Felix Pie gives the Orioles one of the youngest, best defensive outfields in baseball.
The former Cubs center field prospect likely will get every opportunity to win the left field job after coming over in a trade for left-hander Garrett Olson and a low-level minor league pitcher. At worst, he'll platoon with utility man Ryan Freel. Pie, 24, teams with rangy center fielder Adam Jones, 23, and newly signed right fielder Nick Markakis, 25, who led baseball with 17 outfield assists last year.
However, the left-handed hitting Pie hasn't translated his above-average minor league numbers to the majors, where he failed in two stints with the Cubs. He'll likely bat in the lower third of the order, but -- if he produces -- could see some at-bats in the No. 1 or No. 2 slots to utilize his speed.
Luke Scott, the primary starter in left field last season, will take his powerful left-handed swing and average-at-best defense to the designated hitter slot.
Right-handed hitting Lou Montanez might be able to crack the outfield picture, as well, if he can improve upon his defense.
