Baseball America on the O's 2011 Draft

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Best Pure Hitter: Nick Delmonico
Best Power Hitter: Nick Delmonico
Fastest Runner: Jalen Simmons
Best Defender: Jason Esposito
Best Fastball Dylan Bundy
Best Secondary Pitch: Mike Wright
Best Pro Debut: Trent Howard, Mark Blackmar, Tyler Wilson
Best Athlete: Jalen Simmons
Most Intriguing Background: Dylan Bundy, Nick Delmonico, Johnny Ruettiger
Closest to the Majors: Dylan Bundy, Kyle Simon
The One Who got Away: Jason Coats, Adam Matthews

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/d ... 12490.html

Some additional notes:
- Compare Esposito's defense to Ryan Zimmerman and Matt Dominguez (3B, Marlins)
- Mike Wright's fastball is also a very good pitch.
- Wright's slider has plus potential.
- Kyle Simon could move quickly as a reliever if his velocity returns to the low 90s.

Be sure to check out Don's report with scouting reports on all 22 signed picks: http://orioles-nation.com/2011/08/16/or ... t-wrap-up/

[Jordan Tuwiner]

"Quick Take"

Bundy could be the draft's best player, and Wright has a live arm, making this a strong pitching class. Esposito and especially Delmonico must come through to bring Baltimore some bats.
Bonus Spending: $8.4 million

[Don]

Looking back after a few months, the Orioles addressed some risk in the system with guys that may not have star power, but should move quickly through the system to help either as a starter, reliever, or spot duty backup.

I think this was a bridge the gap draft to infuse Wright, Howard, Simon quick into the lower level and likely one could join Bowie later next season. I like what I saw out of Howard. I have always liked Wright more than others in my region. Heavy fastball/slider combo takes him a great way. I would not tinker with starter and get him into Baltimore by early 2013.

Blackmar did better than I expected and took his game up a notch. He was clearly misused in college and may end up being a nice return.