Fangraphs: Orioles Top 15 Prospects

[A_K]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.ph ... s-2012-13/

1. Bundy
2. Gausman
3. Schoop
4. Rodriguez
5. Hoes
6. Delmonico
7. Kline
8. Avery
9. G. Davis
10. Wright
11. Marin
12. T. Berry
13. Davies
14. Bridwell
15. S. Johnson

[birdwatcher55]

Seems like Bridwell is kinda low; Ditto for Delmonico

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Seems like Bridwell is kinda low; Ditto for Delmonico

That is a fair ranking for Delmonico. He has a great bat, but is probably limited to first base and likely won't develop enough power to play there.

[A_K]

Seems like Bridwell is kinda low; Ditto for Delmonico

If you click through, the writer says that Bridwell is one of his favorite arms in the Orioles system, but is ranked low because he has such a large range of outcomes.

[birdwatcher55]

That is a fair ranking for Delmonico. He has a great bat, but is probably limited to first base and likely won't develop enough power to play there.

That's early speculation really. My theory is those with a "great bat" can play anywhere

[ofahn]

That's early speculation really. My theory is those with a "great bat" can play anywhere

Where does that fit into the WINNING concept of pitching and defense?

[birdwatcher55]

Where does Billy Butler fit in?? Would you like him in your lineup??? Moral of the story: you find a spot for a good/great bat?? Few if any team has the perfect offensive/defensive mix

[Jordan Tuwiner]

That's early speculation really. My theory is those with a "great bat" can play anywhere

He can "play" anywhere, but his lack of a true position limits his value which is why I understand the lower ranking.

[ofahn]

My theory is those with a "great bat" can play anywhere

Where does Billy Butler fit in?? Would you like him in your lineup??? ... Few if any team has the perfect offensive/defensive mix

You do understand that your first statement and your example contradict each other, don't you?

[birdwatcher55]

Where is the contradiction??? A great bat fits in anywhere (LF, 1B, RF) Take you pick. You make no sense with your condesending attitude

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Where is the contradiction??? A great bat fits in anywhere (LF, 1B, RF) Take you pick. You make no sense with your condesending attitude

If he plays bad defense, the strength of his bat becomes much less important. If a prospect has no true defensive position their value decreases.

[birdwatcher55]

Like Big Pappi?? He can't field his glove but knocks down $16 mil per and puts up nice numbers every year. Don't think he has any value?? My point is: let's see where Delmonico settles in as a prospect; he could develop into a very good power hitter and if that is the case I'm sure the Orioles will find a place for him to play whether it's DH or 1B, LF or RF - three positions where you can put up with an occasional gaffe here or there. Like I told your buddy earlier: life is not perfect and few, if any teams, have the perfect offensive and defensive mix in their lineups

[A_K]

No one is suggesting the Orioles cut Delmonico because he's a hopeless prospect with no value whatsoever. All people are saying is that based on projections-- which are often wrong!-- it doesn't appear that he'll be a good enough offensive player to compensate for his lack of a defensive position. That's all.

[birdwatcher55]

No one is suggesting the Orioles cut Delmonico because he's a hopeless prospect with no value whatsoever. All people are saying is that based on projections-- which are often wrong!-- it doesn't appear that he'll be a good enough offensive player to compensate for his lack of a defensive position. That's all.

You need to give this guy time to develop his full game. If you ever played baseball or coached it, you will understand that young kids are pre-occupied with offense first and defense is something they usually don't work on initially. A lot of players get better by devoting more time with the glove and/or switching positions. Still got doubts?? Look no further than Mark Reynolds. He was atrocious at third base but put him on first and he was Gold Glove in the minds of a lot of people on this and other boards

[A_K]

You need to give this guy time to develop his full game. If you ever played baseball or coached it, you will understand that young kids are pre-occupied with offense first and defense is something they usually don't work on initially. A lot of players get better by devoting more time with the glove and/or switching positions. Still got doubts?? Look no further than Mark Reynolds. He was atrocious at third base but put him on first and he was Gold Glove in the minds of a lot of people on this and other boards

You're free to be as optimistic as you'd like to be about Delmonico or any other prospect.