Orioles Top Prospect No. 17: Garabez Rosa

Rosa just turned 20 on October 12th, and as such, is still a long ways off from the Majors. He just finished up his second season of short-season ball, finishing the season with Aberdeen. He didn't show quite the same skill set as an Ironbird that he did when he led the O's Gulf Coast League squad in batting average as a 18 year old, but he still made some dramatic progress.

As a teenager in the GCL, Rosa hit .330, showing his ability to hit for a decent average. He also slugged eight doubles and four home runs, showing promising potential for some power in his bat. He also showed some speed, legging out three triples and stealing four bases.

His defense was somewhat shoddy, but he has a great arm that could easily stick at shortstop, but might be even better at third. His footwork is pretty solid, and he makes great plays ranging to his right. His range at the position is probably better than both Florimon and Miclat's.

At 166 pounds, though, the question remains that if he bulks up to around 200, will he still have the range for shortstop. Stockstill doesn't seem too concerned. "Right now he has a plus arm and plus range, especially going to his right, and he comes in on the ball well," Stockstill said. "What we don't know is if he will put on 20 or 30 pounds as he fills out. If he does, he could one day wind up at third base. But he would have to play his way off shortstop."

As a 19-year-old, Rosa didn't exactly set the NY-Penn League afire. He did struggle a bit against better pitching, hitting a meek .218 in 64 games with Aberdeen. He continued to show good pop (eight doubles and six home runs), but he struggled to hit pitches that weren't fastballs. Stockstill called him a bit of a "free swinger" who chases too many pitches, but I think both Stock and I prefer a guy to be aggressive rather than the alternative.

The real key to Rosa making the jump to full-season ball is going to be whether or not he can improve his discipline at the plate. In 2008 he struck out 26 times and walked only once. He improved on his walk numbers in '09 with eight, but still whiffed an astounding 72 times.

So many hitters show such promise but can't manage to tame their wild bat (see Billy Rowell), but Stockstill especially seems to think that Rosa can better his stats this season. "He needs to recognize off-speed pitches better. He needs to learn the strike zone better and become more selective," Stockstill said.

No doubt, Rosa is a player to keep your eye on this year. With a stellar season he could shoot up the charts and become the O's best position prospect. He could also turn in another season much like 2009.

He'll most likely get the chance to take the field for Delmarva, his first full-season venture. Playing alongside experienced infielders like 2009 draftees Tyler Kelly and Michael Mooney should allow Rosa to pick up some tips, and working with hitting coach Ryan Minor, assuming he'll be back, should do wonders for Rosa at the plate and in the field.

Having a 20-year-old kid with vast potential and limited experience at Low A is quite a good sign for the O's, who hope that Rosa can make up for the recent infield busts like Rowell and Blake Davis.

In all, Rosa is a very interesting package as a prospect. He combines the threats of great defensive ability and natural ability at the plate. His success from here on out depends on how hard he's willing to work to make himself better.