What Needs to Be Done to The Orioles Farm System

In the age of prospects and superstars, one organization comes to mind with a flashy promise for the future. The Baltimore Orioles. Throughout their farm system, they not only have up and coming talent, but lots of it. From Billy Rowell to Branden Erbe, the Orioles are quickly becoming a team to be watched in the coming years.

Outfield prospects in the Orioles system are few and far between, with the promotion of Nick Markakis a few years ago, they left themselves with very little to work with. A notable exception would be the rising star in Billy Rowell. He has only played one full professional season, but, already, he has shown why he was their top pick in the 2006 Amateur draft. he played for The Fredrick Keys this season, and is quickly becoming a force to reckon with at the plate. While his power numbers are not yet blossoming, he has shown outbursts of raw power that is sure to impress any scout. His quick feet in the outfield, sure glove, and strong arm are what sets him apart from all other outfielders in the organization.

Nolan Reimold is yet another outfielder, yes, while once being a prospect, still has potential. He is quickly regaining his power swing, strong arm, and most importantly, his ability to get good reads and jumps on the balls hit to him. At the time of this writing, he is currently in Double-A Bowie, competing for a league championship. With his season coming to an end, and his numbers increasing dramatically, look for him to enter Spring Training with the best shot of all the minor league outfielders to make the Major Leagues. He has incredible talent, if the Orioles do not use him, they would possibly be able to trade him to another team in need of his talents and gain valuable pitching or infield help they so desperately need.

From the outfield, we move behind the plate. The only prospect worth mentioning is Matt Weiters. Having been drafted in the first round of the 2007 Amateur Draft, Matt has quickly shown why he is one of the top prospects in the entire minor leagues. He ranks high on the top 50 prospects list presented by Baseball America. His overall abilities are incredible. Being able to hit a ball out of a ballpark (Fredrick Keys, this season), to having a strong arm capable of hitting nearly 95 miles per hour on the radar gun, Matt Weiters is the catcher of the future. He has the make up of current New York Yankee and all-time catching great Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. Lacking only in experience, he is surely going to become a catcher base-runners never want to test.  His rise to stardom is virtually unimpeded. He has the talent to make the big league roster out of 2009 Spring Training, as long as he remains healthy. His only competition would be current Orioles catcher, Ramon Hernandez, who would most likely become the backup to Weiters.

Infield prospects are scarce at best, but the Orioles have one player who is by far outplaying many others. Former catcher turned first baseman, Brandon Snyder, no relation to former Brooklyn Dodger and Hall of Famer Duke Snider. Brandon began his career in 2005 when he was drafted by an already catcher depleted Baltimore organization. His first season was uneventful, however, he did manage to earn a promotion in 2006 to Low-A Delmarva. While at Delmarva, he began taking practice at first base due to injury and overall poor performances behind the plate. With the signing
of catcher Matt Weiters, Brandon's future lies in the infield. He is projected to become current first baseman, Kevin Millar's replacement, however, no one knows for sure how long the Orioles plan to keep Millar.  With this in mind, Brandon has begun working on his defense and batting more rigorously than before, improving his fielding percentage and batting average a good .100 points last season. He began this season in Frederick, however look for him to move up to Double-A Bowie next season. He is still young, and he has a high ceiling because of his ability to adapt to many different situations and  drive in runs with authority when needed.

Pitching has become a great concern for all organizations, however, look for the Orioles to field a virtually un-hittable corp of pitchers in the near future. Brandon Erbe, Pedro Beato, Chris Tillman, and Freddy De Aza.  Erbe, Beato, and De Aza all began this season at High-A Frederick. They all had improbable seasons, combining to go for an amazing 30-15 overall record. Erbe and Beato are both fireballers, with an average pitch ranging from  95-98 miles per hour. De Aza, however, has much to improve on. he is quickly learning a superior curve ball, which will someday become his go-to pitch when he needs a strikeout. Being tall doesn't hurt either. Tillman began the season in Triple-A Norfolk, where he has quickly become the fastest rising farm hand the Orioles have had in recent years. Only 20-years-old, Tillman has had an amazing season. His fastball tops at a whopping 99-mph, and his sinker is his go to pitch. having height and lankiness, Chris is quickly becoming a pitcher to watch. He is poised to become the number 5 starter for the big league club if he can continue to produce the way he did this season. Look for all of these pitchers to be in Big League camp during the 2009 Spring Training.

Overall, the Baltimore Orioles have a superb farm system. Within the coming years, look for them to quickly become a team to be feared. With the strong mix of veterans, up and coming prospects, and good coaching, this is an organization that will compete for a World Series ring within 3 years.