In his first two seasons of professional baseball, Matt Angle has displayed excellent speed. The Orioles picked the 5-foot-10, 175-pound center fielder in the seventh round of the 2007 MLB draft, and he has piled up stolen bases since joining the organization.

Angle finished sixth in the South Atlantic League with 37 stolen bases in 126 games for the Delmarva Shorebirds this season. He collected 34 stolen bases in 66 games as a member of the Aberdeen IronBirds in 2007.

The 23-year-old center fielder hit .287 for the Shorebirds, and he also finished eighth in the league with 82 runs scored. He had 22 doubles, four home runs and 35 RBIs in 2008. Last season, Angle batted .301 with 60 runs scored for the IronBirds.

Prior to being drafted by the Orioles, Angle played baseball for three years at Ohio State University. As a freshman in 2005, he hit .307 with 13 stolen bases and 35 runs scored in 54 games for the Buckeyes. He batted .369 with 25 stolen bases and 63 runs scored in 57 games as a sophomore during the 2006 season. Angle had a .366 batting average, 34 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and 53 runs scored in 59 games during his junior year in 2007.

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: Matt Angle
Age: 23
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175 lbs.
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Nicknames: None
Position: Outfielder
High school/college: Whitehall-Yearling (Ohio) High School / Ohio State University
Time in professional baseball: 1 1/2 years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Ichiro Suzuki
All-time MLB player: Pete Rose
MLB team: Orioles
Sport (other than baseball): Football
Food: Filet mignon
Music: Country
TV show: SportsCenter
Movie: Bad Boys I and Bad Boys II

Other questions

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

The highlight of my career so far was when the Orioles drafted me [in the seventh round of the 2007 MLB draft].

2. Who is your role model?

My Mom.

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

I play cards with teammates.

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

Shortstop, because there is more action.

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.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

The Orioles selected catcher Brian Bent in the 44th round of the 2005 MLB draft from the Community College of Baltimore County at Catonsville.

Bent hit .164 (12-for-73) in 22 games for the Aberdeen IronBirds this season. He had three doubles and four RBIs, but struck out 28 times. Last season, Bent had a .172 batting average in 22 games for Aberdeen. He batted .283 with six RBIs and nine runs scored in 16 games for the Bluefield Orioles during his first professional season in 2006.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound catcher played in junior college for two years before being drafted. Bent, who is celebrating his 23rd birthday today, attended Delaware Tech and Catonsville for one season each.

Before playing in junior college, the Ellicott City native starred for Mount St. Joseph High School. Bent played at the varsity level during all four years of high school and he was a teammate of Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd during his first two seasons with the Gaels.

As a senior in high school, Bent was a first-team All-Metro selection by The Baltimore Sun. He was 7-1 with a 0.84 ERA in 58 1/3 innings for the Gaels in 2003. Offensively, Bent led Mount St. Joseph with five home runs and 31 RBIs.

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: Brian Bent
Age: 23
Height: 6-2
Weight: 205 lbs.
Hometown: Ellicott City
Nicknames: Bri
Position: Catcher
High school/college: Mount St. Joseph High School / CCBC-Catonsville
Time in professional baseball: Three years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Ken Griffey Jr.
All-time MLB player: Ken Griffey Jr.
MLB team: Orioles
Sport (other than baseball): Golf
Food: Chicken pot pie
Music: R&B
TV show: Spike TV / Ninja Warrior
Movie: 3 Ninjas
Hobbies: Fishing / basketball / video games

Other questions

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

Our trip to Cooperstown for Cal Ripken Jr.’s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame with the IronBirds in 2007.

2. Who is your role model?

My parents.

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

Mess around on the Internet, play PSP and hang out with the guys.

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

Pitcher, because I used to pitch in high school.

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

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

With an abundance of pitching prospects scattered throughout the Orioles’ minor league system, it would be easy to overlook Delmarva Shorebirds starting pitcher Nathan Nery.

The 23-year-old left-handed pitcher was 7-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 15 starts for Delmarva this season. Nery didn’t suffer a loss after July 26. In his final seven starts, the Orioles’ 18th-round pick in the 2006 draft only gave up five earned runs in 43 innings. He didn’t allow an earned run in his final three starts, spanning 21 2/3 innings.

Nery was also selected by the Orioles in the eighth round of the 2003 draft out of high school, but he opted to attend Stetson University instead of signing with the team. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound pitcher was 7-5 with a 4.53 ERA in 26 games (12 starts) during his junior year at Stetson in 2006. He had 76 strikeouts in 87 1/3 innings.

Prior to joining the Shorebirds in 2008, Nery was 8-8 with a 4.54 ERA in two seasons with the Aberdeen IronBirds. He appeared in 36 games for Aberdeen in 2006 and 2007, including 17 starts.

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: Nathan Nery
Age: 23
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215 lbs.
Hometown: Moon Township, Pa.
Nicknames: Nate
Position: Left-handed pitcher
High school/college: Moon Area (Pa.) High School / Stetson University
Time in professional baseball: Three years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Chipper Jones
All-time MLB player: Nolan Ryan
MLB team: Atlanta Braves
Sport (other than baseball): Hockey
Food: Filet mignon
Music: Rock
TV show: SportsCenter
Movie: Super Troopers
Hobbies: Golf / fishing

Other questions

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

I was born in Atlanta, Ga.

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

Walking onto the field during my first day of professional baseball.

3. Who is your role model?

My parents.

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

Sleep, eat and watch television.

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

First base. I like the position and used to play there. Being left-handed, it’s the only infield position that I can play.

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.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 6:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

It’s been about 2 1/2 years since Jeff Fiorentino made his major league debut for the Orioles on May 12, 2005. As a 22-year-old rookie who was promoted directly from Single-A Frederick, Fiorentino quickly made an impact for the Orioles.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound outfielder singled in his first four at-bats and went 6-for-10 in his first three games in the majors. He was 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in the Orioles’ 9-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox in his second professional game.

His success didn’t last long, however, and Fiorentino was sent back to Frederick by the end of May. The Orioles’ third-round pick in the 2004 MLB draft was 11-for-44 with two doubles, a home run, five RBIs and seven runs scored in 13 games that season.

Fiorentino didn’t return to the Orioles until after the rosters expanded in September of the following season. He was 10-for-39 with two doubles, seven RBIs and eight runs scored in 19 games.

The Cincinnati Reds claimed Fiorentino off waivers from the Orioles at the beginning of this year. About three weeks later, the Oakland Athletics acquired the 25-year-old outfielder by claiming him from the Reds.

Fiorentino played in two games earlier this season for the Athletics, but he didn’t have a big opportunity to prove himself. He was one of the extra players that Oakland was permitted to take with the team for the season-opening series against the Boston Red Sox in Japan. Fiorentino was 1-for-1 with an RBI single in his only at-bat.

The Orioles reacquired Fiorentino by claiming him off waivers from the Athletics in early June. He hit .268 with 12 doubles, two home runs and 25 RBIs in 68 games for the Norfolk Tides this season.

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: Jeff Fiorentino
Age: 25
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190 lbs.
Hometown: Hollywood, Fla.
Nicknames: Marv
Position: Outfielder
High school/college: Nova High School (Davie, Fla.) / Florida Atlantic University
Time in professional baseball: Five years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Chipper Jones
All-time MLB player: Deion Sanders
MLB team: Atlanta Braves
Sport (other than baseball): Ping pong
Food: Chicken fingers
Music: Rap / R&B
TV show: Two and a Half Men
Movie: The Departed
Hobbies: Golf / Video games

Other questions

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

Playing in the major leagues has definitely been my favorite moment so far.

2. Who is your role model?

My parents.

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

Play cards.

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

I’d want to play shortstop because you get the most action there.

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

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

Starting pitcher Tim Bascom appears to finally be on the correct path to the major leagues. The 23-year-old right-hander finished the 2008 season with a 6-5 record and a 5.78 ERA for the Frederick Keys, but he was 3-0 with a 3.44 ERA in six starts during the final month.

Bascom excelled during three seasons at the University of Central Florida, where he made 21 relief appearances as a freshman. Bascom had his best season after becoming a starter during his sophomore year in 2005. He was 10-2 with a 3.10 ERA and three complete games. As a junior, Bascom was 5-6 with a 2.48 ERA. He finished his collegiate career with 225 strikeouts in 221 innings.

The San Diego Padres originally selected Bascom in the sixth round of the 2006 MLB draft. Bascom and the Padres never agreed to terms, however, because the pitcher failed a physical due to a knee injury.

Since he had already hired an agent, Bascom was unable to return to UCF for his senior season. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound pitcher decided to sign with the Bradenton Juice of the independent South Coast League. He didn’t allow a run in 10 innings for Bradenton at the beginning of the 2007 season.

After his impressive performance in the independent league, the Orioles selected Bascom in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. Bascom made his professional debut for the Delmarva Shorebirds on June 25, 2007 and had nine strikeouts. He retired all 15 hitters in the game.

He was 3-3 with a 3.74 ERA in 12 starts for the Shorebirds before earning a promotion to Frederick. Bascom finished the 2007 season by appearing in two games for the Keys. He gave up two runs and six hits in six innings.

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: Tim Bascom
Age: 23
Height: 6-2
Weight: 210
Hometown: Dunedin, Fla.
Nicknames: Timbo Slice / Ronaldinho
Position: Right-handed pitcher
High school/college: Dunedin (Fla.) High School / University of Central Florida
Time in professional baseball: Two years

Favorites

Current MLB player: David Eckstein
All-time MLB player: “Crime Dog” Fred McGriff
MLB team: Orioles
Sport (other than baseball): Golf / water polo
Food: Porterhouse steak (medium well) with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus
Music: Country / classical / no rap
TV show: Home Improvement / Food Network shows with Bobby Flay
Movie: The Big Lebowski / The Cable Guy / Kingpin
Hobbies: Fishing / collecting train sets

Other questions

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

I am a competitor. Also, I am single and looking.

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

My favorite moments have been my first start with the Orioles organization [as a member of the Shorebirds in 2007] and winning the Mills Cup [Carolina League championship] with the Keys in 2007.

3. Who is your role model?

My Daddy.

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

Play cards.

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

Designated hitter, so I won’t have to field.

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

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

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.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 6:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

The Orioles selected left-handed pitcher Rick Zagone in the sixth round of this year’s MLB draft and he was assigned to the Aberdeen IronBirds after signing his contract. He attended the University of Missouri for three years before being drafted.

Zagone was pretty successful during his freshman year for Missouri, but he seemed to digress in his next two seasons with the Tigers. He was 6-3 with a 3.28 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings pitched in his first year. In his sophomore season, Zagone was 7-2 with two complete games, but his ERA jumped to 5.03. Things got worse for Zagone during his junior season, which was earlier this year. He lost his spot in the Tigers’ starting rotation and was only 2-3 with a 5.25 ERA in 70 1/3 innings pitched.

But the 21-year-old left-hander has shown a lot of promise in his first two months of professional baseball. In 12 games (eight starts) with Aberdeen, Zagone is 6-1 with a 3.23 ERA. He has shown the ability to get a lot more strikeouts than he ever did in college. Through 47 1/3 innings pitched for the IronBirds in 2008, Zagone has 57 strikeouts. He never averaged more than one strikeout per inning during his three years at Missouri.

Zagone’s best start so far this season was against the Vermont Lake Monsters on Aug. 13. He had 11 strikeouts and only allowed one run and two hits in six innings. He also had nine strikeouts in five innings against the Jamestown Jammers on July 17. Both games resulted in victories for Zagone.

It’s not very clear what Zagone’s role will be in the major leagues. Some analysts see him becoming a reliever, but I think Zagone will make it hard for the Orioles to shift him away from being a starter. He deserves to keep starting games as long as he keeps getting strikeouts and logging innings during his climb through the minor leagues.

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: Rick Zagone
Age: 21
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 210 lbs.
Hometown: Crystal Lake, Ill.
Nicknames: Zone, Zags, Goney
Position: Left-handed pitcher
High school/college: University of Missouri
Time in professional baseball: First year

Favorites

Current MLB player: Carlos Zambrano
All-time MLB player: Mark Grace
MLB team: Chicago Cubs
Sport (other than baseball): Football
Food: Pasta
Music: Rap
TV show: Seinfeld
Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Hobbies: Golf and cards

Other questions

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

Starting my first professional game for the IronBirds.

2. Who is your role model?

My parents.

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

Play cards and go to the movies.

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

First base, because I grew up playing there.

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

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 6:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

Frederick Keys starting pitcher Brandon Erbe has made 27 starts this season, which is tied for the most in the Carolina League. He has pitched 143 2/3 innings and is tied for the league lead with two complete games. Erbe, who graduated from the McDonogh School, also leads the league in strikeouts with 142.

Despite these impressive numbers, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. The 20-year-old right-hander also ranks first in the league in a not-so-desirable category – most home runs allowed. He has surrendered 21 home runs this year. This comes after he finished tied for fourth in the league last season with 14 home runs allowed in 119 1/3 innings pitched. Erbe is 9-12 with a 4.51 ERA at Frederick in 2008.

While he’s still young, Erbe needs to cut down on the home runs allowed if he hopes to have a successful career in the major leagues someday in the future.

Erbe recently answered the following survey for O’s on Deck. The survey was distributed and returned by Frederick’s media relations department. Keep in mind that this survey is designed to give you a glimpse at what Erbe is like outside of what you see on the baseball field.

Don’t forget to keep checking back for more ‘Surveying the minors’ features about your favorite minor league players. Tomorrow, I’ll offer a look at Aberdeen IronBirds starting pitcher Rick Zagone.

General information

Name: Brandon Erbe
Age: 20
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Hometown: Baltimore
Nicknames: Erb Sauce
Position: Right-handed pitcher
High school/college: McDonogh School
Time in professional baseball: 3 1/2 years

Favorites

All-time MLB player: Nolan Ryan
MLB team: Orioles
Sport (other than baseball): Football and basketball
Food: Pizza, McDonald’s Big Mac
Music: Everything
TV show: The Office, Dexter, Entourage
Movie: Boondock Saints
Hobbies: Hunting, playing the guitar

Other questions

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

I was born on Christmas Day and they put all of the babies in stockings at the hospital. I was too fat, so they had to just put a Santa hat on me.

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

Winning the Carolina League championship (Mill’s Cup) in 2007 with the Keys.

3. Who is your role model?

My dad.

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

Listen to music, play cards and do crossword puzzles.

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

Outfield, so I can make throws and hit.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

Minor league outfielder Robbie Widlansky just finished one of the most eventful weeks in his young professional career.

On Tuesday, Widlansky participated in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game. He entered the game in the fifth inning as a defensive replacement and finished 0-for-2 with a strikeout in the game. Widlansky earned his spot in the game by hitting .279 with four home runs, 29 RBIs and 23 runs scored for the Aberdeen IronBirds before the All-Star break.

Less than 24 hours later, Widlansky was on his way to join the Delmarva Shorebirds. After playing well for the IronBirds, the 23-year-old outfielder is going to get a chance to show what he can do at the next level. He made his debut on Thursday night and was 1-for-5 in the game.

Widlansky recently answered the following survey for O’s on Deck. The survey was distributed and returned by the Aberdeen IronBirds’ media relations department before the outfielder was promoted to Delmarva. Keep in mind that this survey is designed to give you a glimpse at what Widlansky is like outside of what you see on the baseball field.

Don’t forget to keep checking back for more ‘Surveying the minors’ features about your favorite minor league players. Tomorrow, I’ll offer a look at Frederick Keys starting pitcher Brandon Erbe.

General information

Name: Robbie Widlansky
Age: 23
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205 lbs.
Hometown: Coral Springs, Fla.
Nicknames: Woody
Position: Outfield
High school/college: Florida Atlantic University
Time in professional baseball: Two years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Derek Jeter
All-time MLB player: Mickey Mantle
MLB team: Florida Marlins
Sport (other than baseball): Football
Food: Sushi
Music: Rap and hip-hop
TV show: Baseball Tonight
Movie: Cool Runnings
Hobbies: Video games

Other questions

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

I used to switch hit, but now I just hit lefty.

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

Playing in front of all the big crowds.

3. Who is your role model?

My dad and brothers are my role models.

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

Play video games, play cards and make fun of teammates.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

As I mentioned in last night’s game recaps, Jedidiah Stephen was recently promoted from Aberdeen to Delmarva. He didn’t have a successful debut with the Shorebirds last night. The 24-year-old infielder was 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in his first game in the South Atlantic League this season.

However, Stephen was playing well for the IronBirds before his promotion. While he was only hitting .243 in 46 games, Stephen was second on the team in home runs (eight) and RBIs (29). He also had nine doubles and 24 runs scored.

Stephen recently answered the following survey for O’s on Deck. The survey was distributed and returned by the Aberdeen IronBirds’ media relations department before the infielder was promoted to Delmarva. Keep in mind that this survey is designed to give you a glimpse at what Stephen is like outside of what you see on the baseball field.

Don’t forget to keep checking back for more ‘Surveying the minors’ features about your favorite minor league players. Tomorrow, I’ll offer a look at outfielder Robbie Widlansky, who was also recently promoted to Delmarva from Aberdeen.

General information

Name: Jedidiah Stephen
Age: 24
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205 lbs.
Hometown: Caldwell, Ohio
Nicknames: Turok
Position: Shortstop
High school/college: Shenandoah High School / Ohio State University
Time in professional baseball: Three years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Derek Jeter
All-time MLB player: Derek Jeter
MLB team: Cincinnati Reds
Sport (other than baseball): Basketball and football
Food: Italian
Music: Country
TV show: Primos Hunting Calls: TRUTH About Hunting
Movie: The Count of Monte Cristo
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing

Other questions

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

I’m a top three hunter and fisherman in the entire world!

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

Hitting walk-off home runs.

3. Who is your role model?

My parents, especially my mother.

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

Play with my PSP, watch DVDs and go hunting.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Surveying the minors
        

With Orioles closer George Sherrill going on the 15-day disabled list, the team is going to make a corresponding roster move today. One of the rumored candidates for the position is Norfolk Tides relief pitcher Bob McCrory.

McCrory saw limited action with the Orioles in the beginning of this season. He was called up in late April and struggled with his control. He walked four hitters and allowed four runs in two appearances. He pitched 1/3 of an inning each time.

However, McCrory has been impressive for Norfolk so far this season. The 26-year-old relief pitcher is 2-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 30 appearances. He has five saves and has surrendered only one home run in 39 1/3 innings pitched.

McCrory recently answered the following survey for O’s on Deck. The survey was distributed and returned by the Norfolk Tides’ media relations department. Keep in mind that this survey is designed to give you a glimpse at what McCrory is like outside of what you see on the baseball field.

General information

Name: Bob McCrory
Age: 26
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 206 lbs.
Hometown: Hattiesburg, Miss.
Nicknames: Mac
Position: Right-handed pitcher
High school/college: University of Southern Mississippi
Time in professional baseball: Six years

Favorites

Current MLB player: Jesse Crain
All-time MLB player: Will Clark
MLB team: San Francisco Giants
Sport (other than baseball): Golf
Food: Sushi
Music: Rock and country
TV show: Family Guy or CSI
Movie: Facing the Giants
Hobbies: Golf, hunting, fishing

Other questions

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

My first call-up to the big leagues has been my favorite moment so far.

2. Who is your role model?

My entire family.

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

Play cards.

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

For me, it would be catcher because I played that position before I started pitching.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Surveying the minors