(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

1. Who are your top five prospects in the Orioles system (in order)?

Greg:
1. Austin Hays
2. Ryan Mountcastle
3. Chance Sisco
4. D.L. Hall
5. Hunter Harvey

Hays ascended up the prospect ladder with a dominant season in High and Double-A en route to his major league debut in September. His all around offensive game and defensive versatility make him a solid number one for any system. I think Mountcastle might actually have the higher upside out of the two, but his defensive profile keeps him from the top spot. Sisco is a catcher that can flat out hit, but he lacks the overall power potential of the top two. Hall and Harvey are pretty close to interchangeable. Both are high upside starter arms who can vault up prospect lists in due time, but just need to prove they can consistently perform against professional hitters.

Reggie:
1.Chance Sisco
2. Austin Hayes
3. Ryan Mouncastle
4. D.L. Hall
5. Tanner Scott

We all agree on the top 3, and each player could fall into either top spot for the Orioles. Chance Sisco is my overall top choice simply because of the steps he has taken each season, specifically related to his defense. While his power numbers won’t be on the Mike Piazza level, his ability to hit to all parts of the field and work walks makes up for it. Ryan Mountcastle can flat out hit, but due to being homeless on defense, his stock takes a fall. Tanner Scott is still in my top 5, despite his command struggles. It’s hard to ignore a lefty that throws 100+ with a plus off-speed pitch.

Zach:
1. Chance Sisco
2. Austin Hays
3. Ryan Mountcastle
4. D.L. Hall
5. Hunter Harvey

The top three could arguably be placed in any order, but I like Sisco’s combination of skillset and track record. He will continue to get better with his defense, and I think his bat—relative to the position—is enough to narrowly edge Hays for the top spot. Mountcastle has the highest offensive ceiling of the three, but his long-term position remains in question. Hall and Harvey are also close, but I will put Hall above Harvey for now because of the latter’s injury issues over the years. However, if Harvey does return to health this year, it will give the Orioles the potential impact starter their farm system has been missing.

2. In your estimation, what’s Alexander Wells’ big league future?

Greg: At 20 years old, Wells’ pitchability and command are superb. He has a very consistent low effort delivery that allows him to pound the zone with all of his pitches. Ten walks in 140 IP is just ridiculous and it should allow him to sustain success through the upper levels of the minors. However, I ultimately think his lack of swing-and-miss stuff limits him to more of a swingman or innings eating number five at best. As a starter, you have to show enough pure arm talent to be able to turn over lineups and I think that major league hitters will be able to get a read on Wells’ stuff the second time through where they could bait him into mistakes. I still think he’s ultimately a major league piece, but not in a playoff caliber rotation.

Reggie: I had some comments for leaving him off my BSL listing previously. To me, he’s a pitcher that simply doesn’t have the velocity or stuff to produce at the major league level. Sure, he has command, but his fastball doesn’t top out over 90 mph. Tyler Wilson had more pitches in his arsenal, yet he was destined as an organization arm/long guy.

Zach: My assessment on Wells is similar to Greg’s. His command—and the fact that he is so consistent with it at his age—sets him apart from similar prospects, but there are still a lot of questions to be answered. Once he is introduced to more patient and more experienced hitters, it should provide a better sense of his major league ceiling. For now, I would say back-of-the-rotation starter or swing man that is able to provide value out of the bullpen.

3. Besides D.L. Hall, who’s another 2017 draft pick that intrigues you?

Greg: LHP Cameron Bishop. It’s unusual that a 26^th round pick would catch your attention, but Bishop was signed to a $605k signing bonus, although there was some apparent hiccups with the timing of the negotiations. Nevertheless, Bishop is currently in the system and performed well in Aberdeen last season. Coming out of high school, the southpaw has a mature 6’4’’ frame that already generates above-average arm speed as you can see from his big mid-90’s fastball with life. There’s some effort to his delivery and head whack, which negatively affects his overall control. But Bishop probably has the best pure stuff of any pitcher outside of D.L. Hall in this class, and I’m looking forward to see how he develops in year two in the organization. Earlier picks Zac Lowther and Michael Baumann may be more developed, but Bishop’s potential clearly rises above those former college pitchers.

Reggie: Jimmy Murphy drafted in the 8th round has my attention, as he was sitting 93-94 mph with his fastball in Aberdeen during a few outings. He’s a college arm that didn’t have leverage in the draft, but I’m curious to see if he provides more value than an 8th round pick.

Zach: This is more of a long-term pick, but I am interested to see how outfielder Lamar Sparks develops in 2018 and beyond. Reports on him suggest his speed, defense, and arm strength are going to stand out, and that he could easily move to a corner spot if centerfield proves to not be his position for the future. He is years away, and his bat still has some ways to go, but I think Sparks’s athleticism and upside could ultimately help him become a sold find in the fifth round. In the more immediate future, Zac Lowther will be very intriguing to watch in 2018. Lowther’s dominance of the New York-Penn League might not be unprecedented for a college pick, but his 41.1 innings total was good for a new draft choice and leaves some hope going into his first full season.

4. Anthony Santander must remain on the major roster for at least the 44 days of the regular season to ensure that he stays with the Orioles. Will he meet that requirement, and does he factor into the Orioles’ plans for the duration of 2018?

Greg: You have to think that the Orioles have invested too much time into Santander to simply not keep him on the roster for 44 days. Santander showed his big power during his rehab in Bowie and clearly has enough physical ability to develop into a major league piece down the road. His below-average outfield ability doesn’t make him a valuable bench piece, but the offensive upside is high enough where it’s worth it to limit the team’s defensive versatility early on in the season. I expect the organization to add another left-handed bat so Santander can get regular at bats in Triple-A. This will allow him to develop his approach for a big league role in 2019.

Reggie: I expect Santander to remain on the roster; however, I figure him to return to the minor leagues for continued development for the remainder of the season. At best, he’s a 4th/5th outfielder that can hit for power, but also strikes out a lot.

Zach: I fully expect, at least for now, that Santander will get the minimum first 44 days on the major league roster to remain in the organization. Beyond that, it will depend on his performance and where the Orioles find themselves in need during the season. Should Austin Hays fail to capture the full-time right field job, it would leave at-bats for Santander—as would an injury within the Orioles’ slate of outfielders. Otherwise, spending time in Norfolk would not be a bad thing for him. Santander’s calling card as a major leaguer is going to be his bat and, with the amount of time he missed last year, he will need to get plenty of work in 2018 to ensure that he continues to develop.

5. Where do you stand on Cedric Mullins going into 2018?

Greg: I really like me some Cedric Mullins. Despite being a smaller outfielder, there’s more pop than you would expect. His bat speed is above-average from the left side and he gets enough power behind the swing to project mid-teen home run totals with regular playing time. He also gets out of the box real quickly to create extra base hits on balls in the gap. His plus speed allows him to beat out weakly hit balls, and he’ll be a plus fielder in left who can hold his own in center field too. The approach needs works and he frequently swings with too much effort to think he’s going to be an above-average pure hitter at the highest level. However, his speed, defense and underrated power give him the ability to find a spot as a solid everyday outfielder. Mullins is clearly my highest rated position player apart from the trio of Hays, Mountcastle and Sisco. He’s a surefire top ten prospect in this system at the moment.

Reggie: I’m not saying Cedric Mullins is Terrance Gore, but his speed and defensive ability are the biggest attributes for the outfielder (much like Gore). However, when speed is your bread and butter, injuries to your hamstring will diminish your time to shine on the field. Overall, Mullins has caught the eye of the big-league staff, so I expect him to get a long look in spring training. He figures to start the season with Double-A Bowie.

Zach: His injuries cut into what could have been a great year for him, but the overall production for his first stint at Double-A still leaves plenty of promise. While Mullins needs to get on base more if he is to develop into a top-of-the order hitter, his skillset suggests that that is a reachable ceiling. Adding a solidified plate approach to his combination of speed and defense would make Mullins one of the more intriguing prospects in the system, and could allow him to reach Baltimore sooner rather than later. It has been a long time since the Orioles developed a legitimate centerfielder with the ability to hit at the top of the order, and I think Mullins is currently their best chance to obtain that type of player for the long haul.

6. With the lack of signings from Latin America, how badly does this hurt the Orioles?

Greg: You definitely see many of the top prospects in the game right now coming from Latin America, which makes it curious to why the Orioles haven’t really dipped into the higher end prospects coming from that part of the world. Their strategy has obviously been to sell their bonus slots for prospects that already have service time in the minors (i.e. Yefry Ramirez, Brallan Perez, Milton Ramos, Chris Lee, etc.). These are lower ceiling guys that don’t offer the overall upside of the 16 year-old international free agents, which has allowed for other franchises to further dip into the Latin American market with much success.

Reggie: The lack of attention from the front office to the Latin America area has really become the laughing stock of the league. Each off-season, we see the Orioles trade away international signing money for org arms – instead of signing players. Ownership has been committed to staying away from Latin players, but when you look at top prospect lists across the internet, it’s loaded with players from the Latin America area. Overall, it not only hurts the long term growth of the team, but also potential free agents who may look at Baltimore, but eventually pass, as the team has little culture.

Zach: There is no question that the lack of attention that is being paid to Latin America hurts. It is robbing the Orioles of an opportunity to add to the farm system, and puts them at a disadvantage not just against the big spenders, but even teams in similar market sizes. I have no clue what it will take to reverse the trend, but at some point, the Orioles have to find an approach in Latin America. Even if it is not going after the top of the international free agent class, the organization has to show some commitment to scouting and developing talent in these countries.

The post Baltimore Orioles Minor League Discussion appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

RHP Jesus Liranzo
AFL Stats: 4 G, 4.2 IP, 11.57 ERA, 7 H, 2 HR, 6 BB, 3 K

The fireballing right hander was removed from the Salt River roster due to shoulder soreness, but it appears that the 22 year-old just wasn’t right when looking at the numbers he put up. He already showed a ton of command problems throughout the year in Bowie and it came up again during the first half of the AFL season. The arm talent mixed with quality athleticism on the mound is evident, but Liranzo is more of a thrower than a pitcher at the moment. He’s got a lively fastball to miss a lot of bats; it’s just all about development to hone his stuff at the upper levels of the farm system.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

LHP Keegan Akin
AFL Stats: 9 G, 1 GS, 16.1 IP, 2.76 ERA, 10, H, 1 HR, 5 BB, 13 K

Akin’s 2017 season was up-and-down, but still showed enough promise to think that he’ll stick as a starter for the long-term. He didn’t get a chance to show potential improvements in command multiple times through a lineup just because of the nature of the AFL. However, he clearly has the stuff to thrive when going up against many players that produced at higher levels of the minors than Akin did. The lefty possesses a mid-90’s heater with movement, and a sharp breaking slider that can act as a putaway pitch. He has enough feel for the change for it to become a workable third major league offering too. The bigger body is a bit of a concern when you think about his issues keeping the ball in the zone, but this stint in Arizona set a positive outlook for what is a very important 2018 season for the former second round pick.

LHP Luis Gonzalez
AFL Stats: 9 G, 9.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 5 H, 0 HR, 2 BB, 6 K

Gonzalez was not placed on the 40 man, but probably did all that he could in the fall league to make the Orioles think about protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft. Older for the Carolina League at 25 years old, Gonzalez was still racking up the K’s in High-A (75 K in 62.0 IP). He’s got solid stuff for a lefty coming out of the pen, but has an unbalanced delivery that forces him to lose his control throughout even a one-inning appearance. The arm slot can be tough to pick up at times, which allows his stuff to play up too. He did nothing but help his stock in Arizona and is quickly setting himself apart in a stable of fringy major league relievers within the farm system.

RHP Ryan Meisinger
AFL Stats: 4 G, 6.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 BB, 0 K

Meisinger came in as a roster replacement for Liranzo after he exited with injury. One of my favorite below-the-radar prospects in the Orioles system, this little stat line encapsulates everything you need about the Double-A right hander. The stuff is average across the board, there’s no clear putaway pitch and he’s not projectable to think that his pitching arsenal is going to drastically change. However, the former 11^th round selection back in 2015 has worked his way quickly up Baltimore’s farm system by riding his advanced pitchability and command in order to keep hitters off balance and create weak contact. The swing-and-miss numbers and stuff will never make you jump out of your chair, but even his work in the AFL shows that relievers can be effective even if they don’t miss a ton of bats.

LHP Tanner Scott
AFL Stats: 5 G, 3 GS, 9.1 IP, 12.54 ERA, 11 H, 2 HR, 11 BB, 7 K

There’s good Tanner Scott and then there’s bad Tanner Scott. When he’s on, the lefty is pumping 100 in the zone, challenging hitters to catch up to his electric fastball. He’s also got the slider working as a solid complimentary offering that flashes above-average bite and depth. This all adds up to a potential late inning reliever. However, when Scott does not have a grip of his stuff, the walks pile up and his powerful arsenal doesn’t have a chance to play. Ultimately, despite the clean and effortless mechanics, I don’t believe that Scott has a firm enough control of the strike zone to make the switch to starting…that’s not a bad thing, though. His game perfectly translates to the bullpen, where he’ll only face hitters once and the fastball can jump to above 100 mph. He’s still young and athletic enough to make more adjustments, so I wouldn’t let this most recent stint get you down about Scott’s chances of making an impact in 2018 and in the years to come.

OF Anthony Santander
AFL Stats: 18 G, 72 AB, .208 BA, .234 OBP, .333 SLG, .567 OPS, 1 HR, 6 XBH, 18 SO, 2 BB

Santander will need to stick on the major league roster for the first 44 days of the regular season if Baltimore wants to definitely keep his rights for the long haul. He’s an imperfect fit on the current active roster given the glut of potential power hitting corner outfielders, including Mark Trumbo, Trey Mancini and perhaps even Chris Davis. However, Santander’s raw power and above-average barrel control is something that the organization should certainly covet. To me, his offensive potential ranks above the likes of D.J. Stewart, Ademar Rifaela, Randy Gassaway and other corner outfielders in the system, so he’s worth keeping, even if it means sacrificing a 25 roster spot in the early goings. The numbers were better during his short stint in Bowie, but the he’s got the potential for mid-teens game power if his hit tool and overall approach is developed further in the minors.

INF Ryan Mountcastle
AFL Stats: 21 G, 82 AB, .244 BA, .287 OBP, .402 SLG, .690 OPS, 3 HR, 7 XBH, 19 SO, 4 BB

I’m high on Ryan Mountcastle’s offensive potential. He’s got a rare hit-power combo for a potential second baseman. The team is trying him out at third, but the arm will eventually work best at the keystone or even in left field if the glove doesn’t jump enough to even play fringe-average there. Still, Mountcastle has dominated with the stick wherever he’s been, apart from his late season promotion to Bowie. He’s got a natural feel for the barrel and sprays doubles to both sides of the field with consistency. The swing is compact, despite a mild hitch and some of those doubles should turn into homers as he continues to grow into his 20 year-old frame. He flashed a bit in the Fall League, even though there’s still tightening to do with his swing and breaking ball approach. This performance shouldn’t drastically change his position as one of the more heralded prospects in the O’s farm system.

UTIL Steve Wilkerson
AFL Stats: 23 G, 82 AB, .317 BA, .396 OBP, .512 SLG, .908 OPS, 1 HR, 9 XBH, 14 SO, 9 BB

I’m a little surprised Wilkerson did not get added to the 40 man given the high praise that had been thrown around by the organization and by his great performance in Arizona. Wilkerson is older for a prospect getting added hype, but he fits well into the role that the team is losing with Ryan Flaherty a free agent. The minor league utility man can really play any position on the infield and I would bet that he’s got the athleticism and glove to fill-in at all three outfield spots if the club needed it. His speed is his best tool, as it’s clear 60 grade. In addition, he’s got enough bat speed and barrel control to keep defenders honest all over the diamond. He’s not physical or powerful enough to vie for an everyday role, but I think he’s a low-end utility man who has a real shot to crack the opening day roster…that is if he isn’t poached by another other team with a similar need in the Rule 5 Draft next month.

Three 40 Man Roster Takeaways

With the end of the AFL and 40 man roster deadline occurring around the same time, while have some implications towards one another, I decided to combine my thoughts about both into one article. In all, the Orioles added three players to the 40 man, including RHP David Hess, C Austin Wynns and RHP Hunter Harvey. This leaves the team with six roster spots to work with in free agency and the Rule 5 draft as the team has since added former A’s outfielder Jaycob Brugman after he was removed from their 40 man on Monday.

What to make of the additions?

Hunter Harvey was the clear addition out of the three, despite the injury history, given his hefty upside and draft status. Wynns and Hess both had clear reasons they were added to the 40 man. First and foremost with Wynns, catchers who can stick behind the plate are valuable commodities in the minor leagues and the Bowie Baysox backstop checks off the boxes clearly. The bat falls behind the glove, but he has put up solid numbers as a minor leaguer, which certainly helped him crack the 40 man on Monday. Plus, the O’s were losing Audry Perez and Francisco Peña to minor league free agency, so the team needed some depth behind Chance Sisco and Caleb Jospeph that Wynns could easily fill. Hess had a much-improved second half of the 2017 season and he shows plus fastball velocity, along with fringy-to-average secondaries across the board. Command has been the problem for Hess as he can have trouble keeping the ball in the zone throughout starts, but the mechanics aren’t too out of whack to think that there won’t be just utter stagnation during the rest of his development in the minors. Think about him in the Mike Wright mold, where there’s solid bullpen fallback value given that the stuff is expected to jump in a relief role. Both Wynns and Hess would have been likely draftees if left unprotected given their position and level.

Which unprotected minor leaguer is most likely to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft?

I see three players with some chance to be stolen from the Oriole next month. The first is Luis Gonzalez, who I mentioned above. It’s a little more rare to see a team take a chance on a potential Rule 5 addition who’s highest level they’ve played is High-A, but Gonzalez is older and left-handed, which brings value. Like I said before, the stuff is solid and he’s got LOOGY potential because of his funkier delivery and release point. However, that profile is probably not worth taking at the major league phase of the draft considering the track record versus the upper minors isn’t there. LHP John Means is more of a pitchability/command guy who’s not quite good enough in those areas yet to overcome his lack of above-average stuff. However, he’s pretty athletic and has enough natural deception to eat some innings as a lefty. But a likely up-and-down swingman will probably not garner much interest either. A utility man with plus speed is less available and could be the type of player that gets snatched up by a team looking to fill that role early in the offseason on the cheap. Wilkerson’s value has never been higher after his performance in the AFL, so he’s the most likely of the trio to get selected in my opinion, but his lack of upside I still think keeps him in the Orioles organization by the time Spring Training rolls around.

Does the 40 man roster deadline signal future moves?

While the O’s have already added an outfielder in Brugman to the 40 man since the deadline had passed, I think the Orioles decision to be rather unaggressive in who they add does message to the league that the team is expecting to add a number of guys through free agency or trades this offseason. The team also leaves more room for another potential Rule 5 guy in 2018, in addition to Santander, so there’s more room to work out some things there. Leaving Wilkerson off may mean a few things…either the team is looking elsewhere to fill the void left by Flaherty’s free agency or that they simply don’t think he’ll be taken when they look at the needs of other clubs and other players available in the Rule 5. I’m expecting at least three pitchers to be added to the 40 man in some form or fashion. This means that Baltimore needed to have space in order to keep the their options open as the offseason grinds along, which is something I believe you can take away from their decision making this past Monday.

The post Baltimore Orioles AFL Wrap-Up and 40 Man Roster Takeaways appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

2018 Opening Day Age: 22
Acquired: 2016 1^st RD Pick (27)
2018 Likely Start Level: Frederick Keys (A+)
2017 Stats: 20 GS, 90 IP, 5.90 ERA, 119 H, 69 K, 36 BB, 11 HR, 313 BA

Sedlock was drafted as a fast moving college arm that was thought of as a legit starting pitching prospect after a dominant junior season at the University of Illinois. However, after a promising stint in rookie ball, the 6’3’’, 190 lbs. right-hander suffered through an injury-ridden 2017 campaign that included way too many walks and short outings. Sedlock has everything you like from a college starting pitching prospect; he’s big, physical and can throw four major league average pitches when he’s on his game. What set him back this year was a funky arm action that’s tough to repeat and diminishing velocity. Once clocked at an easy 92-94 as an amteur and in his first stint in pro ball, Sedlock mostly sat 88-90 during my viewings of him in Frederick. This made his heavy sinker a lot less effective and allowed hitters to take pitches and get on base, which forced him into early exits throughout the year.

With all these negative developments, it would seem that the former first round pick is best suited for a relief role where his stuff can play up and his command won’t be as much of an issue. In fact, I believe that even if Sedlock fails in the rotation, he would still turn into a solid reliever because he has the pure stuff to keep hitters from making hard contact for a few innings before he starts to lose a group of all his pitches. But what makes this a make-or-break season for the 22 year-old is that it may determine just how long the Orioles are willing to keep him in a minor league rotation, especially if he’s more productive in the bullpen. Sedlock will have to get healthy this offseason and prove that he can command his arsenal and get back to throwing the way he did back when he was pitching in the Big Ten.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

2. 3B/1B Jomar Reyes

2018 Opening Day Age: 21
Acquired: Signed as an international free agent in 2014 ($350k bonus)
2018 Likely Start Level: Frederick Keys (A+)
2017 Stats: 57 G, 210 AB, .324 BA, .354 OBP, .443 SLG, .797 OPS, 34 K, 4 HR

This young big-bodied corner infielder started 2017 on a real positive note. Unfortunately, Reyes showed his immaturity when he was sidelined for a few months with a broken hand when it was reported that he punched a wall. Apart from the maturity issues, Reyes still has a long way to go with the stick and on the dirt before he can even be thought of as a major league contributor. He still has a ton of raw power and is starting showing signs of converting that pop to games in 2017 as you can see by his .324 average and over .440 SLG. But, when watching him, you can tell that the third baseman has a considerable amount of trouble laying off poor offspeed stuff, while also showing a swing that leaves a lot of areas to attack around the plate. The bat speed and solid athleticism is there for a guy his size, but he needs to start to show that he’s picking up the details of hitting instead of just relying on his physical abilities to scorch less powerful pitching arsenals.

What truly makes this a make-or-break year for Reyes is his play with the glove. He’s just not even close to big league ready at the moment, showing little movement skills, lack of a feel and stone hands on both soft and hard contact. He doesn’t look like a natural at third, so I expect him to log some time on the other side of the diamond. Reyes’ big body will help him profile better at first base, but I’ve still got my concerns whether his subpar glove skills will make him a workable option there as well. If that’s the case, a power reliant DH only player, who will strike out a bunch certainly won’t make Reyes a legit major league prospect for the club moving forward.

3. OF Randolph Gassaway

2018 Opening Day Age: 22
Acquired: 2013 16^th RD pick (#489)
2018 Likely Start Level: Bowie Baysox (AA)
2017 Stats: 114 G, 431 AB, .260 BA, .304 OBP, .338 SLG, .642 OPS, 82 K, 5 HR

Gassaway is a frustrating player to evaluate at times. At a glance, Gassaway is built like a legit power hitting corner outfield prospect. Standing a cut 6’4’’, 210 lbs., the former 16^th round selection looks like a player that should be able to convert his considerable raw power. However, Gassaway plays more like a contact hitter in the box. He struggles shifting his weight to drive the ball and is just much more comfortable poking offerings for singles. He’s got the strength to develop into double-digit power, but he just struggles converting that strength into home runs and even doubles because of his non-aggressive mechanics. Gassaway does stay within himself in the box and can cover the plate, while pushing the ball to all fields. But that’s not type of profile he needs to develop into in order to push himself onto the big league roster.

In addition, Gassaway hasn’t shown himself to be comfortable in left field either, which is strange considering that he brings above-average athleticism to the position. You might also think that his arm would make up for his stiffness on the grass, but he actually struggles maintaining velocity on his throws in the air, instead frequently bouncing balls to bases and cutoff men. The lack of average arm strength makes him a left field only prospect that needs to get more comfortable with his reads if he hopes to become a workable major league outfielder at some point. Overall, Gassaway needs to show bigger strides in the power department and in the field if he wants to push his way into consideration for the major league roster in 2019.

4. LHP Chris Lee

2018 Opening Day Age: 25
Acquired: Trade with the Astros for international bonus money in 2015
2018 Likely Starting Level: Norfolk Tides (AAA)
2017 Stats: 27 G, 20 GS, 116.1 IP, 5.11 ERA, 83 K, 54 BB, 144 H, 11 HR, .302 BA

Lee spent the entire 2017 season in Norfolk after coming into spring training with legitimate hopes to become a consistent contributor for the Orioles as either a starter or reliever. The left-hander never cracked the big league club because he struggled mightily against Triple-A hitting. Lee finished with an ERA over 5.00, allowed 1.24 hits per inning and produced a very poor K/BB rate of just 1.53. So as you can tell, the former Houston Astros farmhand has a lot of things to work on in the offseason.

Lee has never been known as a fireballer, but he’s shown an ability to sit in the low 90’s, showing enough athleticism to make you think that he can improve some of the weaker areas of his game. The lefty has never been able to rack up a lot of strikeouts, instead relying on weak contact in order to get outs. He’ll show you a slider and a change as well, with the slider being the more advanced of the two secondaries. Without above-average stuff, Lee must be able to improve his command if he hopes to remain in the rotation or even to become an option as a swingman in 2018.

5. RHP Hunter Harvey

2018 Opening Day Age: 23
Acquired: 2013 1^st RD Draft Pick (#22)
2018 Likely Starting Level: Frederick Keys
2017 Stats: 8 GS, 18.2 IP, 0.96 ERA, 30 K, 4 BB, 0 HR, .167 BA

Hunter Harvey is back from Tommy John surgery and his addition to the Orioles farm system greatly improves the team’s minor league pitching outlook. The former 2013 first round selection has the best pure starting stuff of any arm in the system. With a fastball that sits in the mid-90’s a swing-and-miss curveball along with the makings of a league average changeup, Harvey has the stuff to make you believe that he would grade out as a legit Top 100 MLB prospect when fully healthy.

However, the main reason why Harvey lands on this list is because he’s had two major elbow injuries since joining the organization. This does not bode well for his long-term future, but it should be noted that Harvey was able to finish out the 2017 season in the low minors, unlike when he returned from a year-long recovery in 2016 and then subsequently got injured again.

Without the injuries, Harvey would be the best pitching prospect in the Orioles system and not at all a candidate for this list. But, the right-hander needs to show that he can pitch starter innings at some point next season. If he does, Harvey could be on the fast track to the big leagues. If not, well…that’s not a good sign for a farm system that is strug

The post Orioles Prospects Heading Into Make-or-Break 2018 Seasons appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

Like most every team, the Orioles won’t bring everyone up on September 1^st, but with the Norfolk Tides out of the layoff race, there should be no hesitation in calling up a Triple-A ballplayer if Buck thinks he can help the club in the wild card race. It should also be noted that the Bowie Baysox are destined for a playoff spot, so that will factor in regards to the team opting to give some of their better prospects their first taste of the big leagues.

Many of the players that are going to get brought up, fans have seen before, given the Orioles heavy use of the taxi squad throughout the 2017 regular season. To get a better feel of who may get the call, be sure to look at who’s on the team’s current 40 man roster because it means that they won’t have to subject a player to waivers if they wish to make them part of the major league ballclub.

The September call ups are always fairly interesting to follow, especially because of the Orioles current hot streak. The team will definetly need some extra arms and maybe a few bats to go “all in” on that second wild card that they desperately want.

1. Will Chance Sisco get his first taste of the big leagues?

Baltimore always brings up an emergency third catcher for the final month of the regular season as there are no real consequences to having a fallback option in case of injuries or other game situations that take place. Normally, that honor goes to the starting catcher at Norfolk. However, the decision is a bit more complex now that one of the O’s top prospects, Chance Sisco, has been the everyday catcher at Triple-A. Sisco and backup Francisco Peña are not currently on the 40 man, so there’s no benefit of not having to outright a player for either one, but the latter backstop has already seen major league time, while Sisco would be getting his first taste.

Sisco would not receive much playing time if he were to get the call, as it would be more of a learning experience in preparation for a possible starting role in 2018. Peña is regarded as the better defensive catcher, which the Orioles may value more in this particular role. It’s a tough choice, but I’m thinking that the Orioles bring up Peña first because of his defensive chops. But the catch is that if Baltimore were to fall out of the race, Sisco would be brought up immediately to get his feet wet for next year.

2. Which relievers get the call first?

It’s no secret that the O’s have rolled through their fair amount of Triple-A arms since April. In fact, Buck has used 24 different pitchers this season, and you’ll see a lot of the same faces again over the coming month because there’s no real downside to having those extra arms, except for a bit of a crammed locker room.

To see which relievers may get the first chance to prove themselves, looking over the 40 man will give you a good idea. The likes of Mike Wright, Alec Asher, Tyler Wilson, Jayson Aquino and Gabriel Ynoa are all on the 40 man and are currently the starters in Norfolk. All five would give you length as another swingman, so the team doesn’t have to burn up their more useful arms in a blowout. Out of this group, I like Asher and Aquino to get the immediate looks as both have been pretty successful in Triple-A, while also seeing time in the Orioles starting rotation.

Donnie Hart had just rejoined the team to give the O’s another lefty to match up late in the game too. Apart form Hart, the Orioles should have room to bring up at least one more reliever, with Stefan Chrichton likely to see time because he has already appeared eight games, albeit with poor results.

3. What about the hitters?

The September intrigue usually revolves more around pitching because teams are always looking for innings to get through the remainder of the regular season. The Orioles will bring up another hitter besides that other catcher, and could give the call to a few more given how the playoff run works itself out over the next few weeks.

Unlike, the girth of Triple-A arms on the 40 man, the Orioles do not have many position players that they are ready to bring up without making a corresponding move. Joey Rickard seems like the most logical choice given his recent history and that he is on the 40 man. Apart from him, no one else in Triple-A seems like a sure bet to be promoted with the roster expansion. Pedro Alavarez and Ruben Tejada seem to be the most likely choices given that Tejada can give you some infield depth and Alvarez has some pop the O’s can tap into of need be.

4.  Which players will be removed from the 40 man?

Baltimore will inevitably have to outright at least two players from the 40 man with a third catcher and another utility infielder assuredly on the way to the majors. The question remains, who’s the most vulnerable?

Jesus Liranzo and Yefry Ramirez are in Double-A at the moment, but both won’t be going anywhere. Also, as previously mentioned, the Orioles have a lot of pitchers in Triple-A who they may need over the course of the coming month. It would seem that this decision would have a lot to do with who the Orioles decide to promote among those 40 man Norfolk hurlers.

Tyler Wilson and Logan Verrett are two of the older pitchers in that group, which means that it might be easier to let them off the 40. The likes of Chris Lee and Andrew Faulkner seem to be safe given their youth, even though neither has seen major league time this season. Ynoa, Asher and Aquino I see more helping the big league club for the remainder of regular season, so it would be counter productive to outright them as well. It doesn’t mean much given that most of these arms would see their way through waivers and return to the organization, but you want to take as little risks as possible, especially with some of the teams out of the race looking for potential minor leaguers to snag from contenders’ graps.

5. Will any top Bowie Baysox prospect make their MLB debut?

At the moment, Chance Sisco seems like the O’s most likely choice for a top prospect to debut. However, the Bowie Baysox are clearly the most loaded team in the Orioles farm.

Austin Hays has shot up prospect lists this season, especially after he made the leap from Frederick to Bowie without any fuss. Cedric Mullins is a more under-the-radar outfield prospect, but he could give the Orioles some much needed speed off the bench should the front office choose to call upon him. However, Tanner Scott may be the most reasonable choice to see some major league time in 2017 because bullpen arms are usually more sought after when September rolls around. Donnie Hart has had his moments, but he doesn’t come close to the type of arm talent that Scott has, in fact, not many left handers do.

The former sixth round pick back in 2014, can throw effortlessly into the triple digits and his slider has made some nice progress of the course of 2017 as well. The control is still the number one concern, with Scott managing to walk just about six batters per nine innings this season. But still, being able to match up lefty on lefty with a guy who throws this hard would be a treat to see as Scott figures to squarely fit in the team’s bullpen plans for next year.

With that being said, if the Orioles were to fall out of the playoff race, these promotions would have a much higher chance of happening, especially with Tanner Scott. However, with Bowie fighting for a playoff spot and the team having a number of hitters and pitchers to turn to, it seems more likely that Hays and Mullins would receive their first taste of major league ball early in 2018 with the team opting to use more of their Triple-A options this September.

The post Five Orioles Questions Before the September Roster Expansion appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

With this in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to look at what an Orioles farm system would shake out in n MLB style 25 man roster, taking into account the results and play we’ve seen this season.

 (You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

This is not a re-hashing of the Top 40 O’s prospect list I wrote up around the trade deadline, but gives you more of a look about where the depth lies in the Orioles system, and where the team may look to beef up its prospect base in the future. It should be noted, that the sole ranking of the player won’t determine if/where they are placed on this list. Other factors like speed, power and defense will be taken into account because as we all know, baseball has a lot more to it than just based on overall talent itself. However, their ranking in my top 40 is listed next to the player’s name down below.

Now with all that conjecture out of the way, let’s get into the roster.

The Lineup

1. CF Cedric Mullins (#10)

2. 2B Ryan Mountcastle (#1)

3. C Chance Sisco (#3)

4. RF Austin Hays (#2)

5. DH Anthony Santander (Rule 5)

6. 1B Jomar Reyes (#15)

7. LF D.J. Stewart (#27)

8. SS Milton Ramos (NR)

9. 3B Adam Hall (#13)

Baltimore’s system yields a pretty solid order, especially with hitters 1-6. Cedric Mullins is the perfect leadoff bat because of his speed and ability to reach base even when he doesn’t barrel the ball fully. He has some sneaky power as well, as his frame may be small, but he uses strong lower body efficiently for solid doubles power. The trio of Mountcastle, Sisco and Hays are interchangeable in terms of where they rank in the Orioles farm. All three can become above-average hitters at the major league level, so having them in the middle of the order is a big boom.

Anthony Santander plays both corners, but not very well. He’s got lot of raw power and should be able to barrel the ball well enough for a lot of that pop to translate in-game, although he does have to refine his approach and swing just a bit before he’s going to make a mark in the majors. Jomar Reyes is another potential high-power, low average hitter who is NOT a third baseman long-term. D.J. Stewart is a bit of a liability in left field, but he brings enough power and contact skills to make his way as a regular. His recent solid run in Double-A has upped his stock. Milton Ramos wasn’t ranked in the top 40, but maybe he should have been. He was acquired from the Mets for international bonus dollars and has found his bat in Delmarva. The young shortstop also profiles as the team’s best defensive option at the position. The Orioles second highest draft pick from this past June isn’t a natural third baseman, but the Orioles system is devoid of hot corner options, so he has enough arm to fit there, even though he lacks the power projection to fit the typical profile for a corner infield spot.

The Bench

Backup Catcher: Ben Breazeale (#20)

Bench Bat: LF Randolph Gassaway (#32)

Speedster: OF Josh Hart (#35)

Utility Man: INF Mason McCoy (#40)

Breazeale continues to make a name for himself in Aberdeen as he’s still hitting in the upper .300’s in early August, which is pretty insane. He’s obviously bound to slow down, but he has a loose swing that pounds the opposite field. The defense remains a bit of a question long-term, but it’s far too early to move him off the position this early in his development. Gassaway hasn’t hit for the type of pop that his body should yield in High-A this season, but he flashes some barrel control to work the middle of the field. He makes for a nice platoon option with D.J. Stewart as they both profile as likely up and down outfielders long-term. Josh Hart is currently rehabbing from injury and performing well so far. He has a lot of speed and is the versatile outfield bench option that team’s need. Finally, Mason McCoy fits well as a utility man as he played this role a fair amount I his final season as an Iowa Hawkeye, although he’s played shortstop exclusively in rookie ball.

The Rotation

No.1: LHP D.L. Hall (#4)

No.2: LHP Keegan Akin (#5)

No.3: RHP Hunter Harvey (#7)

No.4: RHP Brenan Hanifee (#8)

No.5: LHP Alexander Wells (#12)

The O’s 2017 first round pick clearly has the highest upside of any pitcher in the Orioles system. It’ll be a little while before you hear him making a major league impact being that he is coming from high school, but he’s still got a reported advanced feel for his age and he should develop three major league caliber pitches when he reaches that point. Akin has been the more impressive arm out of him and Sedlock because his stuff plays better multiple times through a lineup. He maintains his fastball in the low-mid 90’s throughout a usual outing, with his primary weapon being a putaway late breaking slider. He’s got a real chance to become a mid rotation type, even with some of the command issues he has to overcome. In other news…Hunter Harvey is back baby! He’s currently rehabbing in Aberdeen after a long road back from Tommy John. He’s the team’s lottery ticket who could end up being the best arm in the system if his health gets back on track. He’s always had the arm talent and a projectable starting pitcher frame, he just has to stay on the field.

I could argue that Brenan Hanifee has been the biggest riser in the system after the likes of Hays and Mountcastle with the way he’s pitched so far this season. He’s a long ways away being a high school draftee from last year. But the fastball will get to plus as he develops into his large frame and he has enough athleticism to project his slider to become major league average. He’s not a slam dunk to remain in the rotation, but due to the lack of projectable starters in the Orioles system, I’ve slotted him as a back end guy. Results wise, Alexander Wells has been the best Orioles pitching prospect this season. He’s limited his walk rate to an insane 0.7 BB/9 IP, while pitching to an ERA of 2.45. Wells struggles putting hitters away because of his below-average heater, but the command is plus, which makes him a reasonable innings eating number five. Tobias Myers would have been a threat to take this spot, but he’s in Tampa Bay’s grasps now that the Orioles have the hot hitting Tim Beckham on their major league roster.

The Bullpen

Closer: LHP Tanner Scott (#6)

Set-up man: RHP Cody Sedlock (#9)

Set-up man: RHP Jesus Liranzo (#14)

Middle Relief: LHP Zac Lowther (#17)

Middle Relief: RHP Yefry Ramirez (Trade)

Middle Relief: RHP Ofelky Peralta (#18)

Middle Relief: RHP Ryan Meisinger (#22)

Swingman: RHP David Hess (#21)

The starting rotation had a clear cutoff point, the projected bullpen does not. Tanner Scott and his triple digit fastball will make him a likely high leverage reliever. I decided that Sedlock fits better as a set-up man because of his inability to maintain his stuff deep into starts and his overall dip in stuff this season. He’ll remain a starter in the minors for the time being, but I think this shift is looking more and more likely because of how the move will help his sinker play up and his fringy control less of an issue. Liranzo is a lesser-known arm, but in a right-handed mold of Scott, he’s an electric hurler with a big fastball and not much else currently, which makes him an intriguing project in Double-A at the moment.

I know that Zac Lowther is a second rounder and has been dominant as a starter in Aberdeen,. In fact, he’s allowed just three earned runs through 28.1 innings of work. But, there’s a reason that highly drafted college players are supposed to dominate. The competition will stiffen at the higher levels and I’m not a big believer in his average stuff working well multiple times through an order. His fastball is deceptive and he attacks both sides of the plate well, so there’s back of the rotation upside there, but his stuff will play much better as the only lefty middle reliever in this bullpen, a la Brian Matusz circa 2012.

I haven’t seen Ramirez yet as the guys in Pinstripes traded him to the Birds for international bonus money. He’s in Double-A right now after pitching effectively for the Yanks Double-A squad, averaging close to a strikeout per inning already this year in the Eastern League. Ofelky Peralta is another power arm that’s starting in Frederick, but has pretty much a zero percent chance to be a starter long-term because of mechanical issues, along with his well below average offspeed stuff. His fastball is swing-and-miss, sitting 95-97 with heavy arm side run that is tough to put a barrel on when thrown close to the plate.

The final spot I decided to give to Meisinger because he’s performed admirably at an advanced level in 2017. His stuff isn’t anything more than average, as he’s more about pitchability and location. His fastball sits in the low 90’s and his curve and change are expected to be workable, albeit nothing ahead turning in the bigs. His ability to throw strikes makes him a likely major league contributor in the bullpen in 2018, which earns him the final spot in the relief corps over the likes of higher upside arms like Matthais Dietz or 2017 3^rd round pick Michael Baumann. It also should be noted that I would have included lefty Garrett Cleavinger, instead he was dealt for the resurgent Jeremy Hellickson.

The post 2017 Orioles All-Prospect Team appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

While the Orioles farm system is not very well regarded around the league, a few jumps from some high profile prospects have made the top of Baltimore’s system a lot more appealing. Whether the O’s should trade any of their top guys is a question for another day, but there is potential Top100 MLB Minor League talent in this system right now, especially from the top four guys on this list.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

It’s important to note that this is how I see the Orioles system shaking out through the views and research I’ve had of these players So without further adieu, here are the Orioles Top 20 prospects now that we are over the midway point of the MLB season.

*All stats are updated through July 21, 2017

The Top 20

1. INF Ryan Mountcastle (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 20
Minors (AA): 2 G, .111 BA, .111 OBP, .111 SLG, .222 OPS, 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 K
Minors (A+): 88 G, .314 BA, .343 OBP, .542 SLG, .885 OPS, 35 2B, 15 HR, 61 SO

Mountcastle has been raking ever since the Orioles drafted him as a projectable youngster out of high school. After hitting for both average and power in High-A, the infielder is about to be tested in Bowie. Mountcastle will continue to hit for both contact and power using his loose and whippy swing as he continues to fill out. The only question is where he will play in the field? He’s not a shortstop, and will not stick at third base in Bowie because his arm is below-average. My best guess is that he settles as a “meh” second baseman who’s bat makes him a potential all-star.

2. OF Austin Hays (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 22
Minors (AA): 26 G, .315 BA, .342 OBP, .577 SLG, .918 OPS, 8 2B, 7 HR, 15 SO
Minors (A+): 64 G, .328 BA, .364 OBP, .592 SLG, .956 OPS, 15 2B, 16 HR, 40 SO

Like Mountcastle, Hays has really not stopped hitting since the O’s took him in the third round out of Jacksonville University last season. However, while the Orioles top prospect is looking for a defensive spot, Hays should be able to play any of the three OF positions. He probably works best in RF given his plus arm and aggressive style of play. He’s a free swinger in the box, so his on-base percentage won’t be great, but he’ll hit for solid enough power and average to find a place as an everyday starter. He’s been the true breakout star of the Orioles system in 2017. Hays could be an option for the Orioles early in 2018.

3. C Chance Sisco (Norfolk Tides)

Age: 22
Minors (AAA): 71 G, .285 BA, .354 OBP, .399 SLG, .754 OPS, 20 2B, 3 HR, 76 SO

Sisco came into this season as the consensus number one prospect in Baltimore’s farm system. However, he drops back a few spots because of the great years that Mountcastle and Hays are having. That’s not to take away from Sisco’s solid campaign in Norfolk, but there are a couple factors keeping him from the top two spots. One is that he doesn’t bring the power that the former two prospects have and he’s only really top 100 prospect valuable because he hits much better than normal catching prospects do. If he stays behind the plate, he’ll be a potential all-star offensively, if he doesn’t improve enough with the mit than he’s merely a solid hitting first baseman. Still, Sisco has done more than enough to make him the de facto heir to Matt Wieters former throne as the franchise’s long-term backstop.

4. LHP D.L. Hall (GCL Orioles)

Age: 18
Minors (GCL): N/A

Although Hall still hasn’t thrown a pitch as a pro, he’s got enough potential to be the top arm in the Orioles system right now. While the Orioles are having trouble keeping their last first round high school arm on the in field in Hunter Harvey, the O’s front office has to like that this lefty fell into their laps after being projected as a top 15 pick. He has the potential to sit in the mid 90’s with his fastball as he fills out and he has the makings of an above-average curveball and changeup as he matures in the minors. He’s athletic for a pitcher, brining a loose and and fluid motion that allows him to show flashes of command that will play at the higher levels. He’s obviously a project coming out of high school, but he has the chance to make it to the big leagues rather quickly for an 18 year-old given his rather advanced arsenal.

5. LHP Keegan Akin (Frederick Keys)

Age: 22

Minors (A+): 18 G, 18 GS, 89.1 IP, 3.63 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 100 K, 40 BB, 11 HR, 73 H, .224 ave.

Akin has officially jumped above 2016 first round pick Cody Sedlock in terms of who is more likely to stay in the starting rotation. I’ve seen Akin three different times this season and each outing was equally impressive. Akin has enough velocity to sit 92-94 and has the makings of an above-average slider that he can throw for strikes or just off the corners. His control has been a little rough as he’s walked more batters than he would probably like to. But he does have solid enough arsenal all around to profile him as a probably fourth starter in a capable major league rotation.

6. LHP Tanner Scott (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 23

Minors (AA): 18 G, 18 GS, 52.2 IP, 2.05 ERA, 67 K, 35 BB, 1 HR, 34 H, .189 ave.

While Hall and Akin may be the most likely pitching prospects to fins a spot in a MLB starting pitching staff, Scott is the most electric arm currently in the O’s minor leagues. He has a legit triple digit hitter that he throws by Double-A hitters with ease, and he does it while keeping a compact and fluid throwing motion. He’s not an overly big guy, but his arm is just special and it’s rare that you find a lefty who profiles the way Scott does. He’ll move off this three-inning start thing the Orioles are doing soon enough, and he has a legitimate chance to be a potential closer at his ceiling. The overall lack of control and weak slider makes him a more likely set-up man, which is something I’m sure the Orioles would take with many key relievers set to be free agents after next season. Buck may even get a chance to use him late this season.

7. RHP Hunter Harvey (GCL Orioles)

Age: 22

Minors (GCL): 1 G, 1 GS, 1.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 1 K, 0 BB, 0 HR, 2 H, .400 ave

Harvey has been a sad case for such a promising young arm. He’s had to rehab from two major arm injuries, which has severely hurt his prospects of being a MLB starter. However he’s still young and is back in the fold after logging an inning for the gulf coast league club this past week. He’s got the stuff to be a legitimate number three, but we’ll just have to see how he responds to this most recent rehab stint. Hopefully his talent will be able to play as he continues to get healthy. His upside only makes him a top ten prospect for the organization.

8. RHP Brenan Hanifee (Aberdeen IronBirds)

Age: 19

Minors (SS): 6 G, 6 GS, 34.1 IP, 2.10 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 26 K, 6 BB, 1 HR, 31 H, .242 ave.

One of the biggest risers in the Orioles system, Hanifee has looked fantastic in Aberdeen as a former high school top ten round draftee last season. A big and projectable right hander, Hanifee uses a low 90’s sinker with heavy and armside movement that make it difficult for right-handed hitters to make solid contact. He’s athletic in his delivery and maintains his tuff well because of how efficiently he conserves his energy throughout his start. His slider also flashes average and could become a swing and miss pitch when he plays it off the sinker. He’s still so young and his changeup has a long way to go before it becomes workable at the big league level. But Hanifee has all the tools to continue to climb this list in the year’s to come. If I’m an Orioles fan, I’m keeping my eyes on this young right hander.

9. RHP Cody Sedlock (Frederick Keys)

Age: 22

Minors (A+): 13 G, 13 GS, 62.2 IP, 6.46 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 53 K, 26 BB, 6 HR, 78 H, .299 ave.

Sedlock has probably been the biggest prospect disappointment in 2017 thus far. Sedlock came into the Orioles system as a pitcher who created a lot of weak contact by commanding his mid 90’s sinker down in the zone. He also had the makings of an average curveball and slider. But the sinker has taken a step back as it now sits in the low 90’s, with his command falling back as well, walking 26 batters in just under 63 IP. His delivery is not so athletic and it has a lot of moving parts as well. He also uses some effort in his mechanics so the Orioles are probably not as confident that he’ll be able to hold his stuff long enough to profile as a potential starter. He’s been on the disabled list for the past few weeks and I personally think that he profiles better as a late inning arm because his stuff and command will play better in shorter stints. Still, the team should give him every chance to start being that he’s still pitching in his first full professional season.

10. CF Cedric Mullins (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 22

Minors (AA): 42 G, .318 BA, .356 OBP, .543 SLG, .900 OPS, 13 2B, 8 HR, 29 SO

Cedric Mullins broke out during a tremendous spring with the big league club earlier this year, which put him on the team’s radar for the 2018 campaign. The former 13^th round pick has way outperformed his draft slot because of the development of his power. He’s a smaller guy at just 5’8’’, 175 lbs, but he’s got strength throughout his frame, which allows him to drive the ball for potential plus doubles power, especially with the fantastic speed he flashes on the bases. His swing is quick and compact, which should make him a tough strikeout when he reaches the majors. His approach could use some work, as he swings at pitches out of the zone at times, but he’s got enough of an all around game to profile as a potential everyday starter, who at the very least will be able to platoon in left, which you know is something Buck loves to do.

11. RHP Tobias Myers (Aberdeen IronBirds)

Age: 18

Minors (SS): 5 G, 5 GS, 23.2 IP, 1.90 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 30 K, 4 BB, 0 HR, 17 H, .191 ave.

While Hanifee has been the guy everybody’s looking at in Aberdeen, this fellow former high school righty is showing real promise as well. Myers is smaller for a starting pitcher at just 6’0’’, but he has a projectable body at just 18 years old and he throws hard for his size and age as well. Myers sits at 92-93, topping out at 94, and can hold that velo pretty deep into his starts. He has a loose arm that should be able to develop his secondaries, although given his age, it’s expected that they play well behind his heater. He’s athletic for a pitcher too and does a nice job of fielding his position. The command isn’t great, and while the walk numbers look good now, a lot of hitters extend the zone because of how well his fastball plays vs. lower level competition. There’s a little concern that Myers won’t develop his curve and change enough to stay in the rotation, but it’s really early to proclaim anything right now. The Orioles are probably just pleased with what he show’s so far after jumping from the GCL to short season ball.

12. LHP Alexander Wells (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Age: 20

Minors (A): 18 G, 18 GS, 102.0 IP, 2.56 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 79 K, 10 BB, 13 HR, 92 H, .233 ave.

Wells has made a name for himself in the Orioles system because of his Australian routes and extremely low walk numbers. He’s maintained his excellent command/control in Low-A, walking only 10 batters in 102 innings, which is just absurd. The rest of his arsenal is underwhelming as his fastball sits more 87-89 and it probably won’t gain that much more velo given his lack of arm speed and smaller frame. He can throw all his pitches for strikes and work the corners well enough to profile as a potential innings eating number five/swingman, but his ceiling is limited because of his lack of typical starter stuff.

13. SS Adam Hall (GCL Orioles)

Age: 18

Minors (GCL): 2 G, .667 BA, .667 OBP, 1.000 SLG, 1.667 OPS, 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 SO

The Orioles second selection in the 2017 draft has made his debut for the GCL Orioles. Hall is originally from Canada, and while is frame is a little smaller, he still is an above-average athlete you has the potential to stick at short long-term. He should grow into a potential doubles threat and hit enough to become a potential starting caliber player long-term. It’s just going to be awhile before he sniffs the big leagues.

14. RHP Jesus Liranzo (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 22

Minors (AA): 23 G, 7 GS, 41.1 IP, 4.79 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 48 K, 26 BB, 8 HR, 37 H, .239 ave.

Like Tanner Scott, Liranzo is another hard throwing bullpen arm who the Orioles are stretching out for three innings every fifth day at Bowie. Liranzo can throw his heater in the high 90’s , reaching triple digits at times, which has led to him striking out over a batter per inning. The rest of his arsenal plays well behind the fastball with his control/command leaving a lot to be desired at the moment. Scott is the better relief prospect because of his ability to remain under control on the mound, while Liranzo is a bit more wild, with his release point wandering over the course of an appearance. However, he has the potential to be a high leverage relief arm at his peak if he can improve his ability to throw his fastball in the zone.

15. 3B Jomar Reyes (Frederick Keys)

Age: 20

Minors (A+): 21 G, .321 BA, .361 OBP, .426 SLG, .797 OPS, 6 2B, 1 HR, 18 SO

Reyes has been on the disabled list with an injury to his pinky finger since the spring after getting off to a tremendous start at High-A. Unfortunately, the reason for the broken finger is because the third baseman punched a wall. But that doesn’t mean that Reyes doesn’t bring some promise when projecting him as a potential major leaguer. His main draw his is power potential as he has plus raw pop and may be able to translate that enough to major league average home run totals if he gets regular playing time. He’s got a long swing path and poor spin recognition, but hopefully he’ll be able to continue to develop his approach when he gets back on the field.

16. LHP Garrett Cleavinger (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 23

Minors (AA): 26 G, 36.2 IP, 6.63 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 39 SO, 22 BB, 4 HR, 38 H, .255 ave.

Cleavinger came into the season as a potential high leverage lefty relief pitcher in the Orioles system. However, the 23 year-old is having his worst year of his pro career. He’s still pitching to a strikeout rate of over 9.0 K/9 IP in 2017, but the walks have been a problem. Cleavinger uses a tilt and bend in his delivery to add some deception to his stuff, but it’s also caused him to lose control of three-pitch mix. His fastball can play to plus and his curveball shows solid late action that can rack up a few swings and misses. He’s still a realistic future contributor to the Orioles bullpen, but his stock has fallen over the spring and summer.

17. LHP Zac Lowther (Aberdeen IronBirds)

Age: 21

Minors (SS): 4 G, 4 GS, 14.1 IP, 0.63 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 19 K, 2 BB, 0 HR, 9 H, .176 ave.

Lowther was the Orioles most recent second round pick and first college player that the front office selected during the 2017 draft. Lowther is not really projectable and relies more on his deception and location in order to stay effective against hitters. His fastball will play in the high 80’s, touching the low 90’s throughout an outing. His change and curve grade out as potential average offerings, but don’t play as high because of his average FB. I lean more toward the idea that he’s a capable lefty out of the pen because his stuff won’t play as well as it does now when he reaches the higher levels of the minors, but he’s a top 20 prospect in a bit weaker farm system given the success he’s had at college and now with the IronBirds.

18. RHP Ofelky Peralta (Frederick Keys)

Age: 20

Minors (A+): 18 G, 18 GS, 71.2 IP, 6.28 ERA, 1.95 WHIP, 76 K, 62 BB, 7 HR, 78 H, .275 ave.

Peralta has always been a longshot to stay in the starting rotation given his horrendous walk rates and inability to sit in the zone consistently. However, Peralta has an electric fastball and a changeup that plays close to average. He’s also only 20 years old, so he’s still young for High-A. He’s faced challenges this season, which has lowered him on the prospect list overall, but there is still some upside for him to eventually contribute to the major league pen at some point.

19. RHP Matthias Dietz (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Age: 21

Minors (A): 19 G, 19 GS, 95.2 IP, 4.61 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 65 K, 34 BB, 7 HR, 103 H, .279 ave.

Dietz was a high draft pick in 2016, but didn’t show too well in Aberdeen last season. He’s struggling a bit in Delmarva in 2017, but he’s shown signs of why the Orioles thought so highly of him to take him in the first day of last year’s draft. Dietz’s fastball plays in the low 90’s as a starter, but should ramp up to 94-95 in a relief role that he’s destined to have. He’s a bigger bodied guy who has trouble maintaining his mechanics. He hasn’t struck out as many hitters as his pure stuff would indicate in Low-A, but he’s still a top 20 player in the Orioles system given the potential upside of his entire profile.

20. C Ben Breazeale (Aberdeen IronBirds)

Age: 22

Minors (SS): 24 G, .430 BA, .519 OBP, .640 SLG, 1.159 OPS, 9 2B, 3 HR, 18 SO

Despite being a seventh round pick in the team’s most recent draft, Breazeale has gotten off to an absolutely incredible start in the New York-Penn League this season. Whenever a catcher hits it’s something to take note of, but Breazeale is hitting over .400 and driving the ball as well. Oddly enough, when I see him, his hard contact comes frequently to the opposite field because his bat is a little late through the zone. This will mean that he’ll need to make adjustments against better stuff, but for now he’s made a name for himself given his numbers. His swing is a little loose and he can get long to the ball, but the bat speed and natural barrel control is there to project Brezeale to keep hitting at the lower levels of the minors with his ability to catch being the separator of whether he can profile as potential major leaguer.

The Next 20

21. RHP David Hess (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 24

Minors (AA): 19 G, 18 GS, 104.0 IP, 4.24 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 84 K, 42 BB, 9 HR, 98 H, .247 ave

22. RHP Ryan Meisinger (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 23

Minors (AA): 28 G, 43.1 IP, 3.12 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 51 K, 15 BB, 2 HR, 39 H, .236 ave.

23. RHP Jhon Peluffo (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Age: 20

Minors (A): 18 G, 9 GS, 68.2 IP, 3.54 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 58 K, 17 BB, 6 HR, 67 H, .260 ave.

24. LHP Chris Lee (Norfolk Tides)

Age: 24

Minors (AAA): 18 G, 18 GS, 82.2 IP, 6.21 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 53 K, 42 BB, 9 HR, 109 H, .319 ave.

25. RHP Lucas Humpal (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Age: 23

Minors (A): 30 G, 28 GS, 1450.0 IP, 3.98 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 72 K, 24 BB, 7 HR, 109 H, .249 ave.

26. RHP James Teague (Aberdeen IronBirds)

Age: 22

Minors (A): 5 G, 5.2 IP, 6.35 ERA, 2.82 WHIP, 5 K, 4 BB, 3 HR, 12 H, .444 ave.
Minors (SS): 8 G, 8.2 IP, 1.04 ERA, 0.46 WHIP, 17 K, 3 BB, 1 HR, 1 H, .034 ave.

27. LF D.J. Stewart (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 23

Minors (AA): 88 G, .263 BA, .356 OBP, .425 SLG, .781 OPS, 15 2B, 11 HR, 64 SO

28. RHP Mike Baumann (Aberdeen IronBirds)

Age: 21

Minors (SS): 3 G, 2 GS, 9.0 IP, 2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 9 K, 5 BB, 0 HR, 5 H,, .161 ave.
Minors (GCL): 1 G, 1 GS, 0.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 2 K, 0 BB, 0 HR, 2 H, .400 ave.

29. RHP Gabriel Ynoa (Norfolk Tides)

Age:24

Majors: 4 G, 12.2 IP, 4.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 K, 2 BB, 3 HR, 17 H, .321 ave.
Minors (AAA): 13 G, 13 GS, 58.0 IP, 7.14 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 32 K, 17 BB, 5 HR, 84 H, .337 ave.

30. RHP Stefan Crichton (Norfolk Tides)

Age: 25

Majors: 8 G, 12.1 IP, 8.03 ERA, 2.43 WHIP, 8 K, 4 BB, 2 HR, 26 H, .456 ave.
Minors (AAA): 16 G, 31.0 IP, 1.74 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 32 K, 3 BB, 1 HR, 22 H, .193 ave

31. RHP Steve Klimek (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Age: 23

Minors (A): 26 G, 51.0 IP, 2.12 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 57 K, 6 BB, 1 HR, 40 H, .211 ave.

32. LF Randolph Gassaway (Frederick Keys)

Age: 22

Minors (AA): 9 G, .185 BA, .313 OBP, .185 SLG, .498 OPS, 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 SO
Minors (A+): 79 G, .304 BA, .347 OBP, .386 SLG, .733 OPS, 14 2B, 3 HR, 60 SO

33. RF Ademar Rifaela (Frederick Keys)

Age: 22

Minors (A+): 83 G, .298 BA, .347 OBP, .507 SLG, .853 OPS, 18 2B, 15 HR, 85 SO

34. CF Jake Ring (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Age: 22

Minors (A): 84 G, .284 BA, .337 OBP, .489 SLG, .826 OPS, 27 2B, 11 HR, 103 SO

35. CF Josh Hart (Frederick Keys)

Age: 22

Minors (A+): 25 G, .263 BA, .330 OBP, .413 SLG, .742 OPS, 9 2B, 1 HR, 24 SO

36. LHP Brian Gonzalez (Frederick Keys)

Age: 21

Minors (A+): 27 G, 27 GS, 90.2 IP, 5.56 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 75 K, 45 BB, 9 HR, 120 H, .323 ave.

37. CF Lamar Sparks (GCL Orioles)

Age: 18

Minors (GCL): 10 G, .308 BA, .386 OBP, .359 SLG, .745 OPS, 2 2B, 0 HR, 7 SO

38. LHP John Means (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 24

Minors (AA): 19 G, 18 GS, 104.1 IP, 4.40 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 84 K, 26 BB, 12 H, 116 H, .277 ave.

39. SS/2B Adrian Marin (Bowie Baysox)

Age: 23

Minors (AA): 81 G, .285 BA, .332 OBP, .361 SLG, .693 OPS, 19 2B, 0 HR, 69 SO

40. SS Mason McCoy (Aberdeen IronBirds)

Age: 22

Minors (SS): 17 G, .314 BA, .424 OBP, .490 SLG, .914 OPS, 7 2B, 0 HR, 10 SO

The post Ranking The Baltimore Orioles Top 40 Prospects Right Now appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

Stock Up

1. OF Austin Hays (Bowie Baysox)

Stats: 64 games, .328 BA, .364 OBP, .586 SLG, .949 OPS, 40 SO, 12 BB

The Orioles 2016 third round pick out of Jacksonville University impressed in Aberdeen last season and has now pushed his way to Double-A thanks to his tremendous play with the Frederick Keys. At 22 years old, Hays is a college outfielder that came ready to compete with lower level minor league talent. He’s got a muscular build and above-average athleticism that flashes when he’s on the field. He can hit for average, power, steal some bases and play all three outfield positions if he needs to. In Frederick, the right-handed hitter finished with a .328 average, 15 doubles and 16 long balls in just 64 games with the Orioles High-A affiliate. Now he swings with a lot of effort, which lead to strikeouts and a few boneheaded plays. But, Hays is an all around ballplayer who can do a little bit of everything, and he has been the breakout star of the Orioles farm system in 2017 thus far.

2. LHP Alexander Wells (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Stats: 13 GS, 70.0 IP, 2.96 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 53 SO, 9 BB

Signed as an amateur free agent out of Australia, the 20 year-old has not seemed to be challenged in the minors over the past year and a half. Like Hays, Wells was clearly above the competition in short season ball with Aberdeen IronBirds in 2016. Now this season, he’s brought that same kind of dominance to the Delmarva Shorebirds in the South Atlantic League. Wells currently has an ERA just below 3.00 in 13 starts this season. However, the left hander doesn’t have overpowering stuff. He fastball sits at 87-88 mph and doesn’t rack up the number of strikeouts you would expect given how good he has been as an O’s prospect (he only has 53 K’s in 70 innings). What Wells does do is control the strike zone and work the corners with his entire arsenal. Wells command is advanced given his age, and he works the corners with a curveball that can play as a potential average offering at the major league level. He also brings to the table a changeup that he frequently places low in the zone. Wells is a pitchability guy that will limit the mistakes and not hurt himself on the mound. He only has allowed 9 BB’s almost three months into the season. He won’t blow fastballs by you, but he’s an advanced starter for his age and should make his way up to High-A at some point this season. He’s been a certain bright spot for an organization that struggles producing quality starting pitchers.

3. OF Cedric Mullins (Bowie Baysox)

Stats: 29 games, .302 BA, .343 OBP, .548 SLG, .891 OPS

Though there are some other more high profile players that could be highlighted, I really like what I see from the O’s former 13^th round selection in 2015. Coming off spring training where he caught Buck’s eye, Mullins has continued that momentum in Double-A this season. Mullins is a smaller guy, listed at 5’8’’, 175 lbs. However, don’t let his size fool you, the center fielder packs a punch with the bat. Mullins hits for more power than you would think because of how he uses his entire body at the plate. He turns on velocity well, and should rack up the doubles in the years to come. Numbers have backed up these tools, as he’s hit for a batting average over .300, while collecting 7 homers as well. While his offensive game is nice, Mullins standout tool is without a doubt his speed. This guy can fly around the bases, and will make pitchers cringe in frustration in his ability to produce those infield singles. He’s stolen just five bases in 29 games this season, but he’ll start to get things going again now that he’s back from his hamstring injury. Mullins isn’t a surefire starter at the next level, but think of him as a more powerful Joey Rickard, who’s probably a bit faster than the current Orioles outfielder. 

Others of Note: LHP Tanner Scott (Bowie Baysox), INF Ryan Mountcastle (Frederick Keys), SS Chris Clare (Delmarva Shorebirds), RHP Jhon Peluffo (Delmarva Shorebirds), OF Jake Ring (Delmarva Shorebirds)

Stock Down

1. RHP Cody Sedlock (Frederick Keys)

Stats: 12 GS, 59.0 IP, 6.10 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 50 K, 24 BB

As the Orioles first round pick just a year ago, people expect a lot out of Sedlock. He showed relatively well in Aberdeen in 2016, but the right hander’s true first test would be in the rotation for the Frederick Keys in his first full season.  It’s fair to say that the 22 year-old has experienced some difficulties at High-A ball. So far, Sedlock’s ERA is north of 6.00, with his K-BB ratio at a concerning 2-1. That’s not what the O’s expected him when they made him their first selection last June. After watching Sedlock this season, it’s clear that he has a few issues in his mechanics that need to be worked out. He has excess movement in his delivery and doesn’t seem to be holding his fastball late into his starts. Coming into the organization, Sedlock was throwing a 94-95 mph sinker. Now that pitched has ticked down to 90-91. Perhaps it’s just that Sedlock isn’t used to throwing this much or often as he was only a starter one year at Illinois. He’s struggled with his command this season as well, frequently missing his spots all around the zone during the two times I saw him. There’s no doubt that Sedlock has the talent it be a starting pitcher. He’s got a mature frame that looks like it should hold up, and uses a sinker that is very tough to drive in the air when Sedlock is on his game. We’ll have to see if the high draft pick makes any adjustments in the second half of the season given his struggles, but he’s certainly not going to be up to the big leagues quick because of this blip in the road.  

2. LHP Chris Lee (Norfolk Tides)

Stats: 14 GS, 64.2 IP, 5.71 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 48 K, 30 BB

The first Triple-A player mentioned, Lee was expected to be a potential rotation option down the road this season. However, his play has eliminated him from that conversation right now, even with the Birds’ current starting pitching situation. The 24 year-old left hander was originally acquired from the Astros for some international bonus slots prior to last season, immediately vaulting him to becoming one of the better pitching prospects in a rather barren Orioles farm system.  Lee definitely has the profile that will intrigue you a little bit. His fastball can touch the mid-90’s, although he’s more comfortable sitting 89-91 mph, in addition to a potential swing and miss slider and playable changeup. His ability to throw strikes is in question, as you can see by his over 4.0 BB/9 IP in Norfolk. This has led to an ERA that sits in the high 5.00’s. It’s also concerning that Lee’s strikeout numbers are not so good. If you can’t throw strikes and can’t get hitters to swing and miss, how can you be effective? There’s reason to believe that Lee profiles better in the bullpen, but he’ll continue to get the opportunity as long as the Orioles lack close to the majors arms in their system.

3. RHP Ofelky Peralta (Frederick Keys)

Stats: 13 GS, 53.0 IP, 5.77 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 59 K, 41 BB

Peralta has always intrigued me because of his youth and plus fastball velocity. At 6’5’’, 195 lbs. the 20 year-old from the Dominican Republican has some upside and projection to him that makes you at least a little excited about what he can eventually become. But, Peralta has taken a big step back with the Frederick Keys this season. While he’s still striking out over one batter per inning pitched, Peralta has struggled mightily in throwing strikes. He also lacks a quality third offering, which he needs to develop if he wants to stick in the rotation moving forward.  Peralta has some tools, but there is a reason that he has regressed, which is because he’s facing better talent and they can take advantage of Peralta’s weaknesses over the course of a start. I’m still high on Peralta because of his arm talent, and he will make an above-average reliever if he does make that switch in the near future. But if he wants to become a reasonable starting option for the O’s, he needs to tighten up his mechanics and focus on further developing his secondary stuff outside that mid-high 90’s heater.

Others of note; RHP Jason Garcia (Bowie Baysox), 3B Jomar Reyes (Frederick Keys), LHP Brian Gonzalez (Frederick Keys), RHP Matthais Dietz (Delmarva Shorebirds)

The post Orioles Prospects Stock Report appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

After taking three collegiate arms with their first three picks in last year’s draft (Cody Sedlock, Keegan Akin and Matthais Dietz), the front office was once again reportedly focused on college players, with Dan Duquette even pointing out on-air that Amateur Scouting Director Gary Rajsich was focusing on “what pitchers could help them” in the upcoming 40 round marathon.

However, to the surprise of many, the Orioles opted for two high schoolers with their first few draft picks, and boy did they get quite the “Hall” (sorry).

Let’s analyze what went down for the Orioles on Monday night and what it means for the team moving forward over the next few days and into the summer.

 (You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

#21 Overall Selection: LHP D.L. Hall, Concordia Lutheran (Texas) HS

The Situation: With the first ten or so picks seeing the consensus top players being selected, the Orioles were probably wondering what guys may start to fall as they got through the middle of the opening round? Going into the draft, it was expected that the team would look for either a college arm or bat. However, proven college pitchers like North Carolina right-hander J.B. Bukauskas, Florida starter Alex Faedo and Oregon lefty David Peterson were all selected before the O’s were on the clock. There were also a few college position players who were snatched up in the 11-20 range too, like Missouri State’s Jake Burger and Kentucky’s Evan White, both of whom would have been great fits in the Orioles farm system.

So with a few college targets off the board, what this meant was that a high school lefty was up for the taking by the time the 21^st selection rolled around. Hall was expected to go in the mid-teens, with draft analysts projecting him to go as high as 13 to the Miami Marlins. However, the Orioles took advantage of this little bit of a slide, and probably had to adjust its draft plan on the fly because of the unexpected development. Still when you can walk away with a potential middle-of-the-rotation starter in the first round, a pitching-starved franchise like the Orioles probably won’t complain too much.

Scouting Report: The 18 year-old likely future Oriole will most assuredly start his pro career rather than head to Florida State with the amount of money the club is going to offer. At just 6’0’’ feet, 190 lbs., Hall has a projectable body and flashes plus athleticism when he’s on the bump. He can also maintain a low 90’s fastball with a quick and loose arm that projects to add more velocity as he continues to mature in the years to come. Hall flashes an above-average breaking ball and changeup, but with his lack of experience, you can guess that he still needs some work in this area. But considering his athleticism and natural arm movement, it looks like he should be able to improve his secondary stuff. Hall also has the ability to fine-tune his command pitching every five days as a professional. It’s been a few years since the Orioles took a high school pitcher in the first round, with Hunter Harvey being the last one in 2013. I would say that Hall is a similar prospect in terms of outlook to the Orioles first round selection four years ago. He’s got more upside in his profile than an Akin or Sedlock, but also is just naturally riskier being that he’s so young and most of what’s expected is being projected onto him at this point.  I’m going to say that Hall should be slotted as the Orioles top pitching prospect without a doubt and could seriously challenge both Chance Sisco and Ryan Mountcastle at the top of the system if he looks good in limited innings this summer.

#60 Overall Selection: SS Adam Hall, Lucas (Canada) SS

The Situation: After taking a high schooler with the 21^st overall pick, surely the Orioles would opt to go with a college player with their second selection? Not so fast, the Baltimore scouting department actually opted for a young shortstop that may not even stick at the position in Canadian Adam Hall. The team bypassed over some college arms and bats that were selected shortly after like pitchers Morgan Cooper of Texas and Wil Crowe of South Carolina, as well as  anaccomplished college hitter in Arizona’s J.J. Matijevic. The Orioles also passed over still available hitters on high profile college teams like K.J. Harrison of Oregon State and TCU’s Evan Skoug. It was another surprise from a draft that didn’t unfold the way many Orioles followers expected.

Scouting Report: Like his fellow Hall, Adam is a raw prospect that currently has much more projection than his fellow Oriole draft pick. Listed at 5’11’’, 165 lbs., the recent high school graduate has the body to project as a shortstop, but MLB Pipeline states that Hall, would “make an outstanding second baseman, and has the arm for third base.” This is if he can’t stick at short long-term. Being so frail for his height, Hall has the frame to add weight and become at least somewhat of a power threat with the bat. His hit tool is in front of the power, but he’ll need to make a few adjustments as he transitions to facing much better pure stuff not only moving to the minor leagues, but moving to another country. We’ve seen the Orioles have success with another high school infielder whose defensive position was questioned in Ryan Mountcastle. I’m going to say that the now top Orioles prospect has more upside with the bat than the Orioles newly-drafted middle infielder, but Hall is said to be better with the glove.

#74 Overall Selection: LHP Zac Lowther, Xavier

The Situation: Here is the low-risk college hurler that many people expect when the Orioles go into the MLB Draft. Unlike Keegan Akin, who came out of college with less career stats and more stuff, Lowther is coming into professional baseball with the exact opposite. The team needed to select a fast-track type pitcher at some point in the early rounds and they got their man in Lowther, while passing over some higher upside options on the college pitching pitching front. Although, it’s hard to blame the O’s for snatching a productive college hurler considering how quickly sure-fire college pitchers were being selected.

Scouting Report: Watching Lowther at Xavier can make you scratch your head at just how he’s putting up such monster number during his junior season at Xavier. In the regular season, the lefty pitched to a 2.92 ERA, while striking out a ridiculous 13.3 batters per nine innings. For a guy that throws 87-89 and lacks plus command, there just must be something about his delivery that makes it tough on hitters to pick up his pitches. He also throws a change and a curve, but neither of those can be projected as anything more than average offerings. It remains to be seen if minor league hitters will have more success at barreling up Lowther in the years to come, but I have my questions about how his below-average pitching arsenal will play at Bowie or Norfolk.

Looking Forward to Day 2

Rounds 3-10 will kick off at 12:30 today on MLB.com, and there is still a lot of talent to be had over the course of the day. It should be noted that all these players the Orioles select will be subjected to the draft pool that every Major League franchise follows based on how many picks they have and where these picks are slotted. It’s always interesting to see where teams could cut deals in order to spend more on some of their higher-priced high school selections.

This is just one of the storylines to follow if you’re a fan looking to see what players the team is bringing into the minor league system. Third round pick Austin Hays looks like a real keeper in the outfield, so we’ll see if the O’s front office can strike gold again with a few picks On Tuesday afternoon.

Most likely, there is going to be a focus on college players, mostly being pitchers as Dan Duquette indicated because the team already selected two high school players. You’ll also likely see a few seniors get taken because that can save the Orioles money on spending for their high school selections who have considerably more leverage because they can threaten to go to school instead.

Pitching should remain the focus throughout the day considering that is where the farm system is lacking, with a few proven college bats hopefully thrown in.

Day two of the MLB Draft is certainly not as sexy as the first round, but a lot of scouts make their living on the impact guys they find in this area of the process. Make sure to be on the lookout tomorrow morning for my full breakdown of what the Orioles did on day 2 and a look ahead to the final day of the Orioles 2017 MLB Draft.

The post Analyzing Day One of the Baltimore Orioles 2017 MLB Draft appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.