Baltimore Orioles: 5 Prospects Who Could Surprise in Spring Training

1 of 7

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Baltimore Orioles have a loaded farm system, stocked with everything from pitchers to utility men.

After finishing dead last in the AL East at 69-93, Buck Showalter and the entire Orioles organization could use some help staying afloat against the likes of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.

Although Minorleagueball.com ranks Baltimore No. 19 on its list of 2012 Baseball Farm System Rankings, they fail to give credit to three other solid prospects in the Orioles organization.

Here are five prospects who could surprise the league in spring training:

Manny Machado, SS

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Manny Machado is arguably the best non-pitching prospect that the Orioles possess.

The 6'3", 185-pounder from Miami, Florida was drafted by Baltimore in the first round of the 2010 June Amateur Draft.

Although a knee injury slowed him down in 2011, he still put together a solid season for the Delmarva Shorebirds and the Frederick Keys.

His 2011 campaign saw him hit .257 with 11 home runs, 50 RBI, 11 stolen bases and a .335 OBP in 101 games.

The 19-year-old is listed as No. 4 on ESPN's Keith Law's Top 100 prospects of 2012, and Law also qualifies Machado as a future All-Star.

Machado accumulated a .957 fielding percentage in 99 games at shortstop, committing 20 errors in two seasons.

There is enormous upside for Machado in the Baltimore organization.

Parker Bridwell, RHP

Signed in the ninth round of the 2010 draft, this 190-lb righty has potential in the Orioles' farm system.

Parker Bridwell was heavily recruited as a Texas Tech quarterback, which shows what type of arm he has.

It's reported that Bridwell throws four different pitches (fastball, changeup, curveball and cutter), and can reach up to 95 mph on the gun.

The 20-year-old's stats are a bit misleading, however, as he posted a 2-8 record with a 5.26 ERA in 17 games during the 2011 minor league season.

Bridwell appears to have the tools to compete in the MLB as a starter in the Orioles' rotation, but it'll likely be a while until we see him debut.

L.J. Hoes OF/2B

Drafted in the third round of the 2008 June Amateur Draft, L.J. Hoes is a versatile guy who can play both left field and second base.

In 48 games during his rookie season, Hoes hit .308 while collecting 18 RBI and 10 SB.

After a rough stint in 2009 (defensively), Hoes averaged .290 in 2010 with 50 RBI and 113 hits in 108 games.

His most recent season saw him hit .285 with nine home runs, 71 RBI, 20 stolen bases and 143 hits in 136 games.

Hoes sports a career .951 fielding percentage in four seasons, having committed 69 errors during that time.

It should be noted that 64 of those errors came while playing second or third base in 274 games. He has two errors in 96 games in the outfield.

At just 21 years old, Hoes is poised for a solid career in MLB.

Jonathan Schoop, IF

Listed as a third baseman, this 6'1" righty has experience at shortstop and second base.

Jonathan Schoop (the same Jonathan Schoop who delivered the game-winning hit in the 2004 Little League World Series) is ranked No. 56 on Keith Law's 2012 Top Prospect list.

In three seasons, Schoop sports a .277 average with 18 HR and 141 RBI.

2011 was his best overall season, as he averaged .290, hit 13 home runs and drove in 71.

As for defense, Schoop's .939 fielding percentage in 165 games at shortstop doesn't leave much to brag about.

But it's evident that he can play second base as well, as he shows a .975 fielding percentage in 64 games at that position.

The 20-year-old Schoop appears to have a bright future in MLB.