O's top prospects: Destinations
If you can't wait for the end of minor league camp to find out where the Orioles' top prospects will be starting out the regular season, Dan Connolly has done some digging, and he's pretty much figured it out.
Of the four top pitching prospects who were sent out today, only Chris Tillman (left) is expected to start the season at Triple-A Norfolk. That's the plan for him, unless the Orioles come up with too many older starting pitchers who need to be in the Triple-A rotation, and you know that's not going to be a problem.
Local fans will be very pleased to hear that Jake Arrieta and Troy Patton will be pitching nearby for the Bowie Baysox and top 2008 draft choice Brian Matusz will start at Class-A Frederick, though I'm guessing he'll join Arrieta and Patton in Bowie before long.
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Comments
Why do you think that Matusz was sent to Class A? I thought he was pretty good this spring.
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Pete's reply: He was great this spring, but sent to Class-A because that's the plan. They did the same thing with Wieters. Let him dominate at that level, work on some things, and move up to Bowie mid-year.
Posted by: Bash123 | March 14, 2009 5:35 PM
Pete, How is Chorye Spoone doing in spring training? Is he going back to Bowie?
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Pete's reply: Chorye has been rehabbing and has yet to do anything competitive. He was optioned yesterday. Don't know where he'll go yet.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 14, 2009 9:06 PM
I hope Tillman isn't denied a spot at Norfolk because of someone like Andy Mitchell.
Posted by: John | March 15, 2009 8:33 AM
Do you see Patton staying in Bowie for very long? He pitched well in AA for the Astros (6-6 2.99 era). Or are the O's looking to keep him close so they can call him up?
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Pete's reply: I think he'll be there awhile. They probably have him there so the front office types can go see him more often.
Posted by: Andy K | March 15, 2009 4:50 PM