Brook Fordyce, a catcher casual O’s fans were totally unaware of in the spring of 2000, became the regular O’s backstopper after the purge of 2000. Fordyce had been platooning with the White Sox, and was traded to the O’s in exchange for former All-Star catcher Charles Johnson, whose contract with the O’s was expiring at season’s end.

A notable event took place once the trade occurred. Fordyce traveled as quickly as he could to Baltimore, starting for the O’s the day following the trade. Johnson, on the other hand, didn’t join his new teammates, who were on the West Coast in the midst of a tussle for AL Central crown, until the fully allotted three days were over.

The desire shown by Fordyce and the refreshing burst of energy he brought to a seemingly indifferent and jaded clubhouse paid off. Many fans were reminded of the young turks of 1989, as Fordyce began producing both at the plate and behind it.

Several pitchers commented that they liked the way Fordyce called a game, and that their pitch options were more varied than those offered by Johnson, who liked to call fastballs once runners were on base, the better to hold them or improve his chances of erasing them.

Fordyce also was a hit at the plate, showing a capable line drive bat that did feature a long, looping swing, but wrists seemingly capable of overcoming the shortcomings that usually follow such a hitting approach.

When the dust cleared, Brook had fared quite well offensively, finishing with a slugging percentage, on base percentage, and an offensive winning percentage all among the top five catchers in the AL.

Fordyce proved to be a multi-talented player. He provided some much-needed spark in the clubhouse, performed well at the plate, showed the ability to call a solid game (even Mike Mussina, noted critic of catchers and pitching coaches, seemed pleased with Fordyce’s game calling), and was representative at throwing out baserunners when given the chance (the continued Achilles heel of O’s pitching). In addition, he proved to be an excellent interview, articulate, open, and funny.

If he were younger, Fordyce would be a crown jewel in the crown of Orioles’ expectations and hopes. Since he will be 31 in May, he doesn’t qualify as a member of anyone’s kiddie corps, but he will certainly be counted on as a lynchpin for the Orioles in 2001.

TO CONTRIBUTE SUCCESSFULLY TO THE 2001 ORIOLES, FORDYCE:

should improve his throwing mechanics.

Keep hitting like he did in 2000. His projected totals of over 30 HR in a full season would be welcome on a team devoid of power.

NOTES: hit lefties very well, to the tune of a .347 BA, while slugging .625…really struggled at his two home ballparks, combining for a .247 batting average while hitting .355 on the road…certainly hope that his 2000 performance was not a fluke exists, as he hit over .300 with the White Sox in 1999…hit mostly 7^th and 9^th in the lineup, providing real pop at the bottom of the order…dismal when he fell behind in the count (less than a .200 average), probably due to increased numbers of curves versus that long swing…posted 9 RBI in 8 games against the Yankees…slugged .720 against the Red Sox…hit .329 and slugged .551 after the All-Star break.