Predict the future -- Ryan Adams
Judging by the comments about catcher Caleb Joseph on last week’s entry, a lot of Orioles fans would be happy to have him as the backup to Matt Wieters for several years.
That idea also sounds good to me, but there are several things working against him at this point.
First, he hasn’t played above the short-season Single-A level so far in his career. Joseph will gain a little bit more publicity if he puts up similar or better numbers in a full-season league in 2009. Also, the 22-year-old catcher could be traded if he continues to advance through the Orioles’ minor league system and gains the attention of other organizations. Finally, as several readers mentioned, Joseph could be moved to first base or another position.
Overall, the 2009 season should show fans what to expect from Joseph in the future.
In the comments section on the entry about Joseph, the reader Chris S asked if the next “Predict the future” could be about infielder Ryan Adams. As I told Chris in the return e-mail, Adams was literally the next person on my list. So, let’s talk about him today.
Adams, who will turn 22 in April, played in 119 games for the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds in 2008.
Offensively, Adams emerged as a legitimate prospect while playing for the Shorebirds. He hit .308 with 11 home runs and 57 RBIs. Adams also had 26 doubles, five triples, 68 runs and 12 stolen bases for Delmarva. The biggest offensive drawback for Adams is that he struck out 109 times.
While the strikeouts could become a problem as he advances through the organization, Adams’ biggest weakness was his defense. The 6-foot, 195-pound infielder committed 52 errors last season, including a South Atlantic League record for defensive miscues by a second baseman (46). He also made five errors in seven games at shortstop and one at third base.
Adams batted .236 with three home runs and 22 RBIs in 67 games for the Aberdeen IronBirds in 2007. He had 10 doubles, eight stolen bases and 29 runs. Adams, who was the Orioles’ second-round pick in the 2006 MLB draft, committed 20 errors for the IronBirds.
While splitting the 2006 season between the IronBirds and rookie-level Bluefield Orioles, Adams hit .263 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 40 games. He made nine defensive miscues.
Obviously, Adams needs to get better with his defense in 2009. The good news is that there’s plenty of room for improvement. Since he’s shown the ability to shine offensively, it would be better for Adams to focus on his defense this season.
With that said, I think Adams’ offensive numbers might dip a little bit during the upcoming season. He will likely commit fewer errors, which is a good exchange that could ultimately help the organization more than the impact of his offensive statistics.
During the 2009 season, Adams will probably play for the Single-A Frederick Keys. Look for him to hit around .290 with about 10 stolen bases and 65 runs scored. Adams will probably have 20-25 doubles and 45-50 RBIs.
What are your expectations for Adams in 2009? I’m sure a lot of people would like to see him cut down on the errors, but do you think it will affect his offense?
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Check out previous installments of "Predict the future" by clicking on the links below:
• Jake Arrieta
• Brad Bergesen
• Jason Berken
• Zach Britton
• Brandon Erbe
• David Hernandez
• Caleb Joseph
• Brian Matusz
• Greg Miclat
• Kam Mickolio
• Lou Montanez
• Troy Patton
• Hayden Penn
• Wilfrido Perez
• Nolan Reimold
• Bill Rowell
• Brandon Snyder
• Chris Tillman
• Justin Turner
• Matt Wieters
• Rick Zagone
Comments
Bottom line ... too many errors to make the big club. Likely, too many errors to see a promotion. Adams will not likely be the best DH option in the future so he needs to prove he can catch and throw. Lou Montanez wins the AA Triple Crown and his lack of proven defensive ability is preventing his full time opportunity right now. Everything is earned now - period - and until Adams (or anyone, for that matter) can display pitch recognition, plate patience, and the ability to catch, filed, and throw. Fundamentals.
Posted by: Conga Dave | March 3, 2009 4:03 PM
I asked once before and got no answer. Who did the O's receive for Chad Bradford?
As to Ryan Adams, check out minor league fielding records of Yankee All Star shortstop Derek Jeter. Ryan Adams has time to become a star.
Posted by: Butch Kelly | March 3, 2009 5:56 PM
Adams is a wierd combination - Delmarvas best hitter and worst fielder. I remember he had one game with 4 errors from second base. He goes to Frederick on his bat this coming season.Unless some switch is clicked in his mind or anatomy to correct this horrendous fielding he will not be a major leaguer.
Posted by: Karl of Delaware | March 4, 2009 3:18 AM
Butch:
The Orioles had the option of taking a player or taking cash. They took the cash.
Minor league infielders often have high error totals because of the poor quality of minor league infields. However, having 20 errors at Aberdeen is ridiculous considering the short season and how amazing that field is. The typical route for this type of player is a position switch to the OF, but his offense is only good for an OF while it is excellent for a 2B.
I wonder what kind of errors he is making (throwing, catching, footwork, transfer, etc.). He definitely sounds like he needs a couple hundred thousand ground balls hit at him, but maybe he's just not a 2B. That might be a problem, since if the O's have depth at any field position it would be in the outfield.
Posted by: mstrchef13 | March 5, 2009 3:50 PM