Am I a worry wart mommy? 🙂 hehe oh well….
well actually baseball isn’t that safe! This season(08) one of our very own Delmarva Shorebirds probly can’t ever play baseball again! Why???
Because on the second day of the season he got hit in the head with a baseball by a Hagerstown Suns pitcher!
We miss you Jordan Wolf! =(