As expected Nick Markakis has been activated from the disabled list and will start for the Orioles against Detroit on Friday night. Joe Mahoney has been sent back to Norfolk to make room on the 25 man roster. We've been playing for over a month now without Nick in the lineup and it will be great to have him hitting second in the batting order once again.

Let's hope he provides the spark our offense desperately needs.

It "would" be great to see Markakis hitting 2'nd, I'm with you there. Unfortunately Buck will probably stick him back at #3, and keep Hardy #2 (where he's a terrible fit). Because the guy has no idea how to fill out a lineup card.

Also expect to see liberal doses of Reynolds at 1B continue, while our 2'nd best hitter (Davis) gets liberal doses of bench.

Heck, I'd even like to see Nick batting lead-off. Andino isn't doing anything lately, and Avery isn't quite there yet (but hopefully will be in the future). Leading those guys off with JJ #2 is killing this lineup before it ever gets going. Let Nick set the table, "maybe" Avery/Andino (vs LHP) #2 then to "move Nick along" if need be. Then Jones/Davis/Hardy etc...

Geez it would've been nice to have the "old B Rob" back at leadoff. Stick Nick/Adam/Chris/JJ behind him, and this lineup gets out of the gates quick.

I agree there is just no excuse for Adam Jones not batting in the 1st inning. He has to be moved up to 3rd and this is the time to do it. Markakis should bat lead off or 2nd and Davis should bat 4th most nights.

I wouldn't be against batting Hardy lead off. It's not like we are going anywhere if his bat doesn't wake up anyways, maybe at lead off he will concentrate on contact and find his swing.

It's not a perfect righty lefty but this would do IMO

1. Hardy
2. Markakis
3. Jones
4. Davis
5-8 Betemit/Thome/Wieters/Reynolds/Pearce
9. Flaherty/Andino platoon

edit// I got Davis in LF and Im sending Avery back to the minors. Avery is still a raw prospect, I dn' think he makes a better 4th OF than Pearce in '12 and the better long term answer is for him to keep swinging at AAA.

It really should be something like:

L - Avery - LF
L - Markakis - RF
R - Jones - CF
S - Weiters - C
L - Davis - 1B
S - Betemit - 3B
R - Reynolds - DH
R - Hardy - SS
L - Flaherty - 2B

(Thome, Andino, Pearce, Paulino until Teagarden is ready)

I don't imagine we'll see much of Reimold or Roberts this year.
Chavez stinks and N.Johnson has been replaced by Thome.
I don't think Tolleson or other MiLs will help much.

I have never liked Andino at all and it's time to see if Flaherty can play.
Avery is the best LF and leadoff batter in the org right now.
Betemit is a butcher at 3B but he's hitting and we have too many DH types.

That top 5 could work for years.

For 2013, move Reimold to DH, Betemit to the bench, get a real 3B, and jettison the junk.

I am staunchly against batting your cathcer any higher than you absolutely have to and Weiters does not absolutely have to bat higher than 6th in this lineup.

I like this Line-up only because Bucks going to continue playing his favorites(Veterans)
1 Markakis RF
2 Reynolds 1B
3 Davis LF
4 Jones CF
5 Wieters C
6 Hardy SS
7 Thome DH
8 Betemit 3B
9 Andino 2B

MY Line-up with what we have(best defense)
1 Avery LF
2 Markakis RF
3 Jones CF
4 Davis 1B
5 Wieters C
6 Hardy SS
7 Reynolds DH
8 Flaherty 3B
9 Andino 2B

bench
Teagarden
Thome
Betemit
Pearce