MAKING THE PITCH: Baltimore Orioles

Buck Showalter will have to dig deep into his bag of tricks to get the Orioles
to repeat their unforeseen performance from last season.
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos)

Felipe M

We take a look at the projected starting rotations and closer situations of every MLB team.  Of course, this will come from a fantasy perspective.  All cited stats are based on 2013 projections. 

For our review of the Atlanta Braves, click here. 

The Baltimore Orioles are next.

PROBABLE STARTING ROTATION

1. Jason Hammel
• Good: Shows a good knack for strikeouts (6.95 K/9) and can limit his walks and homer runs to respectable, low levels.
• Bad: WHIP of 1.27 makes him a pitcher not worth grabbing too early.  He's also the "ace" of an Orioles' team that might not be able to repeat what they did in 2012 so wins might be harder to come by.
2. Wei-Yin Chen
• Good: Respectable 2.71 K/BB.  Finesse pitcher that won't hurt himself with too many walks.
• Bad: Can be very hittable, but worst of all, playing in Baltimore, his 1.20 HR/9 will drive you crazy.
3. Chris Tillman
• Good: Had a solid year in 2012 and adequate K/BB of 2.18 shows potential to repeat similar performance.   
• Bad: 8.84 H/9 is similar to Chen's H/9 of 8.81 and boosts WHIP to 1.34.  Just like Chen,  HR/9 of 1.14 shows his issues with the long ball, especially at Camden Yards.
4. Miguel Gonzalez
• Good: Has similar numbers as his teammates.  2.21 K/BB might make him an adequate pitcher in any league.  
• Bad: Despite having a relatively low H/9 of 8.36, his WHIP is still at 1.27, damaged by a BB/9 of 3.05.  It's not too high, but when you add his 8+ H/9, that made his WHIP too high.  HR/9 of 1.18 is not too high, but considering where he pitches his home games, that number might prove to be higher.
5. Dylan Bundy
• Good: #1 Orioles' prospect.  May not get the job out of spring training, but is worth monitoring, especially when you consider the other pitchers vying for that #5 spot: Bundy is simply the most intriguing.  7.53 K/9 makes him an attractive option.
• Bad: Control, just like many young pitchers, will be a major issue (3.49 BB/9).  Might not start right away in the Majors and judging by his age, 20, might not be called up this season either.  But potential is very intriguing and the Orioles have proven to bring up prospects if they believe they can help them win games now.

CLOSERS

1. Jim Johnson
• Good: Very good control (1.93 BB/9).  WHIP of 1.10 and HR/9 of .51 indicates that he won't hurt himself too much despite being more of a finesse closer.  
• Bad: 5.79 K/9 is what keeps him from being an elite closer despite showing that he can rack up saves.  You don't have to be on a winning team to be an effective fantasy closer, but to save 50+ saves again, the Orioles have to repeat their lucky, late-inning heroics again.

FANTASY ADVICE

It's really interesting how teams somehow find similar pitchers to fill out their starting rotation.  So far, the Braves rotation has looked the best in this review.  The Orioles rotation is nowhere near the Braves.  What they lack in skill and dominance, they make up by having four starters that are not ashamed to be finesse pitchers that do a good job in limiting their walks and strikeout enough batters to be somewhat relevant in fantasy leagues.  

However, because of their pitching styles, some hit balls might fall for base-hits.  But the big concern with this club is a propensity to give up homeruns, especially when one considers that they play at Camden.  Only Hammel would be considered someone you can plug into your middle rotation.  The other starters might be good to fill out the rest of your backend. 

More MLB content can be read here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #50-46

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

50. Jake Marisnick--OF--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term, but can hit for power/average and is fast."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #2 Prospect for Toronto Blue Jays as well as Best OF Arm and Best Outfielder in their farm system; #11 and #9 Best Prospect in Florida State and Eastern Leagues, respectively. 
• Conclusion: Marisnick was traded to Miami in the trade that brought Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, Mark Buehrle, and John Buck to Toronto. Marisnick posted decent stats in Hi-A Ball (.263/.349/.451/.800), but struggled in Double-A, posting Slash Lines of .233/.286/.336/.622). He did manage to steal 24 bases in 2012 proving that he is fast on the basepaths. However, Marisnick will have to have a better season in Double-A before the Marlins even think about calling him up to the Big Club. 

49. Gerrit Cole--SP--Pittsburgh Pirates

• 2012 Outlook: "Looked sharp in [2011] Arizona Fall League. Might make the Big Leagues by late 2012."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #2 Prospect and Best Fastball in Florida State League; #3 Best Prospect in Eastern League.
• Conclusion: If there was any more wonder as to why the Diamondbacks traded away prize prospect Trevor Bauer, Cole might have known something about Bauer that others might not have as both were teammates at UCLA and both were high draft picks in 2011. Should be interesting to see how both pitchers' careers will continue to connect with each other. Sort of similar to the 2012 NFL QB Class of Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, etc. The Pirates are taking their time with Cole, but Cole is accelerating rapidly beginning his first year of Professional Baseball in High-A Ball and made one start in Triple-A in 2012. Last year, Cole posted dominant stats, but a BB/9 of 3.1 is a slight alarm. 

48. Matt Dominguez--3B--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "Ready to play in the Majors, but bat is suspect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Best Defensive 3B in Pacific Coast League
• Conclusion: Dominguez came to the Astros via Miami in a trade that sent Carlos Lee to the Marlins in July. Dominguez actually was called up to Houston in September, but instead of battling pitchers, he was battling a sore wrist and a stomach ailment that sidelined him throughout the month. Dominguez had shown decent discipline in Triple-A, although power numbers were lacking. In the Majors, however, he did hit .284 with a SLG% of .477, but his BB:K of .24 and on-base% of .310 did not fully display the discipline he had showcased in the Minors. His glove has always been his ticket to the Majors and the Astros are content with giving him a shot at the hot corner this season. Needless to say, he needs to start finding a way to put the bat on the ball.

47. James Darnell--3B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "High average hitter with 20+ homerun power potential."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Darnell spent most of his 2012 season on the DL with a left shoulder injury. Darnell had all ready proven that, despite power still in development, he can post a high contact rate and an even more impressive OBP%. The good news for Darnell in 25 games with the Padres, thus far, he has been able to display strong plate discipline. The smart money is to bet on Darnell to start 2013 in Triple-A, but has an outside chance of winning a bench role with the Padres. Either way, it's worth keeping an eye on Darnell throughout the upcoming season.

46. Trayvon Robinson--OF--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Had a great spring training session (2012), but will be sent to the Minors. Might come up later in '12."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Robinson was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Robert Andino in the fall. Robinson had a tough time in the Majors last season and was all ready struggling in Triple-A Tacoma with lack of plate discipline, power, and on-base%. He might be able to compete for a 4th OF spot for the Orioles, but it's highly doubtful. 

Prospects #55-51 can be reviewed here. 

Prospects #45-41 can be reviewed here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #80-76

Felipe M 

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

80. Tyler Saladino--SS--Chicago White Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Power/patience combo.  Majors by 2013."
• 2012 Achievements: Best Strike Zone Discipline in White Sox farm system and in Southern League.
• Conclusion: Played 21 games at 2B last season where versatility will help both player and Big League team. .82 BB/K ratio at Double-A Birmingham. While the patience was in full display, he experienced a power outage (.315 SLG% in 2012). He posted a low batting average, but still posted a high on-base%.  Once he gets on base, he can be a threat on the basepaths.  Despite his superb patience, Saladino will more than likely start 2013 in the Minors. 

79. Manny Machado--SS--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "19, suffered knee injury, but still highly talented on offense."
• 2012 Achievements: Played 51 games with Orioles; 2nd youngest player to hit a homerun in MLB Post-Season history; #1 Prospect in Eastern League and its Most Exciting Player; Best Defensive SS and Infield Arm in Eastern League.
• Conclusion: After only playing 2 games at 3B in the Minors, Machado was called up by the Orioles to play all of his games as the team's starting 3B. Pretty fitting seeing how there have been comparisons to Alex Rodriguez. Machado has shown solid plate discipline in the Minors and an ability to get on base.  Power, however, was nothing to brag about, but his age and inexperience definitely played a role in power outage. Once he got to the Majors, Machado did show flashes of full potential, but he clearly struggled in Majors. Nevertheless, the Orioles seem committed in having Machado develop his game in the Majors.  

78. Nestor Molina--SP--Chicago White Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Might be called up by late 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Best Control in White Sox system.
• Conclusion: Molina's move up to Double-A proved to be a setback as he was very hittable.  Nonetheless, control was as good as advertised, but his K/9 dropped significantly as compared to his 2010 figures. He will need more time in the minors as he needs to show that he does indeed possess the stuff to dominate hitters. 

77. Casey Kelly--SP--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "Not in team's top 5 anymore."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 6 games for the Padres last season.
• Conclusion: Kelly is a former SS turned pitcher.  He posted solid peripherals in Big Leagues, but high WHIP was caused by a very high hit rate (12 H/9 in 2012). However, solid control translated well in Majors, but will need to prove to the Padres that he can limit the number of base hits he gives up if he expects to crack the starting rotation in 2013. 

76. Gary Brown--OF--San Francisco Giants

• 2012 Outlook: "Speedy contact hitter; might start by 2013."
• 2012 Achievements: Participated in Arizona Fall League. #16 Prospect, as well as Best Baserunner and Defensive OF in Eastern League.
• Conclusion: Brown's BB:K declined at Double-A Richmond. He managed to hit 32 doubles, but power production dropped in Double-A. Brown continued to display his speed on the basepaths, as he increased the number of stolen bases to 88 bags in 277 career games. Even though Brown has the ability to make solid contact, he needs to show improvement in on-base%. Giants will more than likely bring him up slowly, unless there are major injuries in their OF next season.

Prospects #85-81 can be viewed here.

Prospects #75-71 can be viewed here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #95-91

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

95. Jurickson Profar--SS--Texas Rangers

• 2012 Outlook: "Great strike zone recognition, but a couple of years away."
• 2012 Achievements: Played 9 games for the Texas Rangers; #1 Prospect in Texas League along with being named Best Defensive SS in TL.
• Conclusion: His great approach at the plate was evident in 2012 along with a high contact rate.  Has shown capable skills when it comes to getting on base.  Once he gets on base, he can be a major threat on the basepaths.  He may need to spend more time at the gym and try to bulk up a little, but Profar is on the right path to becoming a Major League regular.

94. Jonathan Schoop--2B--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Decent pop, but long-term player."
• 2012 Achievements: Added to the Orioles' 40 man roster; Played in Arizona Fall League where he posted stats of .270/.446/.429 and showed good approach at the plate; #14 Prospect in Eastern League; Best Power Hitter and Infield Arm in Orioles' system
• Conclusion: At 21, Schoop has a lot of growing up to do.  Since moving up from Rookie Ball, he has shown unimpressive power numbers and posted a pedestrian OBP%, while showing a mediocre approach at the plate.  On top of that, the O's are not sure what position he should ultimately play (has seen action at 2B, SS, 3B, and even LF). Despite all of his deficiencies, scouts are still fascinated by his potential and still believe that Schoop's power potential will eventually come to fruition.

93. Xander Bogaerts--SS--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Power for SS, but at 19, he's still years away."
• 2012 Achievements: Red Sox announced that Bogaerts will join team in 2013 Spring Training; #1 Prospect, Best Power Hitter, and Best Athlete in Red Sox farm system; #2 Best Prospect in Carolina League.
• Conclusion: OPS keeps increasing as he moves up in class, justifying reports of his immense power potential.  He is tall, but lanky so body is not fully developed.  His approach at the plate is a small flaw. Despite the Red Sox inviting him to Spring Training, they have been adamant in moving Bogaerts very slowly through their system so he remains a long-term project.

92. Mike Olt--3B--Texas Rangers

• 2012 Outlook: "Impressed in [2011] Arizona Fall League, but still needs to work on contact skills."
• 2012 Achievements: Appeared in 16 games for the Rangers; #4 Best Prospect in Texas League as well as the league's Best Power Prospect
• Conclusion: Despite being called up, Olt did very little to impress anybody while with the Rangers. He had a decent 2012 in the Minors, boasting a BB:K of .603 and displaying the power that has scouts chirping. He also played in Dominican League with mediocre results (.256 batting average).  However, probably the biggest news of the off season was probably the Rangers' interest in acquiring Justin Upton from the Diamonbacks. Rumors had Olt being traded to Atltanta for #96 ranked prospect, Andrelton Simmons and in turn, trade Simmons to D'backs for Upton.  Then again, if Arizona wanted Simmons, they would rather just trade for him straight up, no?  Either way, look for Olt to continue to spend a majority of his time in the Minors next season.

91. Delino DeShields Jr.--2B--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "Very fast, but at 19, long-term prospect."
• 2012 Achievements: #6 Prospect along with being the Houston Astros' Fastest Baserunner; #12 South Atlantic League's Best Prospect as well as being the league's Fastest and Best Baserunner. 
• Conclusion: DeShields reminds me of Dee Gordon as both players' have above-average speed.  Father was former big leaguer, Delino DeShields so pedigree is there. Young Delino also showed a lot more patience at the plate in 2012. He will probably not hit for power, but can certainly get on base.  Baseball America predicts that he will have to eventually move to centerfield.  Wherever he plays, the Astros look to have their leadoff hitter of the future in their system. 

Prospects #100-96 are available here.

Prospects #90-86 are now available. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #105-101

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

105. Carlos Martinez--SP--St. Louis Cardinals

• 2012 Outlook: "Wild, but still has Ace potential. Long-term player"
• 2012 Achievements: Best fastball in Texas League; Named #6 best prospect in TL.
• Conclusion: Martinez's K/9 dropped when promoted to Double-A, but so did walk rate. Martinez also induced a lot of groundball outs last season.  Regardless, Martinez looks to spend another season in the minors next year.

104. Jed Bradley--SP--Milwaukee Brewers

• 2012 Outlook: "Solid lefty, might move through Minors quickly"
• 2012 Achievements: Struggled in Hi-A ball
• Conclusion: The big lefty posted pedestrian numbers last season and nothing really stood out in 2012. Turns out, Bradley does need a lot more time in the Minors than originally anticipated.

103. Matt Harvey--SP--New York Mets

• 2012 Outlook: "High upside--needs to work on secondary pitches."
• 2012 Achievements: #1 Prospect in International League and obviously the Best Pitching prospect in the league. Was impressive in call-up to Majors. 
• Conclusion: Also of note is that he posted high strikeout rates in Minors, but needs to control walk rate. Can also be hittable at times, but can control the long ball rate. Harvey's recipe for success is a high, 90s fastball that is complemented by his slider. High upside, along with positive results with the Mets last season, has the baseball world (more noticeably in Queens, New York) waiting in anticipation to see if he can garner a starting rotation spot for the Mets in 2013. 

102. Jake Odorizzi--SP--Kansas City Royals

• 2012 Outlook: "Struggled in Double-A, but still a good long-term prospect."
• 2012 Achievements: #11 best prospect in Pacific Coast League
• Conclusion: Equipped with a High 90s fastball and a good curveball, Odorizzi has the makings of a legit starting pitcher in the majors. He can be hittable at times and looks to be a flyball pitcher, but can keep the ball in the park. Struggled in the Majors last season, but Royals look to call him up sometime in 2013.

101. Dylan Bundy--SP--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Upside to be top prospect, but still few years away."
• 2012 Achievements: #1 Prospect in Carolina League also had Best Fastball in league; Best Curveball and Fastball in Orioles' system, per Baseball America; Best Fastball and Pitching Prospect in South Atlantic League. 
• Conclusion: Only 20 years-old, Bundy dominated Minors, for the most part. Showed impeccable control and command in A-Ball. Might be too soon to call up and Orioles don't seem to have an immediate need for him, but if Bundy keeps up the production, the O's will be hard-pressed to not give him a look in the Big Leagues.

Prospects 110-106 is available. 

Prospects 100-96 are reviewed here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #110-106

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

110. Nick Weglarz--OF--Cleveland Indians: 

• 2012 Outlook: "Started Minors late because of knee injury. Potential to post high on-base percentage"
• 2012 Achievements: Designated for assignment back in May of 2012
• Conclusion: This past season saw Weglarz strike out once every 2.6 at bats and his BB:K dipping to .41 as his reputation for discipline at the plate has all but disappeared. His free-swinging ways has not equaled to higher power numbers as he only hit 1 homerun in 30 at bats at Double-A Akron.

109. Dan Klein--P--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Underwent  right shoulder surgery in August of 2011. Future closer?"
• 2012 Achievements: Underwent surgery in spring of 2012, marking third surgery on throwing shoulder.
• Conclusion: Before surgeries, Klein had a reputation of having the best curve and changeup in Orioles' system. However, at 24 years-old, he's only appeared in 21 games as a relief pitcher. Will have to see how he bounces back from surgery.

108. Brian Goodwin--OF--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect. Speedy CF."
• 2012 Achievements: Player of the Week honors in Arizona Fall League. Has shown promising hitting approach (.69 BB:K).
• Conclusion: Goodwin tore up Low-A ball, but struggled in Double-A. However, before the Nationals acquired Denard Span, Goodwin was rumored to come into 2013 Nationals Camp to compete for their CF spot.  Will need more seasoning, but there is a lot to like about Goodwin, mainly his speed and discipline.

107. Lars Anderson--1B--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Falling out of radar, but still at 24, young enough to regroup."
• 2012 Achievements: Was traded on July 31, 2012 from Boston to Cleveland for P Steven Wright. Rated Best Defensive 1B in International League
• Conclusion: Once a top prospect in Boston's system, he came into 2012 as the 28th best prospect in Boston. Going to Cleveland (where all prospects go to die, apparently) seems more of a death march than a fresh start for the big 1B. Plate approach improved last season, but OPS and other power indicators have dropped. Needs to start producing, stat!

106. Matt Purke--SP--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect. Has to overcome shoulder issues."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 3 games in Low-A.  Had surgery in left, throwing shoulder back in August.
• Conclusion: Purke has ability to post impressive strikeout rate, but struggled with control and command last season.  How much his struggles had to do with shoulder injury remains to be seen.

To read previous edition of Prospects' Review, click here.

To read the next edition of Prospects' Review, click here.