The Orioles have been searching for a new leadoff man, and since they’ve now acquired left-handed hitting outfielder Seth Smith, it seems natural that Smith could be the leadoff man.
Manager Buck Showalter has used some unusual types at leadoff, as well as some you might expect. Mixed in with Brian Roberts and Nate McLouth, you’ll find Nick Markakis, Manny Machado, and last season, Adam Jones.
At the end of the 2016 season, Showalter vowed to find someone else to lead off. Jones had done a good job, but there weren’t many other decent choices. Even with the acquisition of Smith, there still may not be. Smith has most often hit second, fifth, sixth and ninth in the order, and may well be back there.
