John Sickels Top 20 Orioles Prospects for 2013

[Jordan Tuwiner]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/11/ ... s-for-2013

Top 10
1) Dylan Bundy, RHP, Grade A
2) Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grade A-
3) Jonathan Schoop, INF, Grade B
4) Nick Delmonico, 1B, Grade B-
5) Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP, Grade B-
6) Branden Kline, RHP, Grade B-
7) Mike Wright, RHP, Grade B-
8) L.J. Hoes, OF, Grade C+
9) Steve Johnson, RHP, Grade C+
10) Christian Walker, 1B, Grade C+

[Old Sneakers]

Everyone is really high on Rodriguez. I hope that isn't over-hype or some reflection on the state of our farm system past the top two players.

Hopefully Klein is healthy this year and able to develop.

[ofahn]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/11/27/3698600/baltimore-orioles-top-20-prospects-for-2013

Top 10
1) Dylan Bundy, RHP, Grade A
2) Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grade A-
3) Jonathan Schoop, INF, Grade B
4) Nick Delmonico, 1B, Grade B-
5) Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP, Grade B-
6) Branden Kline, RHP, Grade B-
7) Mike Wright, RHP, Grade B-
8) L.J. Hoes, OF, Grade C+
9) Steve Johnson, RHP, Grade C+
10) Christian Walker, 1B, Grade C+

I think the only name that really surprises me is Steve Johnson. I've have considered him a ML pitcher for the last two seasons, but most of the baseball world did not. It's good to see him get the recognition he deserves.

[osforlife]

Is Dan Klein still rehabbing from...shoulder issues?
Why did we release Kipp Schutz?

[ofahn]

Is Dan Klein still rehabbing from...shoulder issues?

Yes, and should be ready to compete in ST. If he can't throw at least 50 innings this year you have to have serious concerns about his career.

[OriolesRedskins28]

It would be HUGE if Schoop could elevate himself to B+ this season.

[ofahn]

It would be HUGE if Schoop could elevate himself to B+ this season.

It would not surprise me to see things suddenly "click" for him this year and he takes a giant leap that lands him in Baltimore towards the end of the season.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Everyone is really high on Rodriguez. I hope that isn't over-hype or some reflection on the state of our farm system past the top two players.

Hopefully Klein is healthy this year and able to develop.

I've only heard good things about Rodriguez from scouts.

It's not a particularly good sign that he is the #5 prospect but he is a solid guy to have in the system. Certainly nice to see another international guy up there.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Is Dan Klein still rehabbing from...shoulder issues?
Why did we release Kipp Schutz?

I heard that Schutz was healthy but the O's just kept him on IR so he asked for his released and they granted it.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

It would not surprise me to see things suddenly "click" for him this year and he takes a giant leap that lands him in Baltimore towards the end of the season.

I think that is likely. He made adjustments toward the end of last season and he'll still be young for the EL if that's where he is next year.

[dan72]

No Xavier Avery? I know he has to work on his hitting/ getting on base, but I still think he has tremendous upside. Super speed, above average glove......and still very young.

[Old Sneakers]

The thing with Avery is if he wants to play a meaningful role in the ML. He will really have to up his batting line a great deal. Yes, he's a fantastic athlete. But the team needs run production. My guess is he's back in Norfolk working on that at the plate. However, it would take significant injuries to the team's outfield to see him get real playing time in Baltimore.

[ofahn]

The thing with Avery is if he wants to play a meaningful role in the ML. He will really have to up his batting line a great deal. Yes, he's a fantastic athlete. But the team needs run production. My guess is he's back in Norfolk working on that at the plate. However, it would take significant injuries to the team's outfield to see him get real playing time in Baltimore.

If he can maintain an OPS of at least .850 at AAA he should be in demand on the trade market. He can FORCE his way into the ML but it may not be with the Orioles.

[Old Sneakers]

OPS of .850 and just about anyone can force there way into the ML. I see him having a very difficult time achieving that.

[ofahn]

OPS of .850 and just about anyone can force there way into the ML. I see him having a very difficult time achieving that.

I don't. He has all of the skills to reach that level. He's just going to need to make some adjustments. He has a reputation as being coach-able and he's young enough that he has fewer bad habits to break. This will be a BIG season for him.