Improbable Orioles Cycles

If someone were to ask you for the last two Orioles to hit for the cycle, your heart comes up with answers like Ripken, Murray, and guys named Robinson. Unfortunately, the facts don’t back the romanticism. The last two Orioles to hit for the cycle were not stars. They were not special. They were not fan favorites.

I was reminded on Pi Day that the most recent Orioles to hit for the cycle was Felix Pie.

Yeah, that makes no sense to me, either. And I was there to see it in person. Pie had a ton of potential, as a prospect in the Cubs system. He had speed, occasional pop, and projected to be an adequate if not plus defender. He was good enough to be part of the Andy McPhail Chicago Assimilation – the time in which it seemed the only transactions were those bringing former Chicago farmhands to Baltimore.

He never made it here. He just wasn’t a Major League talent. After passing through the Indians and Pirates, Pie landed in South Korea, playing for the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO in 2014. He played well at that level of competition, hitting 17 HRs and knocking in 92 RBI, with a line of .326/.372/.524/.825.

Though, he may not have always enjoyed himself.

 

Then there was Aubrey “Horse****” Huff, who hit for the cycle in 2007. Again, I can’t believe it happened, and I was there to see it in person.

This one had a number of interesting side notes. First, The defensive prowess of Vladimir Gurrero was on full display. Also, the shot of the Orioles dugout shows how ugly things were in 2007: Freddy Bynum, Daniel Cabrera, Kevin Millar, Chris Gomez… the only hints of talent Ramon Hernandez and a decidedly non-concussed Brian Roberts. Lastly, by June 29, 2007, the Orioles were already ten games under .500 and a daunting 14.5 games out of first place. Yet, there is a decent crowd in the seats.

Man, O’s fans were a loyal bunch for a long time.

 

These historic achievements by completely forgettable Orioles got me to thinking: who will be the next guy to hit for the cycle?

 

Ryan Flaherty

It’s got to be Flaherty, right? He’s a lightning rod in this town. Some fans love him, some fans hate him… but the truth is that Flaherty is a talented reserve, who should not be pressed into service as a starter. Instead, he’s a super-sub who can play every infield position, the corner outfield spots, and serve as the emergency catcher. He’s on this team because he brings dependable, high-level defense. He even hits in the playoffs.

The reason that he’s such a lightning rod is that he shows flashes of being capable at the plate. So what better way to lure a few more fans into the Ryan Flaherty Fan Club than clubbing his way to the cycle in front of the home crowd?

Henry Urrutia

It seems this guy just refuses to go away. The Orioles have a million outfielders in camp, in part because its prior organizational depth was topped by the likes of Henry Urrutia. To be fair, the guy is trying really hard. He trains like a madman. He shows up to voluntary team activities. He’s one of the first to report to Spring Training. But… I just don’t think that Urrutia has what it takes to make the club, or to make an impact at the Major League level.

Scouts and reporters tell us that he puts on a serious power show during BP, but it never seems to translate to the field. In his cup of coffee in Baltimore in 2013, Urrutia mainly hit the other way, pushing singles through the hole, rather than pulling the ball with any authority.

What more reason for Urrutia to hit for the cycle? Pressed into service because of an injury, or with the team for a September call-up. I could see this happening, if for no other reason than to spite me.

 

Delmon Young

Delmon Young came into Baltimore as a guy with character issues who also had questions about what – at only 28 – the former first overall pick had left in the tank. He’s not an overly likable guy. In fact, with his awkward interviews (stemming from his giving zero f***s), and his open mockery of tripping cameramen, the only thing that saved Young in the judgement or Orioles fans was that he absolutely raked in 2014.

I mean do I need to say anything about “the legend of Delmon Young in the playoffs?”

 

David Lough

Lough reminds me very much of Felix Pie (minus the crazy eyes, crazier temper). He’s a speedy outfielder who displays occasional power, and plus defensive skills. Lough was acquired from the Kansas City Royals by pre-Toronto-courted Dan Duquette, who assured fans that we would love him.

We’re still waiting.

Lough has been inconsistent, at best. He failed to reach the Mendoza Line in the 117 at bats in the first half of 2014 (.197/.271/.308/.579), and couldn’t take full advantage of his skill set because you can’t steal first, Lough pushed himself from competing for the starting job in left field to a spot on the bench. Many fans think he deserves a legitimate shot, citing a “strong second half.” Granted, the second half was better (.351/.387/.544/.931), but he only showed this improvement in 51 at bats.

With that, it would only make sense that, if Lough makes the squad – and he likely will, given that he’s out of options – he should be the next improbable Oriole to hit for the cycle.

The next Oriole, like Felix Pie, to feel the warm embrace of greatness.

Photo Credit: flickr/rsnlaud