The following players are guys ranked in the 91-120 range on my board that could be targets for the O’s.
Matt Purke (LHP, TCU)
I know everyone is fully aware that he has a sling arm action, and some aspects of his approach could pose mechanical problems leading to ulnar or rotator cuff issues long term, but this is with the idea that he is a starter. You most likely will not be able to change him mechanically without the possibility of diminished repertoire, but why fix it? I would give him first round money at this time and hope better pitching instruction with a professional ball club can create improvements. I would work him slowly and make him a future late inning relief pitcher for his safety and improve his overall value long term. I have seen funkier deliveries last a long time in the bullpen and I might roll the dice if I were Joe Jordan.
Kevin Brady (RHP, Clemson)
The Orioles really like re-drafting pitchers and have done this many times under Joe Jordan’s direction. Brady is a third year sophomore and local product that turned down above slot money to go off to Clemson in 2008. He works off four pitches, but really is a two pitch combo guy with a fastball and slider that show projection. He could work a better change up and should improve with professional coaching. I do not see much movement out of his arsenal and not much growth from his days in Gaithersburg, which makes me pause about him long term, but they saw something years ago and I would not be surprised for a re-draft. I have him ranked high, but it is possible that he could be a late to mid-round selection.
Ricky Oropesa (1B, USC)
Oropesa has raw power and shows it to all parts of the field. The draft eligible sophomore should be a future first baseman and may not be quite ready with the bat. He shows powerful hands and bat speed that could make him an average hitter with above average pop. He could turn on the light bulb and really rocket up as a prospect and it is this thought that could make him a quality steal at this point in the draft.
