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.
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