Some leftovers from "Z"
Hopefully, you've already read Jeff Zrebiec's story on the Web site -- Minor miracle for O's farm system -- in which Jim Callis of Baseball America and Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus break down the Orioles minor league system. Jeff was nice enough to send along some of outtakes from his interviews.
Here is some further player analysis from Callis, who is executive editor of BA. I'll put up some more of Goldstein's analysis in my next post:
On Matt Wieters: "We haven’t done an overall prospect ranking but he’s definitely on the short list of guys that you can make a case for being the best prospect anywhere in the minor leaguers."
Chris Tillman: "Right now, I’m not sure that [the Orioles] would trade Chris Tillman straight up for Erik Bedard. We haven’t done the list, but if you made a short list of the top 10 or 15 pitching prospects in the minors, I think Chris Tillman will be on there. I think the Orioles are probably still dancing about the trade that they pulled off."
Brian Matusz: "Brian Matusz (right) was the best pitcher in this year’s draft. I could see Matusz being in their Opening Day rotation in 2010. He’s that polished. Guys like that are pretty hard to hold back."
Nolan Reimold: "He’s an eye of the beholder type. There has always been mixed opinion on him. [Scouts] continually say that here are holes in his swing that will get exposed when he moves up to the next level. But he stayed healthy [this season] and kept producing.
Brad Bergesen: "I’ve always heard that the numbers are more overwhelming than the stuff. I don’t think he’s a top guy, but he could project as a No 4 or 5."
Brandon Snyder: "I think they’ll get something out of him. But the problem is where’s he going to play? You are going to have to hit to play first base."
Comments
Great to hear that the "experts" think we're making progress. And, as we sink in the standings, the draft position improves. But '09, with 4 starting spots open, will still be another losing year unless Albers and Johnson can stabilize the rotation. The mentioned pitching prospects figure to be in Norfolk, at least in the beginning of next year.
With Liz still a project and Olson a huge disappointment, the Os' will need to sign at least one free agent vet to fill a slot and teach the kids how to be a ML pitcher (Derek Lowe?). Can't see them signing Burnett, between the contract it will take and his injury history but he'd surely help if he could stay healthy.
Lots of time to play GM as it figures to be an interesting off season for the O's. They have to sign a vet SS too while trying to trade for a future one. Let the fun begin!
Posted by: daydreamer | September 16, 2008 6:41 AM
"You are going to have to hit to play first base."
Not for the Orioles, just ask Millar.
Posted by: Jeff V. | September 16, 2008 9:53 AM