Baltimore Orioles 2011 Draft Wrap-Up

Now that the August 16th midnight deadline for signing draft picks has passed, it’s time to breakdown all of the Orioles’ selections. Here is our complete 2011 draft review that includes scouting reports for all 22 picks signed.

The Picks and Their Money

The Orioles were successful in signing 22 of their 50 picks and the total of the bonuses that have been made available comes to $7,831,000 million, as noted above. The average total teams spent on draft picks in 2010 was $6.5 million, but spending looks to be way up this year and the new average could be as high as $8-$9 million this year.

The Orioles tied up roughly 51% percent of their draft budget in top pick Dylan Bundy, completed 5 over-slot deals, and had 10 total contracts worth $100,000 or more.

Baltimore signed 15 pitchers and 7 position players; 16 were college players, 5 were high schoolers, and one was a JuCo player.

Scouting Reports

Below you can find scouting reports on the majority of Baltimore’s signed picks. A big thank you to Don for putting most of these together.

1. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso HS

Solid frame and good lower half. Described as “athletic thick” and carries weight well. Limited by height. Carries a bit of muscle for his age, could continue to add 5-10 pounds without adverse effect. Body type consistent with the workhorse power pitchers.

Fastball sits in the mid 90’s late in games and he touches high 90’s with ease. Normally hits 98 mph and 99 mph several times per start; commands fastball well. Added cutter to arsenal in 2011; now a plus pitch.

Cutter has a very nice horizontal plane with a tight late break; ranging from upper 80’s to low 90’s. Curveball has two plane curveball and sits in the mid to upper 70’s; should be above-average going forward.

Changeup is a good pitch with room for improvement; sits in the upper 70’s and very low 80’s; should also become above-average pitch. He simply makes bats miss and racks up strikeouts. Does a great job of working off the fastball with the cutter and really likes to attack hitters.

Passion on the hill is obvious and he is constantly in a showdown against each and every hitter. Arm slot in the loading phase is a little stretched and he goes beyond the 90 degree angle with the hand. It is only slight and depending on coaching it could remain the same. His arm slot does add a bit of pressure, but nothing alarming of inverted problems.

Has a lot of traits of a power pitcher with a solid tuck and a powerful stride to go with a smooth and seemingly effortless approach. Gets a great amount of push from the lower half and it shows you why he can reach the upper 90′s. Downhill thrower with limited “wasted motion” and a solid plant foot. Could use a bit more follow through and finish the delivery better. Projects as a true ace.

Read Bundy’s full scouting Report >>
Dylan Bundy Named BA High School Player of the Year >>
Dylan Bundy Player Profile >>
Updated 2011 Draft Tracker >>
Orioles Sign Dylan Bundy >>

2. Jason Esposito, 3B, Vanderbilt

Jason Esposito is solid value as a second round pick and is a re-draft from the Royals (7th round, 2008).  He was a top 50 player on Don’s board.  He displays a strong arm and is nimble enough to stay at the hot corner.

The key is consistency. If he were consistent with his bat, he would have easily been a first round pick. He shows solid contact and power potential at the plate, but will have to quiet down and improve upon his foundation.  He could be a .280 hitter with a chance for 20+ home run power potential.  If he can fill out, the power has the potential to increase.

O’s Sign Jason Esposito >>
Jason Esposito Profile >>

3. Mike Wright, RHP, East Carolina

Don saw Wright live in the Cape League with Harwich, when was used solely as a relief pitcher. He has a very live fastball with solid movement and can reach into the 96-97 mph range. It’s considered it his only plus pitch and only pitch of quality at the moment. He has a potential three pitch repertoire that could move him into a starter role, where he did pitch this past season at East Carolina.

He has the potential to grow on his 6’5″ frame that could gain another 15-20 pounds as a professional. In the bullpen, he could mimic Dan Klien’s advancement and be with the big league team in short order.

Mike Wright Video >>
Mike Wright Profile >>

4. Kyle Simon, RHP, Arizona

Simon is a guy that could be a decent change of pace type arm in the back of a rotation.  He has size and a slightly low 3/4 slot delivery. He pulls up and needs to use his entire body to take advantage of his frame, which could improve his pitches’ effectiveness.  He does a good job of keeping the ball down in the zone and displays solid control of a low 90′s fastball that will sneak up to 93-94 mph on occasion.

His slider will need to improve and maintain its tight two plane break, but with his arm slot it gets a good amount of movement and could become an above average MLB pitch.   Since he comes from the low slot, every pitch dances.  His stuff could play better in the professional ranks than it did in college. Simon was a good choice in the fourth round.

Kyle Simon Profile >>

5. Matt Taylor, LHP, Middle Georgia

Matt Taylor is a projectable left handed pitcher that can keep the ball down in the zone.

Matt Taylor is a projectable left handed pitcher that can keep the ball down in the zone.  He throws a real heavy fastball and a decent two-seamer that show solid sink and lateral movement.  His curveball shows some flash potential and with the high 3/4 slot delivery gives off the “slurve” type feel.

Even though he is a two year college lefty, he will have to be brought along slowly, and his makeup will need some fine tuning.  He will likely command over slot money to keep him from joining the Georgia Bulldogs in the fall.

His delivery is a tad cumbersome and leads one to believe that his future is in the bullpen. He places some additional stress on his shoulder and elbow that would not be a huge issue with limited pitches on the arm. His delivery is a slightly more exaggerated version of Carlos Marmol (Chicago Cubs). He gets a great deal of downhill action with very solid push, tuck, rotation, and stride length, which help take pressure from some of the previously mentioned items. He gets a good release and extension to make the fastball feel seem faster than it’s thrown.

Matt Taylor Video >>
Matt Taylor Profile >>

6. Nick Delmonico, 3B, Farragut HS

Nick Delmonico has a very high baseball IQ and at one point was seen as a top half of the first round selection. He has a highly projectable body and a ton of baseball skill.  His bat is what stands out at this time; he shows solid plate discipline and should be an above average contact hitter. He should grow into at least an average power hitter for third, and maybe more with some psychical development.

His defense at catcher was slightly below average, and the Orioles plan to use his strong arm and quick reactions at 3B.  He has enough athleticism to play the corner outfield in the future if necessary.

Nick Delmonico Profile >>
O’s Sign Nick Delmonico >>

7. Trent Howard, LHP, Central Michigan

When you pick guys from as far north as Michigan who have little baseball time under their belt, you have to think projection.  Trent Howard started and closed for both his high school and college teams and played in Indiana, as well as at  Central Michigan University.  He looks like a future bullpen lefty with a solid low 90s fastball.  He will have to refine his curveball and change up, but looking at his arsenal a sinker would be a good addition.

His delivery needs some refinement, but he could be a nice LOOGY as a member of the Orioles.  There is a chance for him to become a starter because daily coaching and repetitive conditioning could greatly enhance his skill set.

Trent Howard Profile >>

8. Johnny Ruettiger, CF, Arizona

Ruettiger is another Joe Jordan pick that goes along the lines of Trent Mummey, Kyle Hudson, and Matt Angle: a top of the order college center fielder.

He grades out above average for defense and slightly above average for speed.  Ruettiger will have to continue to show that he will be able to hit professional pitching to project anything greater than a 4th outfielder.  If he can hit for contact, he projects as #1 or #9 hole everyday hitter.

O’s Sign Johnny Ruettiger >>

9. Devin Jones, RHP, Mississippi State

Devin Jones is a very raw pitcher that will need a bit of refinement. His stuff is that of a first or second round talent, but it might be limited to the fastball and slider combo.

In relief, he can gear it up to 94-95 mph, but it’s unclear not quite sure if that speed can stay as a starter. His slider shows glimpes of an ability to be a future out pitch. He still has room to add weight, which could lead to significant improvements.

Devin Jones Profile >>

10. Tyler Wilson, RHP, Virginia

Wilson is another right handed relief pitcher, this time from the University of Virginia. He is an efficient arm, and has solid potential to become a reliever.

He works with a low 90′s fastball and his secondary offerings need improvement. His arm action is a bit scary, but fine for the shorter outings and smaller workloads.

Tyler Wilson Profile >>

11. Adam Davis, C, Illinois

Adam Davis is a free swinger at the plate and needs to be more patient. He sits on top of the plate and uses quick hands to spray line drives to all fields.

Behind the dish is where Davis really shines, as he consistently posts pop times in the 1.9 range and makes aggressive throws to all bases.  He has above average speed for a catcher.

Adam Davis Profile >>

15. Eric Wooten, LHP, Central Arizona College

Eric Wooten has profiled as a bullpen arm at every stage, including Central Arizona and in summer ball in the Northwoods League.  He has a slim frame that could pack on another 10-15 pounds.

He holds high marks for his ability to control the zone and command the fastball and change up.  He showcases some potential swing and miss stuff to go along with ground ball ability.  His slot and delivery make it difficult for left handed hitters to pick up at this stage and it could be useful tool as he progresses through the system.  If he can maintain that ability to get out left handed hitters effectively, he could be a useful LOOGY in the future.

16. Mark Blackmar, RHP, Temple

Mark Blackmar is the son of PGA golfer Phil Blackmar.

Mark Blackmar is an athletic pitcher out of Temple, and was also an outfielder in high school. He works with an 88-91 mph fastball, a slider and a changeup that’s a work in progress.

Mark Blackmar Profile >>

19. Dustin Ward, LHP, Central Arkansas

Ward was a starter at Central Arkansas and was fairly dominate in the league.  He may have little projection left in the 6’1″ frame, but word on him is “workout warrior” and “gym rat”.

Unlike most left handers, Dustin throws from a higher slot and does not have the natural arm action movement typical of a southpaw pitcher.  His fastball can get up, but is more effective in short stints.  He has a nice array of off-speed offerings that he can get over for strikes and should be swing/miss pitches out of the bullpen.

With the increased velocity in late innings, expect him to be low 90s.  eeing his early performance at the Gulf Coast League, he is slated more as a late inning type and not a LOOGY.

21. Jose Rivera, RHP, Hill JC

A product of Puerto Rico, Jose Rivera displays a smooth, easy action delivery on a smaller frame, and he could fill out a bit more which would improve his arsenal.  He showcases a decent fastball that could improve with some with a heavier drive towards the plate and de-emphasis the slight sweep action drift.

His change up shows some promise and has some late tailing action and he has a workable 12/6 curveball that needs some refinement.  He is rather raw overall, but has the makings for three solid pitches. With a bit more lower half growth, lower half strength, and refined mechanics that utilize the entire body in the delivery, he could show a bit more power behind all three pitches.

24. Jalen Simmons, OF, Camden County HS

Simmons was a heavily recruited football player but ultimately chose baseball over football. He’s athletic and has above-average speed but is  extremely raw.

26. Zach Davies, RHP, Mesquite HS

Zach Davies is a kid with a strong arm, built on a smaller frame.  He will be compared to every 6′ 0″ or shorter pitcher in the game today like Tim Lincecum, Mike Leake, Tim Redding and countless others.

He has a few pitches that I like at the moment and think he has a bit of room to develop as a later round selection.  His fastball for someone his size — 150 pounds and that’s being generous — has some life, sits in the upper 80s and will touch 90 mph.  He throws a solid slider and curveball in the upper 70′s and a shows the foundation for a decent change up.  His ability to improve will be based on his conditioning and dietary habits.  He is a small, slim person that has a rocket for an arm at I guess 140-145 pounds.  He reminds me of the slew of Dominican teammates that would throw 90 with toothpick arms.  I know it sound like a slight, but I think it is a complement to him.  He was committed to ASU.

O’s Sign Zach Davies for $575,000 >>

29. Cameron Edman, C, Gonzaga

Cameron Edman plays both catcher and first base. He has average arm strength and is an above-average fielder at first base; consistently scoops up bad throws. He has a solid line drive swing.

Cameron Edman Profile >>

34. Zach Fowler, LHP, Texas Tech

Zach Fowler has a big league body and works with an 89-91 mph fastball.

Fowler was a late draft choice with some rough edges, but encouraging signs. He has a big league body and works with a 89-91 mph fastball. Left handed pitchers typically have some 3/4 slot or low exaggeration on the 3/4 as a natural movement, but Fowler’s release comes almost over the top. He has a smooth delivery with a slightly elongated back end and stress free alignment as he transitions.

He has decent push that could use a bit more drive, especially from someone his size. Increased drive could add a tick or two to his fastball. At his best, he shows solid rotation, tuck and follow through, but needs to maintain consistency in his delivery. He has decent deception in his delivery. You can never have enough left handed pitchers that throw in the low 90s. Potential LOOGY.

Zach Fowler Profile (with video) >>

38. Jerome Pena, 2B, Texas Christian

Pena has a short, contact oriented swing from both sides of the plate. He is an average defender at second base with an average arm.

Jerome Pena Profile >>

40. Bennett Parry, LHP, Cal State Northridge

Parry has a highly projectable body and frame to suggest that he has just scratched the surface of his ability.  He is a frail 180-185 and at his height of 6’5″ inches, he can pack on 30 pounds on that frame rather quickly.

Throwing from a 3/4 slot, it should allow for all of his pitches to move.  He sits in the low 90′s with the four seam fastball. Bennet flashes two separate style 2-seam fastballs, one with late sinking bite and another harder version with late lateral movement that he likes to use as an out pitch.  He flashes some potential with the circle change up that has some nice fading action away from right handed hitters.

He has to clean himself up mechanically and showcase a repeatable delivery, but there is a lot to like out the projectable left handed pitcher.

42. Jason McCracken, RHP, No School

Jason showcased as a late inning relief pitcher for Los Angeles Piece Community College.  He can be described as a raw, tall, right handed pitcher with a solid frame that can easily fill out more on his already 225 lb body.

At this stage, he is a thrower and will require a great deal of instruction to learn the craft of pitching.  He has some good things going for him and flashes a workable hammer curveball.  He has decent zip on the fastball, but will have to clean up mechanically in order to enhance his repertoire.  He may require a great deal of work, but the size and potential is what sticks out on this late round pick.

O’s Sign Jason McCracken >>