O's ready to welcome back Markakis to Baltimore

ST. PETERSBURG -- Nick Markakis will make his return to Camden Yards on Monday, as the longtime Orioles outfielder makes his first trip to Baltimore as a member of the Atlanta Braves.

But what kind of reaction will Markakis, who was drafted by the O's and spent nine of 10 big league seasons there, get from the O's faithful?

"Great," Orioles manager Buck Showalter predicted. "I know what kind he's going to get from me. Great."

Markakis, who signed a four-year deal with Atlanta as a free agent last winter, is batting .286 with a .368 on-base percentage in 97 games.

"I hope he doesn't give us a good reception," Showalter said. "Nick is having a good year, like everybody knew he would. We know one thing, he can play the right field wall well. I'm sure they'll use him in the advanced meeting."