Baltimore Orioles: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Orioles System

Three years ago, the Baltimore Orioles had arguably the best farm system in baseball. Their window back to contention in the American League East was getting ready to open. 

Injuries, poor performances and other external factors have left this franchise in a state of flux. Ownership has run this team into the ground, so the front office is going to take several steps back under new general manager Dan Duquette. The future is bleak. 

The system is nowhere near as strong as it used to be, but it does have two of the most exciting players in all of minor league baseball. They bring with them all kinds of hope and intrigue for the future of the franchise. 

Here is a look at the top prospects for the Orioles as we move closer to the start of the 2012 season. 

1. Manny Machado, SS, 19

When you look at Machado's numbers from the 2011 season, they don't jump out at you. He hit .257/.335/.421 over two levels. You have to remember that he was one of the youngest players in low Class A and high Class A and had a knee injury that took its toll on him late in the year. 

Strengths: Machado showed an advanced eye at the plate for someone so young. He works counts well and should hit for more power as he grows into his body. He has tremendous bat speed and a knack for shortening his swing to make contact. He has good range, instincts and a strong arm at shortstop. He projects as an above-average defender. 

Weaknesses: There is really not a lot to be concerned about with Machado. The one possible negative is that at 6'3" and 185 pounds already, he could outgrow shortstop and move to third base. It's not a given, but it is still there. He really just needs more time to hone his skills in the minors. He does not have good speed, but he is in no way slow. 

Report: He has legitimate superstar potential, especially if he is able to stay at shortstop. He can be a plus-hitting, plus-defending player up the middle, and there are not too many of those floating around. He could win an MVP or two along the way. 

ETA: 2014

2. Dylan Bundy, RHP, 19

Bundy was one of the best and most exciting high school pitchers in draft history. He is a freak of nature, and his workout regimen makes Yoenis Cespedes' look like child's play. Despite his age and lack of experience, he could be moved quickly through the system thanks to an advanced feel for all his pitches. 

Strengths: He already boasts a mid-90s fastball that he can cut when he wants to, a knockout curveball and a good changeup. He commands all the pitches well and isn't afraid to attack hitters. His delivery is first-rate with not a lot of movement and he uses his tree trunk legs to get easy velocity. His work ethic, which we talked about in his intro, is top-notch. 

Weaknesses: The only real knock on Bundy is his size. He is "only" 6'1", which apparently makes him a high-risk investment. His lack of professional experience could be seen as negative, but his skills are so advanced that it's not a big deal. 

Report: There are very few, if any, high school pitchers who have come along that have the stuff Bundy does and are as close to being big league-ready as he is without having thrown a single pitch in professional ball. He is an ace in the making and could be pitching for the Orioles within two years. 

ETA: 2014

3. Jonathan Schoop, 2B, 20

The Orioles are trying to keep their future double-play combination together in the minors. Schoop joined Machado first in low Class A and then in high Class A last season. They will likely develop together, though Schoop is still pretty raw and has some flaws to work through. 

Strengths: Schoop is listed at 6'1", 190 pounds, though he is likely to add more bulk as his body fills out. His bat speed and quick wrists help him drive the ball. He has a strong throwing arm, soft hands and his improved play at second base last year gives the team the hope that he will be able to stay there. He tore up low Class A at age 19, hitting .316/.376/.514, before getting called up. He struggled in high Class A but was one of the younger players in the league. 

Weaknesses: Despite his good bat speed, he does have a long swing that causes him to miss pitches he should crush. He has decent speed right now, and if his body keeps growing, he will get slower. 

Report: Schoop still has plenty of projection left in him. He should end up being at least an average defender at second base, and as long as he can tweak his swing in order to cut it down when he gets behind in the count, he should hit for above-average power with a good average and on-base percentage. 

ETA: 2014

4. Nick Delmonico, 3B, 19

Delmonico is a high-risk, high-reward prospect for the Orioles. He hasn't played a professional game after being drafted in the sixth round last year, and his overall numbers in high school were nothing special. His tools look good, which is why there is reason to be optimistic about his future. 

Strengths: His best tool is his power, where he projects to be above-average. He certainly has a strong enough arm to play third base, but he will have to learn the position. His body could push him to first base, though he is much more valuable at the hot corner. 

Weaknesses: He is extremely raw and will have to show that he can work counts, read balls out of the pitcher's hand and make adjustments accordingly. His range at third base will be the big question considering his size.

Report: The Orioles are going to give Delmonico every chance to stick at third base. He has the potential to be at least adequate over there once he gets comfortable with it. His swing needs a lot of work, as does his plate discipline, but the power potential is there. 

ETA: 2015

5. Parker Bridwell, RHP, 20

Like Delmonico, Bridwell is practically all projection at this point. He has been in the system for the last two seasons with largely uninspiring results. Last season, he posted a 5.26 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 75.1 innings pitched. Don't read a lot into that though because his tools are much better than those numbers indicate. 

Strengths: His fastball-curveball combination is already solid. The fastball sits in the low 90s with good downward movement, and the breaking ball falls off a table when he is commanding it in the zone. 

Weaknesses: He has not been able to harness his command so far. When he is on, he can be dominant, but that hasn't happened as often as it should. His changeup lacks consistency, though it can look like an average offering at times. His delivery creates a lot of movement with his arm, leading to the command problems he has experienced.

Report: Bridwell is going to need a lot more work to live up to his potential. He has the ceiling of a No. 3 starter right now. His command will eventually determine his role. 

ETA 2014

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