Maybe it was a bit funny but Miller didn’t lose that game,  in fact he won it.  The Giants pitcher hurled in both All-Star games that year. Miller faced 19 American League hitters and his slow ball fanned 9 of them including the two Yankees sluggers, Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Miller was known for throwing slow balls up at hitters. What was that quote, oh, he changed speeds on his change-up.

What the heck does that mean to us Orioles fans?

On December 15, 1962, the Orioles and Giants pulled off a big deal. Lefty Mike McCormick, catcher Johnny Orsino and Miller came East to Baltimore while pitchers Jack Fisher, Billy Hoeft and catcher Jimmie Coker went to Frisco.

Miller turned out to be the big deal in the deal. Following the 1963 campaign, he was named the AL Fireman of the Year by the Sporting News.

Clearly one highlight of Miller’s first season in Baltimore came on Sunday Aug. 11th. The Birds were in DC for a game with the Senators. Milt Pappas pitched for Baltimore while Tom Cheney hurled for Washington. And both pitchers did well.

Baltimore nursed a 3-2 lead heading to ninth inning when the first two O’s batters were hit by a pitch. Poor Miller, in his second inning of relief, was sent to the plate to bat. No doubt he was there to bunt.

Instead, he blasted a bases loaded triple to blow the game wide open. Miller picked up his 19th save of the season in the 6-2 win.

Now Miller wasn’t always a reliever. In his 16 years in the major leagues, Miller pitched in 704 games.  He made 93 starts before coming to Baltimore and completed 24 of those starts.

There were no starts for Miller in Baltimore. In his first year in a Birds uniform, he led the AL in appearances (71). In his final season in San Franciso, he went 5-8 with an ERA of 4.12. In Baltimore in 63, he repeated that 5-8 record but his ERA dropped to 2.24. And in an era where saves weren’t all that treasured, he led the AL in saves with 27.

Two years later, Miller won 14 games for the Birds. Fourteen relief wins. That was the year the Twins won the pennant. Five of those victories came in the month of September.  On Sept. 10th, he entered a tie game in the eighth inning. And then he watched as Brooks Robinson, Curt Blefary and Jerry Adair all homered in the O’s eighth. That was an easy win to pick up.

Four days later, the Tigers are in town and Miller comes in relief of starter Steve Barber. This time he rides home on a two-run homer by Boog Powell.

They used to call Phil Regan (Dodgers) “The Vulture” for grabbing late wins but this tag might apply to Miller, too.

Miller’s 12th win of the season came on Sept. 21. Miller got one out in eighth in a game in Minnesota. A two-run 10th by Baltimore earned him the victory.

Four days later, the Angels are in town and it’s another low-scoring game. Miller pitches the ninth and allows one Jose Cardinal double but strands him at second.

Russ Snyder leads off the ninth with a triple and scores giving Miller his 13th win.

On Sept. 27th, Miller is in line for a loss. He and Baltimore are trailing 4-3 entering the Orioles eighth inning. A two-run triple by Blefary changes the outcome. Miller is the winner.

Of course it must be mentioned that during the 65 campaign, Miller put together a 31 2/3 scoreless streak.

Miller was back in the bullpen for the World Series championship year of 1966 but did not appear in the four-game sweep.

Miller pitched in nearly 300 games for the Orioles. And he pitched to a sporty  2.37 ERA. Yes, he was a good addition to the club.

The post Slow, Slower and Slowest Starring Stu Miller appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Webb’s tools make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the system.

Brenden Webb signed for $250,000 as an over-slot 30th round pick in 2009. He made his pro debut in the GCL shortly after signing, and registered 43 at-bats.

Webb didn’t begin 2010 with the IronBirds, but spent the season with the Bluefield Orioles. He walked 32 times in 194 at-bats and showed us a glimpse of the walk rate he would continue to carry through the minors.

Scouting Report

Webb has always shown the ability to take a walk, but he was often too selective at times. Prior to 2012, he struck out frequently on called strike threes, but didn’t do so as much last year. While he probably won’t ever have even an average hit tool, Webb’s patience should allow him to get on-base at a solid rate and his other four tools are solid.

Evaluators always cite Webb’s bat speed and the way the ball absolutely jumps off his bat. He has power to all fields and I saw him hit a home run to one of the deepest parts of Harry Grove Stadium last year.

Webb’s above-average speed and plus arm strength will allow him to play any outfield position, though he’s best suited for right field because of his arm.

Future

Scouts question whether Webb will be able to handle pitchers in the upper minors, and he could get a chance to prove them wrong in 2013. He’ll likely begin the year with the Keys, but could receive a quick promotion if he performs well.

Webb’s tools make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the system, and he could find himself much further up on this list next year if he proves himself at higher levels.

Discuss Brenden Webb in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #31: Brenden Webb appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Narron has solid potential as a switch-hitter who could hit for both power and average

Connor Narron was the Orioles’ 5th round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft. He had a verbal commitment to North Carolina but opted to sign with Baltimore for $650,000 in early-August.

Because he signed in August, Narron made it into 19 minor league games in 2010. He spent all of 2011 with the IronBirds and displayed a good eye, but little power.

Narron opened 2012 with the Shorebirds, but struggled to find consistent playing time until nearly half way through the season. Although he failed to hit a single home run in 2011, Narron smashed 10 home runs while playing for the Shorebirds.

Scouting Report

The greatest concern with Narron is where he’ll end up on the diamond. He was drafted as a third baseman but is probably limited to the outfield.

He shows solid bat speed from both sides, which should continue to improve as he grows and builds strength in his lower half and arms. He has a sharp eye and is extremely patient, but too patient at times.

Sources have indicated that Narron made lots of progress in 2012 and took the game more seriously after he often played with too much swagger in 2011.

Future

Although he did not put up the greatest offensive numbers in 2012, Narron should still open 2013 with the Frederick Keys.

Narron has solid potential as a switch-hitter who could hit for both power and average, but still has a long way to go in his development.

Discuss Connor Narron in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #32: Connor Narron appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Ward has cleaned up his swing and it has resulted in increased power numbers.

Brian Ward was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2009. Ward has always been known for his outstanding defense, but his offense output in 2011 is what has really put him on the prospect map.

Ward played at Frederick for all of 2010, but returned there for once again for all of 2011. His power numbers jumped and he dramatically improved his walk rate.

Scouting Report

Behind the plate, Ward calls a good game and has plus arm strength with tremendous accuracy. His pop time has been recorded at as low as 1.71, but is more often in the 1.79-1.82 range.

Pitchers look forward to throwing and working with Ward. He has superb footwork, blocks balls in the dirt very well, and frames pitches with ease.

Ward has really elevated his offensive game over the past two years. He has taken command of his at-bats and cut down on chasing pitches out of the zone. He has always been a patient hitter and works counts effectively.

Ward has cleaned up his swing and it has resulted in increased power numbers. Balls that were once ground outs have started to go for doubles and line drives.

Future

Due to a 50-game suspension, Ward missed a good chunk of the 2012 season. He is set to return to Bowie for 2013.

Ward has major league skills behind the plate, and could be called upon in 2013 should Taylor Teagarden go down with an injury.

Discuss Brian Ward in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #33: Brian Ward appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Esquivel, just 20, is a potential starter at the major league level.

Jaime Esquivel is one of many raw but intriguing arms in Baltimore’s minor league system. He was a 28^th round selection back in 2010, but signed for an above-slot bonus of $225,000. Joe Jordan compared him to Matt Garza at the time of the draft.

In 2012, Esquivel struck out 29 batters in 25 innings for the IronBirds and made his last appearance of the season with the Frederick Keys, where he pitched 2 scoreless innings. He missed some time during the middle of the season due to an unknown injury.

Scouting Report

Esquivel works with a deceptive delivery, a fairly straight 88-92 mph fastball, an above-average curveball, and an average but extremely inconsistent changeup.

His fastball does not quite have the movement you’d like to see, due to his over the top delivery, but his deception helps it play up. He still has room to add velocity, too.

Esquivel’s out pitch is his curveball, which he commands very well. It’s an above-average offering and he frequently gets batters to chase it in the dirt. His changeup is above-average at times, but is still developing. It works best when thrown in the 80-82 mph range.

Esquivel was injured in 2012, but his delivery does not present any major red flags. His release point is inconsistent at times, which is what often leads to command and control issues.

Future

Although Esquivel has just 30 New York-Penn League innings under his belt, he should be able to handle the jump from Aberdeen to Delmarva next season. It’s unclear if he’ll pitch out of the bullpen or the rotation, but due to his injury in 2012 it would make sense if he’s a reliever for the first part of the season.

Esquivel, just 20, is a potential starter at the major league level.

Discuss Jaime Esquivel in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #34: Jaime Esquivel appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Taylor was enjoying a very successful 2012 until an elbow injury forced him out of play.

The Orioles selected Matt Taylor in the 5^th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Taylor, like most O’s college pitchers who sign quickly, made his pro debut in the GCL and shortly after was promoted to Aberdeen.

Taylor was enjoying a very successful 2012 until an elbow injury forced him out of play. He went on to have surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews, to remove bone spurs from his elbow.

Scouting Report

Taylor pitched as a starter for about half of 2012, but is more likely a reliever at the major league level; even more so now after the elbow injury.

His fastball is 90-94 mph and has lots of sinking and tailing action because of his low ¾ arm slot. Both of Taylor’s secondary pitches show promise. He throws his 78-81 mph changeup with good arm speed, but it’s still an inconsistent pitch. Taylor’s curveball has sweeping action and is effective when he’s hitting his spots, but he’s still working to improve his command of the pitch.

Taylor does a good job of working down in the zone with all of his pitches. His control will determine whether or not he’s a starter or reliever if the Orioles do not see his injury as a red flag.

Future

Despite the elbow surgery, Taylor should be fully recovered and ready to go for spring training.  He pitched well at Delmarva and will likely begin 2013 with the Frederick Keys. It’s unclear what role Taylor will claim next season, but a bullpen spot seems most likely — at least from the start.

If his command improves and he doesn’t encounter any further injuries, Taylor’s ground ball abilities and above-average stuff could make him a starter at the major league level. However, he still fits better as a reliever and should move quickly in that role.

Discuss Matt Taylor in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #35: Matt Taylor appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

In 21 games for the Baysox, Townsend hit six home runs and posted a .858 OPS.

Tyler Townsend was the Orioles’ 3^rd round selection in the 2009 MLB Draft. He hit .426 with 24 home runs in his record setting senior season at FIU, and, when healthy, his college numbers have translated to the pros.

Townsend has struggled with hamstring injuries over the past few seasons, which has caused him to miss over 100 games. When on the field, Townsend has been productive. His .835 career minor league OPS is impressive, but he has yet to play more than 75 games in a full season as a pro.

He played in just 68 games in 2012, but 10 of them came on rehab with the GCL Orioles. In 21 games for the Baysox, Townsend hit six home runs and posted a .858 OPS.

Scouting Report

Townsend has a smooth stroke with slight loft, although his swing does get loopy at times and needs to be shortened up. An aggressive hitter, Townsend isn’t afraid to go after a pitch he likes, but is also very patient.

Townsend’s defense is underrated. He’s athletic and has good reactions, but his arm is just average. He could move to the outfield if needed, although he does have below average speed.

Future

It’s clear Townsend can hit when he’s on the field, but we still need to see him do so over an extended period of time. Injuries are really holding him back right now, and a healthy 2013 would give the Orioles a much better idea of what they have in Townsend.  He has the potential to become a slightly above-average first baseman at the major league level.

Townsend should open 2013 as Bowie’s starting 1B, but, due to his past injuries, will likely see time at DH.

Discuss Tyler Townsend in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #36: Tyler Townsend appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Although his walk rate fell and his strikeout rate increased, Joseph displayed more power and posted the best OBP of his career.

The Orioles selected Caleb Joseph in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He signed quickly and made his pro debut that year with the IronBirds.

Joseph has started each of the last three seasons with the Baysox, and in 2012 finally progressed enough, both offensively and defensively, to earn a promotion to Norfolk.

Scouting Report

Joseph has always been thought of as an offensive-minded catcher, but his defense took a big step forward in 2012. His CS% jumped from 38% in 2011 to 41% in 2012 (with Bowie), and scouts noted his improved footwork. Joseph’s arm remains slightly above-average. He works well with pitchers and could also play 1B, or some OF, if necessary.

Although his walk rate fell and his strikeout rate increased, Joseph displayed more power and posted the best OBP of his career. He has quick hands and above-average power to left field.

Future

Joseph is set to open 2013 as Norfolk’s catcher, and he would likely be the first called up if Taylor Teagarden were to go down with an injury.

If his defense continues to improve and his offense remains steady, Joseph will have the skills necessary to become a backup catcher.

Discuss Caleb Joseph in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #37: Caleb Joseph appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Blackmar’s fastball/changeup combo &  ground ball abilities could make him a back-end starter.

Mark Blackmar was the Orioles’ 16th round selection in the 2011 MLB Draft. He is the son of PGA golfer Phil Blackmar.

Blackmar in 2011 made his pro debut with the GCL Orioles. He registered 17.2 successful innings in which he struck out 15 and didn’t allow a single run.

After a strong pro debut, the Orioles pushed Blackmar to Aberdeen’s rotation for all of 2012. His strikeout rate fell, but he displayed control and a solid ground ball rate.

Scouting Report

Blackmar has an athletic, muscular build and still has room to add 10-15 lbs. He played in the outfield at times in college, and is still learning the craft of pitching.

Although Blackmar’s fastball sits in the 87-90 mph range, it’s an extremely effective offering due to his ability to command the pitch and work it in with his changeup. His changeup and fastball work well together; he commands both very well and each has tremendous movement, which allows him to pitch to contact and induce ground balls.

With time and growth, Blackmar should have a fastball which sits in the low 90s.

Future

Delmarva is going to be a test for the 20-year-old Blackmar, but it’s one he is certainly capable of handling. The Orioles are sill monitoring his innings closely, so it’s unclear if he’ll begin 2013 in the rotation or in the bullpen.

Blackmar’s fastball/changeup combo and ground ball abilities could make him a back-end starter.

Discuss Mark Blackmar in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #38: Mark Blackmar appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

No big deal. Oh we did waste a two-run double from Boog Powell and strong pitching effort from starter Tom Phoebus.

The next night we scored a run in the bottom of ninth to even the series at 1-1.

And the winning didn’t stop there. The Baltimore Orioles would play the Royals 22 more times in the next two years and complete play during the 1970 season. Baltimore did not lose a single game to Kansas City in that stretch.

A 23-game winning streak? Yes, it’s true. And it’s not like the O’s ran up the score on the young Royals. There were plenty of tight games. Like on August 6th of year one. That’s when KC left-hander Jim Rooker battled Mike Cuellar in a contest where runs were scarce.

Lou Pinella led off the fourth inning for the Royals with a triple off of Cuellar. One balk later, he was home with the game’s first run. And the threat wasn’t over. Two runners were on for catcher Ellie Rodriguez. And he hit the ball to the wrong man. Brooks Robinson turned the bouncer into a triple play.

That slim lead lasted until the eighth. That’s when pinch-hitter Curt Motton slammed a two-run homer to win this game 2-1.

So after the disappointment of the 1969 World Series, the Birds took a 12-game winning streak to Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium on April 24. The Royals, evidently embarrassed by all the losing, chased Cuellar with back to back homers by Amos Otis and Bob Oliver. The Royals took a 5-4 lead to the seventh.

And then the O’s answered back with their rendition of consecutive dingers. Those homers came off the bats of Frank Robinson and Boog Powell. The O’s added an insurance run in the ninth on a Powell double. Baltimore won its 13th game in a row over KC, 7-5.

Two days later, Baltimore looked to complete another three-game sweep. And it sure looked good after the first inning when Baltimore batted around and scored five times. And wouldn’t you know it, veteran Dave McNally didn’t survive the first inning.

It was a game in which Frank Robinson was thrown out of the game for arguing balls and strikes. Kansas City looked in good shape. The Royals led 9-7 heading to the eighth inning. That’s when Don Buford cracked a three-run homer that won this game, 10-9.

The winning streak was now 15 games.

The two teams met again in early May. Looking to complete another three-game run, Cuellar took the mound on May 7 at home.

The lefty didn’t report back in the fifth inning. This game went to the ninth inning with KC leading, 6-4.

The Royals handed the ball to our old World Series hero from 1966. Moe Drabowsky had to get three outs to break the streak.

He got one out. He walked a pair of batters. And Frank Robinson slammed a game-winning three-run blast for the 7-6 win.

In the next meeting of these clubs in late July, all three games were of the one-run variety. Terry Crowley’s ninth-inning single won game one, 2-1. The game on July 22 went a full 13 innings. Chico Salmon’s bunt single won it, 4-3.  In the series finale, the Birds prevailed 5-4.

The 23rd victory in a row came on Aug. 2nd. And Baltimore again batted around and  put a five-spot on the board in the first inning. KC fought back but fell again, 10-8.

The next season, 1971, the O’s won 6 of 11 meetings with KC and this magic streak had soon been forgotten.

The post Officially It Was A 23-Game Winning Streak appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Vader played quarterback in high school.

Sebastian Vader was drafted by the Orioles in the 18th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Vader signed for $150,000 and attended San Marcos HS, which is also where LHP Tim Berry went.

Vader had not pitched above the GCL prior to his 2012 season with Aberdeen, where he mad 13 starts. He pitched 70.1 innings for the IronBirds and walked only 24 batters.

Scouting Report

At 6′ 4″, 175 lbs., Vader has lots of room too fill out. He’s still young and how successful he’ll be depends on whether or not his 88-91 mph fastball sees an increase in velocity as he fills out and gets stronger.

At this stage, Vader’s slider is inconsistent, but an above-average pitch at times. It’s extremely effective when located down in the zone but he hangs it quite often. His mechanics present no major red flags and he has the frame to become a durable, innings eater.

Future

With Vader, you have a raw pitcher, but one who has the tools and talent to break through in a big way once he has matured physically.

He pitched well at Aberdeen and should open 2013 as part of Delmarva’s rotation.

Discuss Sebastian Vader in our Minors forum >>
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Career Statistics

The post ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #39: Sebastian Vader appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Photo: Kevin Jairaj

McLouth’s return is a welcomed one, as both parties were interested in working out a deal and the outfielder became a fan favorite for his energetic and productive performance down the stretch and in the playoffs in 2012. Considering the free agent market for veteran outfielders — 32-year-old Shane Victorino and 31-year-old Angel Pagan recently agreed to multiyear deals worth $39 and $40 million respectively — the contract is clearly on team-friendly terms, despite McLouth’s rocky recent history. The 31-year-old outfielder would barely need to perform above replacement level to earn his keep.

But a free agent deal to a starting position player should be judged on more than just a cost vs. production perspective. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette told reporters Wednesday night that, with the addition of McLouth, the club is no longer in the market for outfielders, meaning that McLouth is all but guaranteed one of nine precious slots in Baltimore’s lineup for 2013.

The question becomes not whether McLouth is likely to provide solid value, but how many wins his addition to the team provides. With left field being one of just two potential openings for improvement on the positional side for Baltimore – first base or DH being the other – the Orioles need to bank on production. $2 million worth of performance is simply not good enough.

So, what will McLouth need to do to provide average or better production as a starting leftfielder?

Average production is typically benchmarked at two wins above replacement. Despite McLouth’s reputation among Orioles fans as a plus defender, advanced fielding metrics see him as average to slightly below average in left. However, McLouth does tend to produce about 5 extra runs per season via base running.

All this means that the leftfielder would have to post about a .330 wOBA over a full season to meet two WAR. Interestingly, that production is nearly identical to McLouth’s career .331 mark, which spreads out something like a .250/.335/.420 triple slash line. Over two months in Baltimore, he hit to a tune of .268/.342/.435.

Essentially, McLouth will need to revert to career levels to be an average starter in left. The Orioles will hope for the player they saw late in 2012, but pay for the player McLouth has been over the last three years. The deal is good value but likely limited in upside. With McLouth in the fold, Baltimore now only has room for bat at first base or DH to upgrade the offense.

Discuss Nate McLouth in our Orioles Forum >>

The post What Nate McLouth Means for the Orioles appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

So it’s a Friday night in August, and I’m watching Guidry mowing down the Birds on my black and white TV. And I’m growing angrier by the moment. No he wasn’t no-hitting us as Ken Singleton reached him for a fourth inning single.

But we were losing despite a great effort from Mike Flanagan as Eddie Murray opened the seventh inning against this 15-game winner.

He bounced a simple grounder to Bucky Dent at short. I ran up and shut the stinking TV off. We were done.

The next morning, I spotted the newspaper. It said something like this, “Doug DeCinces hit a tremendous 430-foot homer as the Orioles beat the Yankees, 2-1.

Huh?

Evidently, Dent booted the Murray grounder and then DeCinces unloaded on Guidry and belted a ball that might still be soaring. And my temper tantrum caused me to miss it.

Third sacker DeCinces loved to hit off Guidry. Evidently the left-hander’s pitches were just what he was looking for.

So of course I looked it up. DeCinces was only a .234 lifetime hitter in 64 lifetime at-bats against Guidry.

But a closer examination shows us other evidence. Of DeCinces’ 15 hits, a whopping 10 were of the extra base variety. That was the one homer I missed and four more dingers. Also five doubles. And don’t forget to add 10 free passes as if Guidry knew DeCinces had his number.

So further examination shows DeCinces clearly was a Guidry killer. But both brothers, Lance and Larry Parrish hit six career homers off of Guidry. Give Larry full credit as he hit those 6 homers in just 33 at-bats.

Only Angels catcher, Brian Downing, was able to match DeCinces in the bases on balls category.

Granted the Yankees ran away and hid in 1978 behind their 25-game winner. They won 100 games. The O’s won 90 games and all that did was put them in fourth place.

DeCinces had a very strong season that year. He ripped 37 doubles and hit 28 homers for the O’s.

Of course the O’s traded their best third baseman since Brooks Robinson to California in the winter of 1982. We did receive outfielder Disco Dan Ford in return.

And then in 82, he had a marvelous year for the Angels. But that didn’t matter in Baltimore as the Orioles had plenty of “great” third baseman to replace DeCinces like Todd Cruz, Fritz Connolly, Floyd Rayford, Ray Knight and Rene Gonzalez. For those who don’t recognize the names here, this is pure sarcasm.

Oh, we get it all right. The O’s blew it. What the heck did they trade DeCinces away for?

The post That DeCinces Homer Off of Ron Guidry appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

• created a design focused on content
• cleaned up the code in order to have pages load faster
• added breadcrumbs to make it more clear which page you are on and how you got there

Player Profiles

The player profiles look very similar, but no longer have headings for unnecessary fields. Also, all stats in the player profiles have been updated.

You can now sort players in probably too many ways. My favorite ways to browse are by recently added, recently updated, position, school/from, options remaining, MiLB free agent eligible, and Rule 5 eligible. Do you want to which players are 24 years old? All of the players who are 6′ 2″? Players drafted in the 1st round? I know you were interested in the players who weigh 190 lbs.

I deleted a number of former players. I simply did not have the time to update their profiles. I did keep some, which you can view here. In the future a player’s profile will be kept even if he exits the organization.

Transactions

The new transactions page is much more clear and will be kept up-to-date during the season. You can also browse transactions by team:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Norfolk Tides
• Bowie Baysox
• Frederick Keys
• Delmarva Shorebirds
• Aberdeen IronBirds
• GCL Orioles

More Features

• You can now read Orioles Nation in blog format.
• Minors, Orioles, and MLB Draft blogs should be much easier to read and navigate.

Overall, I think the site is much easier to navigate and looks much nicer. If you find any bugs or see something displaying incorrectly please contact me.

The post Welcome to the New Orioles Nation appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Still Dauer was the starter on opening day of 1977. And to prove it was no fluke he went 0 for 28 to start the campaign.

Earl Weaver couldn’t stand the no-hitting Dauer and had to make a move. Enter switch-hitting second sacker and Southerner Billy Ed Smith. Picked up via free agency, Smith filled in for the slumping Dauer on April 10 and drove in a run with a hit.

A week later, the O’s were in Texas for a doubleheader. Naturally, four pitchers would start in the two games. And now three of them are in the Hall of Fame. In the opener, Jim Palmer battled Bert Blyleven. The nightcap had Gaylord Perry for the Rangers and Ross Grimsley for Baltimore.

Smith was stationed at second base in the opener. Smith had two singles and an eighth-inning homer as the Birds bombed Blyleven. I wish we had bombed him in the 1979 World Series but that’s a story for another day.

Palmer was brilliant in the 6-1 win.

Weaver didn’t give Smith the second game off. So he batted him against Perry. Smith had three singles in this 6-1 victory. After the game, Smith led the world in hitting at .700.

Maybe the Orioles had found a magical hitter in Smith. Rich Dauer? Forget it about, that Billy Smith had a smoking hot bat.

On April 19, the legendary Brooks Robinson pinch-hit a three-run homer to beat the Cleveland Indians in 10 innings. Starting second baseman Smith had three more hits. He also stole a pair of bags and he was leading the league in hitting at .625.

Since Smith is not in the Hall-of-Fame, his batting average began to slip. The Orioles opened a three-game home series with the Yankees in late April. And Smith again was batting second and playing second for the Birds.

The O’s lost two of three games with the Yanks. Smith had 6 hits in the series and scored 4 runs. At the end of play on this day, Smith led the American League in hitting at .472. Teammate Ken Singleton was in fourth place in the league in hitting at even .400.

Smith’s batting average stayed above until mid-May. No need to mention that this April batting terror finished the year hitting .215.

OK, so Dauer got his job back. Smith hit all of his 16 MLB homers in an O’s uniform. And he can tell his relatives that for one month in April he was the best hitter around. Some folks have a long run in the Majors. Some have a few years. And Smith had one month. One month of glory.

The post An April Batting Champion Named Billy Smith appeared first on Orioles-Nation.

Background

Price is a smart pitcher and has a clear idea of how to set up hitters.

The Orioles drafted Matt Price in the 7th round of the 2012 MLB draft and gave him a slot bonus of $149,300. If healthy, Price would have been sent to the GCL for a few games followed by more innings at Aberdeen. However, a right shoulder injury kept price out of game action in the GCL.

“His physical wasn’t completely clean and they are being overly cautious,” Orioles scouting director Gary Rajsich said. “I’m not saying that is anything out of the ordinary, it is just a pitcher with a lot of wear and tear.”

Scouting Report

Price is a smart pitcher and has a clear idea of how to set up hitters and works both sides of the plate. His smarts make up for his stuff which is not overpowering. His command and control help all of his pitches play up.

He throws his fastball in the 89-93 mph range in relief and has good action on his slider. His change up is effective enough to balance out his other pitches and sits in the 79-82 mph range.

Future

Price should progress quickly through the minors if he remains healthy. Despite the fact that Price has yet to make his pro debut, he’s still likely to open 2013 as part of Delmarva’s bullpen.

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Background

Drake struck out 15 and walked 4 in 18 innings for the Baysox in 2012.

Most teams didn’t know Oliver Drake was draft eligible coming out of Navy, but the Orioles did. Baltimore awarded drake a $100,000 bonus as a 43rd round pick and he was immediately thought of as a steal.

Drake progressed through the minors nicely and pitched well at each stop, but a shoulder injury which required surgery halted his progression in 2012. He had been placed on the Orioles’ 40-man roster prior to 2012 but was recently removed to make room for Jonathan Schoop and Mike Belfiore.

Drake made just three appearances in, where he struck out 15 and walked 4 in 18 innings for the Baysox.

Scouting Report

In the past, Drake’s fastball sat in the 91-95 mph range, but it’s unclear where his velocity currently sits because of his shoulder surgery.

His slider has always been a very good pitch that is above-average when he’s really on his game. Drake’s changeup was still a work in progress, but the shoulder surgery might push him to the bullpen where is lack of a changeup is much less of a concern.

Future

I’ve always liked Drake better as a reliever, and think it’s likely he comes back next season in that role.

He’ll open 2013 with the Baysox.

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Career Statistics

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Background

Veloz in 2012 posted a .801 OPS for the GCL Orioles.

The Orioles in 2010 signed Hector Veloz out of the Dominican Republic. Even before he signed, Veloz had already tested positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol, but the Orioles still handed him a $300,000 bonus, which is a franchise record for a player out of the DR.

Veloz in 2012 posted a .801 OPS for the GCL Orioles and later received a taste of the New York-Penn League where he hit .219 in 8 games.

Scouting Report

Veloz has tremendous power to all fields. I have personally seen him hit baseballs out of the deepest parts of Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL. He has a pretty good eye when it comes to balls and strikes, but doesn’t have the best pitch recognition.

He looks a lot bigger than the 6′ 2″, 192 lbs. he’s listed at, but does have some range at third base. His actions are stiff and he has above-average arm strength. He’s a better fit at first base going forward, but him playing 3B in the future isn’t completely out of the question if he improves with repetition.

Future

Veloz is unlikely to hit enough to play first base in the majors. Defense will be key moving forward as his status as a prospect depends on his ability to play third base.

He’ll open 2013 as part of the IronBirds roster.

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Career Statistics

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Background

Sawyer posted a .608 OPS in 2012, but his season line doesn’t tell the full story.

Wynston Sawyer signed to an over-slot bonus of $300,000 as the Orioles’ 2010 eighth round draft pick. He was drafted as a catcher but played both there and at first base throughout 2012.

Sawyer posted a .608 OPS in 2012, but his season line doesn’t tell the full story. He posted a .699 OPS in the second half of the season with 17 walks and 19 strikeouts. A number of people who watched him play in the second half saw notable improvements in his game.

Scouting Report

After Gabriel Lino was traded to the Phillies, Sawyer began to receive more time behind the plate. His footwork still needs improvement and he does struggle with passed balls, but both can improve with time. His arm strength is a tick above-average and he’s athletic enough to stick at catcher with proper coaching and repetitions.

Sawyer does have raw power but currently it does not show up in game. He has a good eye at the plate and his hit tool is above-average. He also has a strong work ethic.

Future

Sawyer has the tools you look for in a catcher, but is still raw and fairly young. Although he has advanced one level each season throughout his minor league career, he is most likely headed back to Delmarva to start 2013.

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Career Statistics

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Background

Bywater pitched 68.1 innings across three levels in 2012.

Matt Bywater was the Orioles’ 7th round selection in the 2010 MLB draft. He signed very close to the deadline for $195,000 and made his pro debut in 2011. He most likely would have started his career with Delmarva, but a case of the yips held him in extended spring training and the GCL and prevented him from doing so.

Bywater pitched 68.1 innings across three levels in 2012. He made five spot starts for Frederick but made the rest of his appearances out of the bullpen.

Scouting Report

Bywater throws from a low 3/4 arm slot that gives him lots of movement on his 87-89 mph fastball, which has late tailing action in on right-handed hitters.

He has a short loading phase and solid alignment that gives him the ability to maintain effective control and command of his arsenal. He can get out of synchronization at times where his landing is not in an effective location. He also needs to work on making a repeatable inline downhill throw.

Bywater’s changeup is a plus pitch that has late dip and fade in the zone. It’s his out pitch and is very tough on left-handed hitters.

Future

Bywater’s low arm slot and plus changeup give him very good chances to become at least a LOOGY, but there’s still hope he ends up as a starter.

Crowded minor league rotations will probably force Bywater to pitch out of the bullpen next season, but he should see time in the rotation should someone get injured.

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Career Statistics

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