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Adam Jones – Baltimore Orioles OF


H/W:  6-2  185 lb.     B/T:  R/R     DOB:  8/1/85

Considered to be the centerpiece to the now ill-advised Erik Bedard trade, Adam Jones gave Orioles fans a glimpse of the immense talent that he possesses.  Jones batted .270 with 9 HR 57 RBI 10 SB and 61 runs scored for the O's last season and solidified the outfield defense with his excellent range and arm strength in centerfield.  Jones has sinewy strength and excellent bat speed that should transform into 20-25 HR power in the very near future.  His speed is also top notch, although, he has historically not fully used it as a weapon on the basepaths.  The major question mark at this time is directly related to his discipline at the plate.  Last season, Jones had a dismal 23 BB/108 K ratio and had trouble with handling offspeed pitches.  This spring has brought forth some positive signs in his development as he has batted .350 with 3 HR 5 RBI 7 SB and a 3 BB/10 K ratio in 19 games.

2009 Projection: Adam Jones is primed for better numbers this season from behind the plate and his high SB totals in the spring shows that he intends to be more aggressive on the basepaths as well.  The BB/K ratio is the key component to his overall offensive success.  By boosting his walk rate and diminishing his K rate a little bit, Jones can threaten to cross the .300 threshold.  Brian Roberts is Baltimore's leadoff hitter, but Jones should make a dangerous #2 hitter in that solid Oriole lineup.  With excellent pitching prospects down on the farm and a young offense to build around, the Camden Yard boys should be a rising threat in the A.L. East within the next couple of seasons.

Key Adam Jones Baseball Cards:

  • 2003 Upper Deck Prospect Premieres
  • 2006 Bowman Heritage
  • 2006 Upper Deck Update SP

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Billy Rowell – Baltimore Orioles


H/W:  6-5  205 lb.     B/T:  L/R     DOB:  9/10/88

Despite a disappointing statistical 2008 season at High-A Frederick (.248 7 HR 50 RBI 24 doubles), there are some positive things to take out of Rowell's development.  He cut his K rate down to less than one per game while boosting his walk totals from 31 in '07 to 36.  The former AFLAC High School All-American also improved defensively, boosting his fielding percentage from .888 to .925.  Rowell has big time power potential and a sweet left-handed swing that should hit for a good average as well.  His bat speed is well above average and his competitive drive should compell him to make the necessary improvements in his approach at the plate to make the necessary improvements in his plate discipline.  In light of his improvements, there is some concern about Rowell's ability to remain a third baseman.  His size and footspeed may prove to be detrimental to his range and a future on the other infield corner seems to be a more likely destination.  There is still a great deal of projectibility in this young 20 year old, and the Orioles have no doubt that it will manifest itself into on-field production very soon.

2009 Projection: Rowell's stint at Frederick was somewhat lackluster and, given his age, an encore appearance their to begin the season seems to be the most prudent  short term option.  Keep tabs on the power numbers from Mr. Rowell this season.  If he can find translate that sweet swing into some long balls, a promotion to AA Bowie in the second half is not out of the question.  The primary goal for both Billy Rowell and the Orioles, however, should be to put 2008 in the rear view mirror and start cultivating the abundance of potential that made Rowell a 2006 1st round pick.  There are plenty of reasons to believe that will happen in 2009.

Key Billy Rowell Baseball Cards:

  • 2005 Bowman Draft AFLAC Redemption
  • 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
  • 2006 Bowman Sterling Auto
  • 2006 Bowman Heritage
  • 2007 Bowman's Best Auto

Billy Rowell 2006 tri Star Prospects Plus Farm Hands ROOKIE RC AUTO AUTOGRAPH
Billy Rowell 2006 tri Star Prospects Plus Farm Hands ROOKIE RC AUTO AUTOGRAPH
$7.95

A5136 2007 Bowman's Best Prospects #BBP48 Billy Rowell Auto
A5136 2007 Bowman's Best Prospects #BBP48 Billy Rowell Auto
$11.97

ORIOLES 2011 1ST ROUND DRAFT PICK BILLY BILL ROWELL SIGNED OMLB - UPPER DECK COA
ORIOLES 2011 1ST ROUND DRAFT PICK BILLY BILL ROWELL SIGNED OMLB - UPPER DECK COA
$6.95

2007 Tristar Elegance # 11 Billy Rowell RED Parallel 17/25
2007 Tristar Elegance # 11 Billy Rowell RED Parallel 17/25
$29.99

Billy Rowell 2006 Bowman Draft Picks RC #6
Billy Rowell 2006 Bowman Draft Picks RC #6
$1.00

(10) 2006 Tristar Prospects Rookie Lot Billy Rowell #6
(10) 2006 Tristar Prospects Rookie Lot Billy Rowell #6
$2.00

2006 Bowman Chrome BILLY ROWELL RC Rookie Card Lot of 5
2006 Bowman Chrome BILLY ROWELL RC Rookie Card Lot of 5
$14.99

2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Billy Rowell AFLAC Card $4
2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Billy Rowell AFLAC Card $4
$1.00

Billy Rowell Autographed MLB Baseball Tristar COA Auto
Billy Rowell Autographed MLB Baseball Tristar COA Auto
$14.99

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Tyler Kolodny – Baltimore Orioles 3B


H/W:  6-2  210 lb.     B/T:  R/R     DOB:  3/9/88

The Orioles' 2007 16th round pick completed his second tour of short season ball by hitting .240 with 10 HR 38 RBI and 9 SB at Aberdeen.  The word that best personifies Tyler's game is "hustle".  Kolodny is a max effort player whose exuberance for the game of baseball is evident and contagious.  Bases on balls are followed by a 90 ft. sprint up the 1st base line and there isn't a game that Tyler comes of the field in a clean uniform.  While his drive is compelling, it often leads to struggles as well.  Kolodny often overswings at pitches in and out of the zone, resulting in a high K rate (83 in 72 games) and a deficiency in hitting the ball to the other field.  He will steal the occasional bag, but his average speed gets him nabbed on the bases almost as often.  Defensively, he has adaquate range and arm strength to stay at 3B, but the depth of hot corner dwellers in Baltimore's system may force him to relocate.  Kolodny is an intriguing prospect in the sense that he is intrinsically compelled to be the best player on the field and is dedicated to addressing the soft spots of his game.  That desire mixed with a decent assortment of skills makes Tyler Kolodny a dark horse for a breakout season in 2009.

2009 Projection: Beginning this spring, Kolodny should receive his first dose of full season of baseball, likely at Low-A Delmarva.  The main thing that Tyler needs to work on in '09 is becoming a more complete hitter.  Kolodny showed an ability to draw walks, his K rates were way too high.  Watch to see if he can cut these down to less than one per game. Additionally, Kolodny needs to end his pull-happy ways.  More advanced pitchers will exploit this tendency by controlling balls on the outer portion of the plate, which leads to K's and groundball outs. An increase in his double and triple totals would be a good indicator of how well he is utilizing the opposite field.  The Orioles have two high upside 3B prospects in Billy Rowell and Tyler Henson who are ranked above Kolodny on the organization's depth chart.  Kolodny does have the potential to be a solid MLB player, but he may need a change of position or of scenery in future seasons.

Key Tyler Kolodny Baseball Cards:

  • 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
  • 2008 Donruss Threads Rookie Class Patch/Auto #/280
  • 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/819

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David Hernandez – Baltimore Orioles RHP


H/W:  6-3  215 lb.     B/T:  R/R     DOB:  5/13/85

Hernandez's season at AA Bowie produced a marked improvement over his 2007 numbers.  Pitching to a 10-4 mark with a 2.68 ERA and 166 K's in 141 innings, Hernandez seems to have experienced a breakout season.  His fastball sits at 92-94 MPH and, with a deceptive delivery and quick arm action, Hernandez is able to hide his release point from hitters.  Additionally, David has a power slider that grades as a potential out pitch and a changeup that he used more effectively down in the zone last season.  The major culpability in his game right now is emphatically represented in his inconsistency in commanding the strike zone.  Last season, Hernandez issued 4.5 BB per 9 IP, up from 2.9 in '07, but he also decreased his BAA from .249 to .217 and his HR allowed from 16 to 10.  This played a major part in his increased success, but the fact that the Eastern League is a pitcher-friendly league may mean that Hernandez will have a difficult time producing a similar line of success next season.  Additionally, Hernandez has proven to be a flyball pitcher, inducing only .75 GO/FO which, in the cozy confines of Camden Yards, is a significant risk factor.

2009 Projection: Hernandez will start the '09 season with AAA Norfolk with a late season audition before being called up for some Baltimore innings later in the season.  Hernandez has made some great strides on the surface, but his BB /9 rate and his low GO/FO ratio spell trouble for future success.  Harnessing the changeup will be a key for Hernandez's ability to stick as a starter.  If he can effectively throw that pitch down in the zone, he can be an effective mid-rotation starter.  The Orioles are chocked full of high-upside young pitching talents like Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta, Brandon Erbe, Zach Britton, and Chorye Spoone.  If Hernandez struggles with his control in the early going, a shift to be bullpen could happen in the none-too-distant future.

Key David Hernandez Baseball Cards:

  • 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto

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Brandon Erbe – Baltimore Orioles RHP


H/W:  6-4  185 lb.     B/T:  R/R     DOB:  12/25/87

The young Baltimore native regrouped well after a horrendous '07 season.  Erbe pitched to a 10-12 record with a 4.30 ERA and 50 BB/151 K's in 150.1 IP.  Blessed with a mid-90's fastball, Erbe worked dilligently to improve his slider and changeup which have the potential to be plus pitches in the future.  Erbe has a wiry, strong frame that has proven to be quite durable (25+ starts in 3 consecutive years) and could add some bulk as he ages.  This will enhance his stamina and could add a tick or two to his fastball.  The major issue with Erbe right now is consistency.  On the plus side, he limited hitters to a stingy .216 BA and his 3.06 BB/9 IP was his lowest as a pro.  Conversely, when Erbe gets hit, he gets hit hard.  He allowed 21 HR this past season and had several outings where he allowed several runs early in the contest.  When things go bad for Erbe, he tends to lose focus and battles with his mechanics.  Frederick pitching coach Blaine Beatty has worked dilligently with Erbe on these issues and the organization is quite pleased with the 21 year old's progress.

2009 Projection: A full season at AA Bowie is waiting for Erbe in '09.  The O's are hoping that he can continue forward and have a similar season to that of their other elite RHP Chris Tillman.  Command and consistency are the most important things to monitor in Erbe's performance.  If he can hone his mechanics and gain a more effective feel for his changeup, he should be able to turn some of those extra base hits he surrendered last season into outs.

Key Brandon Erbe Baseball Cards:

  • 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
  • 2005 Bowman Sterling
  • 2005 Bowman Heritage

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