Bluefield Orioles Season Preview

Published by Jordan Tuwiner on June 22, 2010 | 6 Responses

Roster

Pitchers: David Baker, Dustin Carder, Angel Cespedes, Jairo De La Cruz, Billy Gross, Andrew Huebner, Jarret Martin, Pat McCrory, Zachary Petersime, Daurin Tavarez, Sam Taveras

Catchers: Michael Ohlman, Dennis Perez, Dashenko Ricardo

Infielders: Anderson Childers, Moises Ciriaco, Eiris Ramirez, Javier Santana, Corey Thomas

Outfielders: Edwin Cintron, Kyle Hoppy, Luis Ramirez, Larry Rivera, Brenden Webb

Players to Watch

David Baker -After registering 20 strikeouts in 15.2 innings last season, Baker made himself a definite player to watch this season. He pounds the zone with a low 90′s fastball from a deceptive delivery.

Jarret Martin - The Orioles drafted Martin in 2008 but failed to sign him, later signing him as a member of their 2009 draft class. He’s an intriguing lefty with a fastball that touches 91 and a slightly above-average curveball.

Michael Ohlman - It’s clear the Sally League was too advanced for Ohlman and a move to the Appalachian League should allow him to settle down and put up some good numbers.

Brenden Webb – A toolsy outfielder selected in the 30th round of the 2009 draft, Webb is a potential 5 tool player. I came away impressed after watching him on three different occasions at spring training. He’s a patient hitter, with above-average speed and excellent defense from any outfield position.

Notes

  • Ohlman and Webb are really the players to watch here. Both signed for over-slot deals in the 2009 draft.
  • You can see spring training video of Webb here.

About The Author

- Founder and Executive Editor

Jordan founded Orioles-Nation.com in November 2009. He is a computer science & business major at Towson University. He is the site programmer, designer, editor and primary minor league writer. He also contributes to and maintains the site’s prospect rankings and scouting reports. Jordan's work has been recognized in a number of publications including MASN, The Baltimore Sun, MLB Trade Rumors, FanGraphs and Project Prospect. In addition, Jordan is a special contributor to John Sickels’ (formerly of ESPN.com) blog, Minor League Ball. Read more about Jordan at JordanTuwiner.com and follow him on Google+ and on Twitter @JordanTuwiner.

6 Responses

  1. DoubleB
    DoubleB June 23, 2010 at 10:16 am |

    Jordan, do you know why Ohlman is at Bluefield? is this for injury reasons or is it because of is struggles at Delmarva?

  2. qbsillest1
    qbsillest1 June 24, 2010 at 11:53 am |

    I could be wrong, but I have always thought Martin sat low 90′s touching higher on the occasion…….

    1. Jordan
      Jordan June 24, 2010 at 12:36 pm |

      I could be wrong as well…I don’t remember him telling me he touched higher at spring training when we talked about this. I’ll check back in with him again and get back to you.

  3. qbsillest1
    qbsillest1 June 24, 2010 at 11:54 am |

    http://www.brewerfan.net/ViewAmateurPlayerProfile.do?playerId=789&draftId=6

    Here is an old report on him….

  4. NYOrioleFan
    NYOrioleFan June 28, 2010 at 10:55 pm |

    Here is another inspiring story from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph about Jeremy Shelby and Cody Young. Both players survived cancer during their childhood. Shelby had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Young had metastisized liver cancer.

    So far, Young has gotten into 2 games and is batting .200, and Shelby has gotten into 4 games and is batting.091. Hopefully, these numbers will improve as the short season continues. Even if they don’t, these two are realy great people and role models.

    1. Jordan
      Jordan June 28, 2010 at 10:58 pm |

      Thanks for the link. Definitely agree with you. Shelby is a player that is definitely worth watching. He doesn’t have a lot of potential but with this story and the fact that his father is an O’s coach, I’ll definitely keep a close eye on him.