ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #32: Connor Narron

[Jordan Tuwiner]

http://orioles-nation.com/2012/12/25/on ... or-narron/

Connor Narron was the Orioles’ 5th round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft. He had a verbal commitment to North Carolina but opted to sign with Baltimore for $650,000 in early-August.

Because he signed in August, Narron made it into 19 minor league games in 2010. He spent all of 2011 with the IronBirds and displayed a good eye, but little power.

Narron opened 2012 with the Shorebirds, but struggled to find consistent playing time until nearly half way through the season. Although he failed to hit a single home run in 2011, Narron smashed 10 home runs while playing for the Shorebirds.

2013 Top 50 List
32. Connor Narron
33. Brian Ward
34. Jaime Esquivel
35. Matt Taylor
36. Tyler Townsend
37. Caleb Joseph
38. Mark Blackmar
39. Sebastian Vader
40. Matt Price
41. Oliver Drake
42. Hector Veloz
43. Wynston Sawyer
44. Matt Bywater
45. Ryan Berry
46. Tyler Kelly
47. Zach Clark
48. Mychal Givens
49. Ashur Tolliver
50. Brady Wager

[ofahn]

It's time for Narron to convert potential into production. The hit tools are there, but Conner apparently thought he didn't really have to take the game seriously or work hard to make it to the majors. He learned he was wrong and last year he started to apply himself.

If he starts at Frederick this year and is dominant there at age 21 he'll jump onto everyone's list of top Orioles' prospects. Young productive power hitters are rare in the game and even more rare in this organization.

[dan72]

Saw him play some in Aberdeen, despite the lack of power the ball seemed to jump off his bat. He was an absolute butcher in the field. Multiple errors in every game I saw him in. He seemed confident which is important. I think this is a big year for him. Is he for real?

[ofahn]

He was an absolute butcher in the field

Looks like his glove will move him to a corner OF spot. Let's hope his bat will become the run producer that position demands.

[Shorebirdfan]

I also blame the organization on this one a little. They need to settle on a position for him. I also completely agree that he, like Steve Bumbry, thought his name alone could carry him through. It appeared late in the season, however, that he finally moved past that.

[ofahn]

I also blame the organization on this one a little. They need to settle on a position for him.

Would you agree that last year was the first in a VERY long time that some common sense was used in making development decisions?

[Shorebirdfan]

Would you agree that last year was the first in a VERY long time that some common sense was used in making development decisions?

Absolutely. I still think some of the minor league leadership needs a shake up, but overloading the organization with AAAA guys to allow time to evaluate and SLOW some of the potential talent in the minors was a great first step.

[Old Sneakers]

Just a question: What is Connor Narron's position?

He was drafted as a SS, he's listed as a 1B... You guys have seen him in the outfield. What the heck? You mean to tell me he was drafted in 2010 and still hasn't settled at one position?

[ofahn]

Just a question: What is Connor Narron's position?

He was drafted as a SS, he's listed as a 1B... You guys have seen him in the outfield. What the heck? You mean to tell me he was drafted in 2010 and still hasn't settled at one position?

IMO he was moved off his regular position because his attitude sucked and other players deserved the playing time over him. The attitude seems to have changed during the latter half of last season so we might get a chance to see him playing up to his potential.

[ofahn]

I still think some of the minor league leadership needs a shake up

Would you consider the reassignment of Stockstill to be step in the right direction?