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October 20, 2008

Tracking O's prospects -- Arizona Fall League

Through Sunday, the Surprise Rafters are 4-7 and in last place in the National Division of the Arizona Fall League. The Peoria Javelinas lead the division with a 6-5 record and the Phoenix Desert Dogs are 5-6. The Peoria Saguaros are 8-3 and leading the American Division by two games over the Mesa Solar Sox. The Scottsdale Scorpions are in last place with a 4-7 record.

Here are updates on the Orioles' prospects through Sunday:

Blake Davis, SS – After going 0-for-9 in his first two games in Arizona, Davis finally collected his first hit against Phoenix on Oct. 18. As the leadoff hitter for Surprise, the 24-year-old shortstop was 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in the game.

Ryan Keefer, RHP – The 27-year-old right-hander finally made his debut for Surprise on Oct. 15 against Scottsdale, but he’d probably like to forget it. Keefer surrendered a leadoff home run in the eighth inning to Scorpions third baseman Ryan Rohlinger and then he left the game with an apparent arm injury. It’s not believed to be serious, but I’ll let you know if I receive any updates about the relief pitcher.

Brian Matusz, LHP – There’s good news and bad news to take from the 21-year-old left-hander’s second start on Oct. 17 against Phoenix. The bad news is that Matusz wasn’t unhittable like in the first start against Mesa on Oct. 11. He gave up three runs (one earned) and three hits in four innings. What is the good news? Matusz had eight strikeouts and only walked one hitter in the game. The Orioles’ first-round draft pick is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and nine strikeouts in seven innings in Arizona.

Bob McCrory, RHP – The 26-year-old relief pitcher hasn’t pitched in Arizona since allowing two unearned runs in 2/3 of an inning against Scottsdale on Oct. 9. McCrory hit a batter, walked one and had one strikeout in the game. He has been diagnosed with a sore elbow, so the injury will be something to monitor during the offseason.

Nolan Reimold, OF – Reimold is continuing to struggle for Surprise so far this season. The 25-year-old outfielder is 3-for-25 (.120) with four RBIs and two runs scored in seven games. He was 1-for-5 with a double and two RBIs against the Saguaros on Oct. 13. Reimold batted .245 in 29 games last season in Arizona. He led the league with 23 RBIs and finished tied for first in home runs (six), but he was also tied for the most strikeouts (33).

Brandon Snyder, 1B – Snyder became the first Orioles prospect to hit a home run in Arizona on Oct. 13 against the Saguaros. The 21-year-old first baseman connected for a solo home run off Saguaros left-hander Cory VanAllen in the second inning. Snyder has played in five games for Surprise and he’s had at least two hits in three of those games. The former first-round draft pick is 8-for-18 (.444) with a home run and four RBIs in Arizona. He also has four doubles and four runs scored.

Chad Thall, LHP – This week, the 23-year-old left-hander made two appearances for Surprise. Thall gave up one run and four hits in 1 2/3 innings against the Saguaros on Oct. 14. He had two strikeouts and walked one in the game. Thall pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings on Oct. 18 against Phoenix. He had four strikeouts and didn’t allow any base runners in the outing. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound reliever has a 7.11 ERA in 6 1/3 innings in Arizona.

Matt Wieters, C – Wieters is hitting .385 (10-for-26) with five RBIs and eight runs scored in eight games for Surprise. The 22-year-old catcher, however, is only 2-for-10 in his past three games. Wieters was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored against the Saguaros on Oct. 14. The former first-round pick – that seems like a common theme for the O’s prospects in Arizona this season, doesn’t it? – was 2-for-4 with an RBI against Phoenix on Oct. 17.

If you’re interested, here are some archived photos of Matusz and Wieters, as well as some of the Orioles’ previous first-round draft picks.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:30 AM | | Comments (5)
Categories: Winter leagues
        

Comments

From the reports from the winter leagues, it does not appear the Orioles have much talent in the system....most of the winter league stats would back this up.

IS MATUSZ A STARTER? I THOUGHT HE WAS A CLOSER?

WHERE DO WE SET IN NEXT YEARS DRAFT AND WHO ARE S POSSIBLIES.

is there any truth to the Bradford trade that as the rays advance, the o's get to pick from a better list of players? if so, what are the chances of the o's getting reid brignac ?

Thanks for the really informative info. Small samples but up-to-date. By the way, love the names of those Arizona teams!

Why even risk an injury to matt. Sit him and let him rest for the long mlb season ahead. Also we need to get tex even if it means breaking the bank for the guy. How long has Baltimore wanted a power hitting first baseman? Since Raffy (1st time around)... How long since the O's have had a gold glove first baseman? Ever? How long have the O's wanted a switch hitter with legit power? (no segui did not have legit power)..better than all that How long has been since the best FA nearing the prime of his career LOVES BALTIMORE? I guess Cal would be my answer there. Sign TEX.

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About Dean Jones Jr.
Dean Jones Jr.Dean Jones Jr. is the sports community coordinator at The Baltimore Sun. Following minor league baseball has always been one of his favorite hobbies. The smaller stadiums, intimate atmosphere and affordable prices allow everyone to see baseball played in its truest form. He enjoys tracking prospects as they progress from the lowest levels of a team’s farm system all the way up to the major leagues.
Follow @deanjonesjr on Twitter
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