The Orioles selected left-handed pitcher Zach Britton in the third round of the 2006 MLB draft. Britton had played for Weatherford High School in Texas before being drafted by the Orioles.

Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec wrote a story about Britton that was published in yesterday’s newspaper. In the story, Britton discusses his decision to sign a professional contract with the Orioles and skip an opportunity to pitch at Texas A&M.

Britton started 11 games for the Bluefield Orioles in 2006, allowing 20 earned runs in 34 innings. He was 0-4 with 21 strikeouts and 20 walks. Last season, Britton made 15 starts for the Aberdeen IronBirds and finished 6-4 with a 3.68 ERA in 63 2/3 innings.

The biggest improvement for Britton came this season with the Delmarva Shorebirds. In 26 starts so far in 2008, the 20-year-old pitcher is 11-7 with a 3.18 ERA. The most important statistic, however, is his strikeout-to-walk ratio. Britton has 107 strikeouts and only 48 walks in 141 1/3 innings. While the numbers are not overwhelming, they represent a remarkable improvement for Britton from his first season in Bluefield.

As Zrebiec states in the article, Britton has excelled this year for the Shorebirds because he has worked hard to develop his off-speed repertoire over the past couple years.

When attempting to project Britton’s potential impact in the major leagues, it’s important to consider that he already has three professional seasons of experience and won’t celebrate his 21st birthday until Dec. 22. Britton has made substantial improvements in each season during his young career. While he is likely a few years away from helping the Orioles, the hopes will remain high for Britton as long as he keeps improving each year.

Don’t forget to keep checking back for more ‘Surveying the minors’ features about your favorite minor league players in the future.

General information

Name: Zach Britton
Age: 20
Height: 6 feet 2
Weight: 185 lbs.
Hometown: Weatherford, Texas
Nicknames: Rook / Lefty
Position: Left-handed pitcher
High school/college: Weatherford High School (Weatherford, Texas)
Time in professional baseball: Three years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Tom Glavine
All-time MLB player: Tom Glavine
Food: Latin
Music: Country
TV show: The Office
Movie: For Love of the Game
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family

Other questions

1. What is one thing that you’d like the fans to know about you?

My brother, Buck, is a second baseman with the Orioles as well.

[Editor’s note: Buck Britton hit .289 with 14 RBIs and 19 runs scored in 47 games for Bluefield in 2008.]

2. At this point in your career, what has been your favorite moment?

Playing in the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, N.Y., when Cal Ripken Jr. was inducted [into the National Baseball Hall of Fame] in 2007.

3. Who is your role model?

My father.

4. In the minor leagues, what do you do for fun on a road trip?

Sleep.

5. If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?

Designated hitter, so I could hit again.

The survey was distributed and returned by Delmarva’s media relations department. Check out other ‘Surveying the minors’ features about the O’s minor leaguers here.