ON Top 50 Prospects – #16: Brandon Snyder
Snyder’s 1.018 OPS though 58 games in the Eastern had some people calling him the Orioles’ first baseman of the future. His stellar play earned him a promotion to Norfolk where his performance went way downhill. He’s been on a decline ever since.
ON Top 50 Prospects – #17: Jesse Beal
If you’re looking for a unique, under the radar pitching prospect, you’ve found your guy: Jesse Beal. He was shutdown towards the end of the season with a tired arm, likely a result of his thin frame (see the picture below), which is going to be key for Beal going forward.
ON Top 50 Prospects – #18: Wynn Pelzer
Wynn Pelzer was acquired from the Padres at the 2010 trade deadline in return for Miguel Tejada. At the time of the trade, the Padres had recently moved Pelzer out of the rotation, where he made 18 starts, to the bullpen where he made 4 appearances. The Orioles decided to keep him in the bullpen when he joined the Baysox, and saw mixed results.
ON Top 50 Prospects – #19: Caleb Joseph
In Matt Wieters the Orioles already have their starting catcher for the next 5 years, but also have what looks to be their backup catcher in Caleb Joseph. The Libscomb University product was drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB draft and signed for $125,000.
ON Top 50 Prospects – #20: Trent Mummey
The Orioles continued their streak of drafting polished college outfielders early when they selected Trent Mummey in the 4th round of the 2010 draft. His plus defense, plus speed, ability to hit for average power and ability to get on-base makes him a legitimate outfield who can be projected to start in the majors one day.
ON Top 50 Prospects – #21: Brandon Erbe
Brandon Erbe missed the second half of the 2010 season and underwent labrum surgery. He should make a return sometime in the second half of 2011 once he’s fully recovered. What should we expect when he’s back on the mound?
ON Top 50 Prospects – #22: Connor Narron
Connor Narron represented a somewhat risky over-slot pick for BAL Director of Scouting Joe Jordan. He had a verbal commitment to North Carolina but opted to sign with Baltimore on August 4th, 2010. Connor is the son of ex-big leaguer Jerry Narron.
ON Top 50 Prospects – #23: Brandon Cooney
Brandon Cooney is about as intimidating of a presence as you’ll ever see on the mound, standing 6′ 6″ and weighing in at 260 pounds. He was originally drafted as a starter but the Orioles shifted him to the bullpen and immediately thrived. He has been pretty dominant ever since.
ON Top 50 Prospects – #24: Oliver Drake
While most teams had no idea he was draft eligible as a sophomore at the Naval Academy, the Orioles scooped up Oliver Drake in the 43rd round of the 2008 MLB draft and signed him for $100,000.
Kenny Wise Looks to Continue Growth This Season
Every minor league camp is filled with players trying to get noticed – mostly lanky young men attempting to convince scouts and evaluators of what they might one day become. At 6’6″, 225 pounds, however, it’s difficult not to catch some attention. An imposing physical specimen, Orioles pitching prospect Ken Wise tends to stand out among his peers.
