Nick Markakis, 2012 Topps Gold Rush

Let's all give a big sarcastic thanks to CC Sabathia, who broke Nick Markakis' left thumb with an errant pitch in last night's Orioles win over the Yankees. As a result, one of the leaders of the O's offense will miss about six weeks. That means that Nick won't be back until the Birds are deep in the playoffs, assuming that they make it there without him. The right fielder was having his best season since 2008, with a slash line of .298/.363/.471 and 28 doubles in 104 games. He already had surgery earlier this summer to repair a broken hamate bone in his right wrist, missing six weeks while he healed from that injury. His hot bat coincided with his return in July, at which point manager Buck Showalter moved him from third to first in the batting order. In 54 games atop the O's lineup, Markakis batted .335/.390/.489 to give the team its first true leadoff hitter since Brian Roberts was beset by his own injuries. If the Orioles maintain their current delicate hold on a postseason berth, they will do it with a great degree of difficulty.