tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2010:/sports/minors/blog//317 2010-02-09T14:20:10Z Baltimoresun.com's Dean Jones Jr. blogs about minor league baseball Movable Type 3.36 tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2010:/sports/minors/blog//317.231656 2010-02-09T13:54:38Z 2010-02-09T14:20:10Z

The Orioles recently signed left-handed pitcher Will Startup to a minor league deal, according to Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi on Twitter. Late Monday night, Morosi wrote the following on his Twitter page: #Orioles sign LHP Will Startup to minor...

Dean Jones Jr. Will Startup to a minor league deal, according to Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi on Twitter. Late Monday night, Morosi wrote the following on his Twitter page: #Orioles sign LHP Will Startup to minor league deal, sources say. Barely pitched last year but had some past success in #Braves org. #MLB After undergoing Tommy John surgery following the 2007 season, Startup didn't pitch at all in 2008 and only appeared in 11 games in the San Diego Padres organization last year. The 25-year-old southpaw made eight appearances with the Rookie-level AZL Padres in 2009, compiling a 5.87 ERA and seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. He finished the season with the Triple-A Portland Beavers. In three games, Startup had a 2.45 ERA and he allowed two walks and one home run in 3 2/3 innings. Overall, Startup is 15-6 with a 2.70 ERA in 140 relief appearances in the minor leagues. Here is a link to additional statistics on BaseballReference.com. Also, here is a more in-depth article about Startup's plans to sign with the Orioles from last Friday's edition of The (Cartersville, Ga.) Daily Tribune News. The Atlanta Braves selected Startup in the fifth round of the 2005 MLB draft out of the University of Georgia. He was traded to the Padres in July 2007.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2010:/sports/minors/blog//317.230203 2010-01-29T15:37:20Z 2010-01-29T16:11:26Z

Orioles left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz received recognition from a national list for the second time this week when ESPN.com's Keith Law honored him as the No. 11 prospect in the major leagues Thursday. On Wednesday night, MLB.com listed Matusz at...

Dean Jones Jr. Brian Matusz received recognition from a national list for the second time this week when ESPN.com's Keith Law honored him as the No. 11 prospect in the major leagues Thursday. On Wednesday night, MLB.com listed Matusz at No. 5. While Matusz wasn't as high in Law's rankings, he was joined by three other Orioles players in ESPN.com's third annual list of the Top 100 prospects in baseball. Left-handed pitcher Zach Britton (No. 25), third baseman Josh Bell (No. 61) and right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta were also included.]]> a link to ESPN.com's Top 100 list, but you need to be an ESPN Insider to view the content. What are your thoughts about Law's list? Do you think this collection is better than MLB.com's rankings?]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2010:/sports/minors/blog//317.229989 2010-01-28T02:48:53Z 2010-01-28T15:21:42Z

While the Orioles' minor league system still remains one of the deepest in professional baseball, there aren't as many top-notch prospects as last season, according to MLB.com's Top 50 Prospect list. Orioles left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz, who was 5-2 with...

Dean Jones Jr. according to MLB.com's Top 50 Prospect list. Orioles left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz, who was 5-2 with a 4.63 ERA in eight starts for the team last season, is the organization's lone representative in this year's rankings after four players made the list in 2009. Matusz ranked fifth after being listed at No. 20 last year.]]> Matusz's summary. "He really knows his way around on the mound. This is a real pitcher," MLB Network analyst John Hart said on the broadcast. "He's got pitchability. His stuff is plenty good enough. He's got a plus fastball, got good breaking stuff." Last season, Orioles catcher Matt Wieters placed second on the list behind Tampa Bay Rays left-hander David Price. Orioles right-handed pitcher Chris Tillman (No. 16) and minor league right-hander Jake Arrieta (No. 36) also made the cut in 2009. Wieters and Tillman weren't eligible for this year's list because they no longer qualify as rookies. Arrieta dropped out of the rankings after going 11-11 with a 3.40 ERA in 28 starts while splitting time between the Double-A Bowie Baysox and Triple-A Norfolk Tides last year. What does everyone think of the list? Did MLB.com miss any Orioles prospects? Another quick note: The 14th annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge is scheduled for Saturday. Baysox communications manager Tom Sedlacek is participating in the event and I'd like to help him reach his goal. Sedlacek would like to raise at least $500 for Special Olympics Maryland, so I'm asking the loyal O's on Deck readers to take some time and visit his page. Here is a link. Sedlacek will be jumping into the water at 1 p.m., and he has informed me that Louie, the Baysox mascot, will be in attendance at Sandy Point State Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2010:/sports/minors/blog//317.228872 2010-01-19T18:10:00Z 2010-01-19T23:46:14Z

As many organizations are looking for ways to assist the earthquake victims in Haiti, the Double-A Bowie Baysox are joining the relief efforts. The Orioles' minor league affiliate is partnering with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to raffle a pair...

Dean Jones Jr. the earthquake victims in Haiti, the Double-A Bowie Baysox are joining the relief efforts. The Orioles' minor league affiliate is partnering with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to raffle a pair of season tickets for every Baysox home game at Prince George's Stadium in 2010. Every dollar raised will go to UNICEF's efforts for the children in Haiti. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, works in over 150 countries to provide children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports the organization’s work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. "We share the shock and helplessness that has gripped the world in wake of the earthquake in Haiti," Baysox general manager Brian Shallcross said in an e-mail. "Minor League Baseball is an industry that thrives on giving back to local communities, but disasters like this call for broadening our scope." "We want to encourage folks in our area to donate to UNICEF via our Web site," Shallcross added. "Hopefully our ticket offer will provide extra motivation." In order to purchase a raffle ticket, visit this page on the team's Web site. Each chance costs $10 and there is no limit on the number of tickets that can be purchased. The entry deadline is Friday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m., and the winner will be announced on Friday, Feb. 5. The winner will receive a pair of lower reserved seat tickets for all 71 Baysox home games in 2010, a value exceeding $1,100, according to the team. For more information on relief efforts, visit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF's Web site. To find out more about the contest, go to the Baysox Web site.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2010:/sports/minors/blog//317.228848 2010-01-19T17:11:40Z 2010-01-19T17:40:05Z

Former Orioles shortstop Mike Bordick, who rejoined the organization earlier this month as the minor league offensive coordinator, will be the keynote speaker at the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds' 2010 Hot Stove Banquet, the team announced recently in a news release....

Dean Jones Jr. Ryan Minor, field coach Mike Devereaux and Orioles minor league second baseman L.J. Hoes are also expected to be in attendance at the event. The banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Fountains Wedding and Conference Center in Salisbury. Proceeds will benefit the Shorebirds Community Fund and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. Tickets cost $40 per person for the general public and $38 each for Shorebirds season ticket holders. You can also purchase eight tickets (full table) for $280. In order to buy tickets, call Emily Horlacher at 410-219-3112, ext. 168. For more information, check out the Shorebirds' Web site.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2010:/sports/minors/blog//317.227368 2010-01-07T17:10:20Z 2010-01-07T19:43:44Z

The Orioles will be bringing back two fan favorites as part of their minor league coaching staffs in 2010, according to a news release from the team earlier today. As previously reported by Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly, former Orioles...

Dean Jones Jr. Mike Bordick joins the organization as minor league offensive instructor. Also, ex-Orioles center fielder Mike Devereaux is going to serve as the field coach for the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds. The biggest move, in my opinion, is Ryan Minor being appointed manager at Delmarva after serving as Shorebirds hitting coach for the past two seasons. The 36-year-old former Orioles infielder seems to be moving quickly up the organizational ladder. It's also interesting to note the different changes with the pitching coaches in the system. While Mike Griffin stays with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, there are several other changes. Kennie Steenstra jumps from the Single-A Frederick Keys to the Double-A Bowie Baysox. Blaine Beatty returns to the Keys after spending the 2009 season in Delmarva. Troy Mattes moves to the Shorebirds after spending three seasons with the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles. Finally, Larry McCall heads from the Baysox to Bluefield. Steenstra's move to Bowie probably makes the most sense for Orioles pitching prospect Zach Britton, who worked with the coach in Frederick (2009) and Delmarva (2008). Britton's logical jump to the Baysox makes Steenstra's promotion important. It's good to see players working with coaches who know them. After serving as the hitting coach for the Rookie-level GCL Orioles last season, former Orioles third baseman Leo Gomez moves to Bluefield in 2010. The full coaching staffs are listed below. Norfolk Manager: Gary Allenson Pitching coach: Mike Griffin Hitting coach: Richie Hebner Batting practice/bullpen coach: Greg Grall Athletic trainer: Mark Shires Strength and conditioning coach: Ryan Driscoll Bowie Manager: Brad Komminsk Pitching coach: Kennie Steenstra Bench coach: Moe Hill Athletic trainer: Joe Benge Frederick Manager: Orlando Gomez Pitching coach: Blaine Beatty Field coach: Denny Hocking Athletic trainer: Pat Wesley Delmarva Manager: Ryan Minor Pitching coach: Troy Mattes Field coach: Mike Devereaux Athletic trainer: Aaron Scott Aberdeen Manager: Gary Kendall Pitching coach: Scott McGregor Bench coaches: Cesar Devarez, Jesus Alfaro Athletic trainer: Trek Schuler Bluefield Manager: Einar Diaz Pitching coach: Larry McCall Bench coach: Leo Gomez Athletic trainer: TD Swinford Gulf Coast League Manager: Ramon Sambo Pitching coach: Calvin Maduro Bench coach: Milt May Athletic trainer: Will Lawhorn Dominican Summer League: Team 1 Manager: Miguel Jabalera Pitching coach: Robert Perez Field coach: Benny Adames Catching coach: Ramon Lubo Athletic trainer: Evaristo Mercedes Dominican Summer League: Team 2 Manager: Elvis Morel Pitching coach: Dionis Pascual Field coach: Ruben Francisco Other minor league positions Director of player development: David Stockstill Assistant director of player development: Tripp Norton Administrative assistant of player development: Maria Arellano Coordinator of minor league instuction: Brian Graham Minor league offensive instructor: Mike Bordick Minor league pitching coordinator: Dave Schmidt Roving instructors: Butch Davis (outfield and baserunning), Don Werner (catching), Denny Walling (hitting). Coordinator of Florida operations: Eric Jordan Pitching coordinator for Florida operations: Larry Jaster Dominican Republic coordinator: Felipe Alou Jr. Dominican infield coordinator: Bobby Dickerson Dominican field supervisor: Ramon Caraballo Dominican administrative assistant: Jorge Perozo Dominican equipment manager: Amado Disla Coordinator of Bluefield operations: Len Johnston Minor league medical coordinator: Dave Walker Latin American medical coordinator: Manny Lopez Minor league equipment manager: Jake Parker]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.226507 2009-12-30T20:49:48Z 2010-01-07T18:11:01Z

Left-handed pitcher Chris Waters has signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. Waters, 29, was 4-5 with a 5.07 ERA in 16 games, including 12 starts, in parts of two seasons with the Orioles. - Dan Connolly...

Baltimore Sun sports - Dan Connolly ]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.225939 2009-12-24T14:45:59Z 2010-01-07T18:11:01Z

As I mentioned earlier this week, the Orioles recently agreed to terms on a minor league contract with 19-year-old Australian left-hander Chris Lamb. I spoke with a few people about Lamb, including the young pitcher himself, in e-mails. Orioles scout...

Dean Jones Jr. As I mentioned earlier this week, the Orioles recently agreed to terms on a minor league contract with 19-year-old Australian left-hander Chris Lamb. I spoke with a few people about Lamb, including the young pitcher himself, in e-mails. Orioles scout Brett Ward is responsible for the signing. The Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs were also among the teams that were reportedly interested. Lamb is the first amateur player from Australia signed by the Orioles since John Stephens in 1996, according to Ward. Other recent Orioles players from Australia include left-handed pitcher Damian Moss, who was acquired in a trade for Sidney Ponson in 2003, and minor league left-hander Craig Anderson, who played in the team's minor league system from 2006 to 2008. In nine appearances with the Queensland Rams in the Claxton Shield Baseball Championship, Lamb is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA. While the numbers obviously aren't exciting, keep in mind that it's a small sample size against some of the best players in Australia. Several players represented the country in the World Baseball Classic and the Baseball World Cup. According to Ward, the level of competition in the Claxton Shield is similar to the Single-A level. Earlier this year, Lamb pitched with more success in the Queensland State League, which is equivalent to the Rookie-level leagues in the United States. In nine appearances (four starts) in that league, he was 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA and one save. Lamb struck out 49 batters and issued 33 walks in 29 2/3 innings. Lamb is still young and learning to pitch effectively. He walks a lot of hitters, but coming to the United States will certainly help him to develop. Team practices in Australia aren't as common as they are in the United States. With the full attention of the Orioles minor league coaches, he'll be given the chance to train properly. David Ireland, the assistant general manager for Queensland, offered this scouting report about Lamb: He's a skinny kid with a live arm and room to add 10-15 pounds of muscle as he fills out. At times he can get erratic and lose the strike zone, but he also has the ability to get hitters to swing and miss. The coaching staff has been working with him on his release point and repeating his delivery. With consistent work in the [United] States he will have a much better opportunity to refine his mechanics. He currently throws his fastball with late sinking action at 88-90 mph and has topped out at 93. His secondary pitches are a real good curveball that drops off the table and a changeup that he is still developing. The coaches have taught him a cutter that he has started to implement into games as well. People who have seen Lamb pitch believe that he could be an effective left-handed specialist with a peak of mid-rotation starting pitcher in the majors. Not surprisingly, Lamb's stuff is viewed to be more effective against left-handed hitters. The opportunity to "make a living and have memories I will cherish forever" are the biggest benefits about coming to the United States to begin a professional career, according to Lamb. "The deal was too good to refuse," Lamb said. Queensland manager Dave Nilsson was a catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers for parts of eight seasons during the 1990s. He batted .284 with 105 home runs and 470 RBIs in his career. While he will be moving approximately 9,000 miles across the world, Lamb doesn't think there will be a big difference in the way he approaches things in the United States. "Not that many [cultural adjustments]," he said. "It's fairly similar." Lamb, who is expected to report to Sarasota in February for minor league spring training, will likely be assigned to one of the Rookie-level affiliates -- Gulf Coast League or Bluefield -- in order to give him an opportunity to continue to work on his command and control. Bonus interesting fact: Ward also passed along a random tidbit that I thought some people might enjoy. Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Millwood played in the Australian Baseball League during the 1996-97 season. In fact, he was the league's Pitcher of the Year.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.225869 2009-12-22T21:01:47Z 2010-01-07T18:11:02Z

The Orioles agreed to a minor league contract earlier this week with Australian left-hander Chris Lamb, according to Jake Dew of the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia) Bulletin. The 19-year-old pitcher is currently playing for the Queensland Rams in the Claxton...

Dean Jones Jr. agreed to a minor league contract earlier this week with Australian left-hander Chris Lamb, according to Jake Dew of the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia) Bulletin. The 19-year-old pitcher is currently playing for the Queensland Rams in the Claxton Shield Baseball Championship in Australia. In nine appearances, Lamb is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA. Lamb's biography on the Queensland Rams' Web Site lists him at 186 centimeters tall and weighing 78 kilograms. Although my metric-to-standard conversion skills are a little bit rusty, I believe Lamb is approximately 6-foot-1, 172 pounds. There is an interesting connection between Lamb and the Baltimore area. In 2003, Lamb represented the Australian team in the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen. He also played for the Aussies in the 2002 tournament, which was played in Illinois. Baseball America's Matt Eddy confirmed the move today.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.225293 2009-12-17T15:58:19Z 2010-01-07T18:11:02Z

How do the Orioles reverse the slide of 12 consecutive losing seasons? Obviously, the answer isn't simple or the Orioles wouldn't be facing the question. However, the team is doing what it needs to do in order to win in...

Dean Jones Jr. How do the Orioles reverse the slide of 12 consecutive losing seasons? Obviously, the answer isn't simple or the Orioles wouldn't be facing the question. However, the team is doing what it needs to do in order to win in the always competitive American League East. With their moves so far this offseason -- trading for Kevin Millwood and agreeing to deals with Garrett Atkins and Mike Gonzalez -- the Orioles are addressing their weaknesses heading into 2010. How do you get a veteran pitcher like Millwood to anchor your rotation? If you said it would take one of the Orioles' top pitching prospects, the risk might not be worth the reward. But when the price is Chris Ray, a former closer who has struggled recently with injuries, the potential payoff makes the deal a no-brainer. How do you fill a void at third base and in the middle of the lineup? Since it's hard to convince top free agents to sign in Baltimore due to the team's struggles, the Orioles need to find a player looking to rebound from a down season. The terms of Atkins' deal give us a glimpse into the Orioles' mindset. With the club option for 2011, the Orioles now have an insurance policy in case prospect Josh Bell isn't ready for the jump to the majors. Throw in the fact that Atkins averaged 25 home runs and 110 RBIs per season from 2006 to 2008 and the Orioles' calculated risk becomes even more attractive. How do you find a valuable relief pitcher, particularly a left-handed one, to solidify the bullpen? With an abundance of available closers, the Orioles went for Gonzalez, who successfully returned from Tommy John surgery two years ago to pitch 80 games last season. Gonzalez's career ERA over parts of seven seasons is 2.57. The Orioles' team ERA in 2009 was 5.15, which was last in the major leagues. You do the math: Gonzalez will immediately help to improve the team's late-inning woes. All three moves have the potential to work out very favorably for the Orioles. At the same time, none of the moves will hurt the team in the long run if they don't work. Millwood is a free agent after the 2010 season, so it won't cost the team if he isn't the best fit in Baltimore. The same thing can be said about Atkins' one-year deal because the team won't pick up his option if he falters. As for Gonzalez, the Orioles are only on the hook for two years -- and his track record points to the fact that he is the most likely bet to succeed of the three players. It's the perfect low-risk, high-reward scenario. These are the type of moves that a team needs to make in order to escape mediocrity and return to prominence in baseball's toughest division. tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.225205 2009-12-15T19:01:43Z 2010-01-07T18:11:02Z

If you have children between 3-12 years old, the Double-A Bowie Baysox would like to offer them the opportunity to participate in "Louie's Winter Warm-Up Coloring Contest." The contest gives children the chance to color a picture of the Baysox...

Dean Jones Jr. here, must be received by Friday, and a winner will be announced on Monday. The entries that have already been received for December can be found here. Entries should be sent to: Bowie Baysox Attn: Coloring Contest 4101 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716 The Baysox ask that parents fill out the proper contact information for each submission. Children are permitted to color as many Snowman Louies as they want. Check out the Baysox Web site for more information, as well as future contests. In addition to the coloring contest, the Baysox recently passed along an interview with Orioles starting pitcher Brad Bergesen. Here is the link if you're interested.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.224555 2009-12-10T16:03:24Z 2010-01-07T18:11:02Z

Earlier today, the Orioles selected right-handed pitcher Jose Duran from the Houston Astros in the Triple-A phase of the 2009 MLB Rule 5 draft in Indianapolis. Don't get your hopes up about Duran making an impact in the major leagues...

Dean Jones Jr. Jose Duran from the Houston Astros in the Triple-A phase of the 2009 MLB Rule 5 draft in Indianapolis. Don't get your hopes up about Duran making an impact in the major leagues in the near future. He possesses a powerful arm that the Orioles will likely try to develop and polish into becoming an effective pitcher, but the statistics aren't attractive at this point. The 24-year-old pitcher was 2-5 with an 8.06 ERA in 27 games (seven starts) last season for the Single-A Lancaster JetHawks in the Astros' minor league system. He struck out 43 batters and issued 29 walks in 63 2/3 innings. Opponents hit .331 against Duran. With the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, Duran is 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA in nine games (one start). He has 13 strikeouts and six walks in 13 1/3 innings. Duran will be assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides for the 2010 season. Also, the Orioles lost two players in the Triple-A phase -- infielder Rodolfo Cardona went to the Pittsburgh Pirates and left-handed pitcher Jake Stevens was picked by the San Francisco Giants. Cardona hit .218 with one home run and 24 RBIs in 66 games while splitting the 2009 season between the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds, Single-A Frederick Keys and Double-A Bowie Baysox. Stevens was 5-6 with a 4.42 ERA in 34 appearances for the Keys in 2009.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.223863 2009-12-04T20:44:18Z 2010-01-07T18:11:02Z

Yesterday, Baseball America selected Ken Young as the Minor League Executive of the Year. Young is connected to the Orioles' minor league system in several ways. He is the owner and president of the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, Double-A Bowie Baysox...

Dean Jones Jr. Ken Young as the Minor League Executive of the Year. Young is connected to the Orioles' minor league system in several ways. He is the owner and president of the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, Double-A Bowie Baysox and Single-A Frederick Keys. In addition to his connections within the organization, Young also holds a similar role with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. "The Bowie Baysox are proud to recognize Mr. Young’s award," Baysox general manager Brian Shallcross said in a statement. "Mr. Young has proven over the years the value of community involvement and affordable family entertainment with an emphasis on fan experience." If you're interested in reading, here is Baseball America's article.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.223772 2009-12-04T15:13:25Z 2010-01-07T18:11:02Z

How many people read O's on Deck from the Eastern Shore? The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds will hold a Cookies with Claus event tomorrow at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is free, according to the...

Dean Jones Jr. team's Web site.]]> tag:weblogs.baltimoresun.com,2009:/sports/minors/blog//317.223382 2009-12-01T16:34:28Z 2010-01-07T18:11:02Z

Louie's Holiday Hope Project, the Double-A Bowie Baysox's program to help local families during the holidays, is set to return for the third consecutive year, the team announced recently. The project, which is named after the team's mascot, aims to...

Dean Jones Jr. louie@baysox.com with the family's name, contact information and the family's situation. While the Baysox won't be able to help every family that is nominated for the project, they'll consider multiple options to help as many people as possible. According to the Baysox, a staff member may contact the person who submits the family for the program in order to collect additional details or clarification, but all submissions will remain confidential. Entries must be received by Monday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. The Baysox also encourage local organizations to participate in the project. If you'd like to make a contribution, e-mail louie@baysox.com or call the Baysox front office at (301) 805-6000.]]>