The Baltimore Orioles and minor league games are at the half way point. Here is recapping the latest action around the system. Overall, as an organization, Baltimore’s minor league teams have won a total of 96 games thus far (3rd worst overall). However, they have hit a combined total of 146 home runs, placing them 9th among all organizations. As a side note, fellow BSL Analyst Zach Spedden and I have started a weekly podcast – The Verge which focuses exclusively on the Orioles MiLB system. Take a listen here or here via iTunes.
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Jay Gonzalez – OF, Frederick Keys (A+)
Gonzalez has already surpassed his career high in stolen bases (30) and currently leads the organization in stolen bases. His .378 OBP places him among tops in the organization and while also showing a .274/.378/.384 triple-slash line. Additionally, Gonzalez slugged his first career MiLB home run earlier this week, his first in 847 at-bats. Gonzalez is a strong candidate to earn a promotion to Bowie, now that the season is at the half way point.
Trey Mancini – 1B, Norfolk Tides (AAA)
After a much deserved promotion to Triple-A, Mancini is currently hitting .269/.346/.469 with 6 home runs in his first 38 games. After getting off to a slow start in his first 10 games with Norfolk (.229/.357/.314 – 0 home runs) – Mancini has hit 3 home runs over his last 12 games, while boasting a .543 slugging percentage. The strikeouts will always be a concern with Mancini, as his swing get long, but he’s continuing to hit, making him a strong trade chip before the July 1st trade deadline.
Matthew Grimes – RHP, Frederick Keys
The innings eater in the Orioles farm system? Enter righty Matt Grimes, who currently leads all pitchers with 59.2 innings. Grimes, an 18th round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft, features a fastball between 92-94 mph, a curveball in the high-70’s mph and a change-up. He won’t blow up many prospect lists, but he’s shown excellent command early on, as he’s walked a total of 12 hitters in 11 starts this season.
Brian Gonzalez – LHP, Delmarva Shorebirds (A)
Gonzalez, 20, is repeating the low-A level after finishing the 2015 season with a 5.71 ERA in 23 starts. The former 3rd round pick of the 2014 MLB Draft has made great adjustments this season, as he’s struck out 51 hitters in 55.2 innings thus far. He turned in his best start of the season against the Greensboro Grasshoppers on May 24th, striking out 10, allowing 2 hits and walking 1 over 6 innings.
Reggie Yinger has spent the parts of five seasons as a Player Development Coordinator for the Baltimore Orioles. He has extensive experience in computer programming and baseball.