Time for an O: Aubrey Huff

Aubrey Huff signed a three-year deal with the Orioles in December of 2006.  Now entering the final season of his current deal, Huff's first two seasons with the Orioles could not have been more different.

In 2007, Huff eked out 15 home runs. '07 marked the fourth consecutive season in which Huff's home run totals declined.

All signs pointed to Huff being a poor signing for The Birds.  His image wasn't helped any during the 2007-2008 off season, when the first baseman/designated hitter underwent hernia surgery, and in a shock radio appearance, revealed his love of scantily clad women and disdain for Baltimore nightlife. 

C'mon, Aubrey.  Spend one night in Highlandtown's finest drinking establishments, and you won't think Baltimore is so bleeping bad anymore. 
On second thought, maybe the guy has a point.

Anyway, the boos reigned down when Huff strode to the plate on Opening Day 2008; it looked as though the slugger was in for a long season.  To the surprise of nearly everyone, Huff bounced back with a career year, hitting 32 home runs and an impressive .304/.360/.552 stat line. 

Huff not only quieted the boos, at 31, Huff had his best season since 2003.  He earned the AL Silver Slugger award for designated hitters, handily outhitting David Ortiz, Gary Sheffield and others. 

How did he do it?  Huff's off season surgery was surely helpful.  What's more, Huff claims that a back-to-basics approach helped him concentrate on simply hitting the ball—hard. 

In a taped segment airing July 2nd on MASN, Huff explained how he was able to rebound.

“I just stopped thinkin' so much, man,” he claims. 

Let's hope that Huff thinks just as little in '09 as he did last year.  In reality, it will be very difficult for Huff to reproduce his gaudy '08 numbers.  He is playing for a contract and he should have some protection in the lineup, but very few declining players have been able to rebound for two consecutive years. 

Important Number: 12
The number of points Huff earned in the 2008 MVP voting.  Dustin Pedroia won the award with 317 votes.

Important Date:  July 12, 2006
The date Huff was traded from Tampa Bay, where he was once their most promising young player, to Houston.

Rando Prediction: 
  AB: 521   AVG: .273   HR: 23

Huff will split time at first base and DH this year, increasing his value in the field.  However, it's too optimistic to expect another year like the last.  This prediction basically splits the difference in his '07 and '08 seasons.  He could surprise, but after such a stellar season, there is bound to be some attrition.

(examiner.com)