Article:Baltimore Orioles 2008 Top Ten Prospects

Sorry for the delay in getting the American League started, my boss for some strange reason actually expected me to work this week. Oh, well....


 * 1) Matt Wieters, 21, switchhitting catcher, first round, 2007

Top position player in 2007 draft. Fell in draft due to the Scott Boras effect, and subsequently signed too late to play in '07. Played in Hawaiian Winter League where he was named league's top prospect. Rates plus across the board offensively, defensively, and, of most important to the Orioles, in intangibles. A true leader on the field and in the clubhouse, Wieters has plus plate discipline from both sides, with a bit more power from the left side. Despite his size, (6'5", 230), Weiters is quick and agile. A closer while not catching at Georgia Tech, Wieters has hit 96 on the radar gun, so arm strength is of no concern. Only weakness offensively is a tendency to stride too much toward the plate, which locks him up on pitches inside, even if they are not of good quality. Baltimore will move him as quickly as his progress allows, he will start the season in High Class A with a stop in Baltimore in September a real possibility.


 * 2) Radhames Liz, 24, RHP, Free Agent, 2003

Initially projected as a closer, Liz made dramatic improvements in his durability and stamina in 2007, so much so the O's now consider him a starter. Has pitched two no-hitters in his three full minor league seasons. Has a plus fastball with an average/plus curve and change. Struggles at times with maintaining consistency in his delivery which in turn affects his command. Working on improving stamina and the change from relieving to starting. The O's would like Liz to spend a full season in Triple A but will have an open mind in the spring, if he's one of the best five starters he'll go to Baltimore.


 * 3) Troy Patton, 22, LHP, 9th round, 2004

Acquired from Houston Astros in the Miguel Tejada trade.

Has good command of four pitches, four seamer, two seamer, slider and change, although individually all grade as average. Has been shut down in each of the past three seasons due to shoulder fatigue, so stamina and durability questions remain going into the spring. Knows how to pitch and use his repetoire to its full advantage, will drop to sidearm to give batter's a different look and is not afraid to pitch inside. The O's likely third or fourth starter in '08.


 * 4) Nolan Reimold, 24, switchhitting outfielder, second round, 2005

Orioles best power prospect. Has been victimized by nagging injuries the past three seasons to his hand, back and oblique, respectively. Best defensive outfielder in system as well with the speed and quickness for CF and the arm for RF. Orioles sent Reimold to the Arizona Fall League for extra at bats and he played well, hitting five homers in 106 AB's. Will start the season in Double A and is on the short list of call-up options if the need arises.


 * 5) Bill Rowell, 19, lefthanded hitting third baseman, first round, 2006

Injured in the spring, didn't play until the end of May. A picture perfect swing with power to all fields, Rowell projects as a high average, middle of the order threat. While tall for the position, (6'5", 205) Rowell moves well laterally and sets his feet well while fielding and throwing. Average overall range, will need improvement to remain at third, O's have discussed move to first down the road. High Class A in 2008.


 * 6) Brandon Snyder, 21, righthanded hitting thirdbaseman, first round, 2005

Orioles minor league comeback player of the year in 2007 after missing most of 2006 with rotator cuff surgery. Son of former ML pitcher Brian Snyder. Won 2007 Hawaiian Winter League batting title. Drafted as a catcher, he played first base during the regular season but was moved to third base in Hawaii where he will remain for the time being. Advanced hitter for his age with good plate discipline, pitch recognition and the ability to use the whole field. High Class A in 2008.


 * 7) Jake Arrietta, 21, RHP, fifth round, 2007

Arrietta was projected as a first round pick before the college season began but had a poor season, then irritated the Orioles by demanding first round money after the draft. Signed too late to play in '07. Fastball was average/plus (up to 95) at the start of the season but lost velocity as the season wore on. The Orioles sent him to the Arizona Fall League where the velocity loss continued. The Orioles are confident the loss is mechanical and not injury related and will work on a fix in the spring. High Class A in 2008.


 * 8) Chorge Spoone, 22, RHP, eighth round, 2005

Won organization's most improved player award for 2007. Postseason MVP of Carolina League playoffs with two complete game victories and 17 strikeouts. Plus fastball with average curve and an improving change. Improvement tied to mental maturity, had issues previously with maintaining focus after bad calls or miscues in the field. Double A in 2008.


 * 9) Pedro Beatto, 21, RHP, first round supplemental, 2006

After first being drafted by the Mets in 2005, Beatto didn't sign and subsequently missed an entire season. The layoff became apparent after signing with Baltimore with inconsistent mechanics and below average stuff. Previous tendencies to experiment on the mound, sometimes from pitch to pitch, hurt his effectiveness, a problem the O's addressed in 2007. Beatto's stuff is better than what he has shown, he needs to work on stamina and consistency to get there. High Class A in 2008.


 * 10) Brandon Erbe, 20, RHP, third round, 2005

Despite a 6.28 ERA in 2007, Erbe impressed the Orioles by not missing a start all season and with his positive attitude. A plus fastball which has hit 97, an average to plus slider and improving change, Erbe showed the most improvement in his game by refining his mechanics. Rail thin (6'4", 185) his delivery can easily get out of whack. He struggles with command as a result, he compensates by trying to finesse his pitches and as a result usually gets hit pretty hard. The O's sent him to post-season instructional league with positive results, so he will start 2008 in Double A.


 * Kelsdad provides the Minor League Prospect Reports exclusively for ArmchairGM

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Rankings by Baseball America, contributing text by Will Lingo