Machado and Schoop to both play SS. Who goes to Bowie?

[Tony-OH]

Schoop has some things wrong with his swing right now and may be pressing a bit since he didn't get a ton of time in spring training while nursing a knee injury. I have more tomorrow, but he needs to quiet a lot of things down, things I didn't see last year from him.

[Flacco Machado]

Check out my avatar. These guys really are good friends. It's so awesome they are coming through the system together and can rely on each other. Really hoping to see Machado and Schoop as double play partners for the O's for a long time.

[allstar1579]

Schoop has some things wrong with his swing right now and may be pressing a bit since he didn't get a ton of time in spring training while nursing a knee injury. I have more tomorrow, but he needs to quiet a lot of things down, things I didn't see last year from him.

So I wasn't imagining things when he seemed a bit off? Makes sense with the injury and being a bit behind, that's why I wanna go see him again in a couple weeks. I don't have the comparison from last year to use though, so looking forward to seeing your take.

[Scrat1]

Still very early but Machado seems to be doing just fine. I'm still concerned about Schoop, however, and think the Orioles were over-aggressive in his promotion, although he did get a pair of singles today.

[Scrat1]

I know I'm being reactionary, but I can't help it. Still don't see the wisdom of the promotion(s).

[RZNJ]

Still very early but Machado seems to be doing just fine. I'm still concerned about Schoop, however, and think the Orioles were over-aggressive in his promotion, although he did get a pair of singles today.

I know I'm being reactionary, but I can't help it. Still don't see the wisdom of the promotion(s).

See how things change from week to week. Machado and Schoop are not overmatched in AA. They are being challenged. That's a good thing.

[McNulty]

Prospect #2: SS Manny Machado
Background with Player: My eyes; industry sources
Who: Selected with the third overall pick in the 2010 draft, Machado is considered by many to be the best shortstop prospect in the minors. His bat could be special, as both his hit and power tools project to be above-average; the diamonds of the skill set are his hands, which are fast and strong, helping to generate top-shelf bat speed and excellent bat control. He has the necessary tools to stick at shortstop, with a strong arm and good actions, but his size has a chance to limit his range, which has prompted some in the industry to speculate about a move to third base down the line. At shortstop, he has the potential to be a superstar, with at least average defense and well-above-average offensive production for the position. His value takes a hit if he has to shift to the hot corner, but let’s not pretend that a player that can hit for average and power and play solid defense at third lacks value. Wherever he ends up, Machado is going to be an above-average major leaguer.

What Could Go Wrong in 2012: Machado has a good approach at the plate, and he shows advanced pitch recognition skills, allowing him to track and attack. It’s encouraging to see a young hitter force a pitcher to throw the kitchen sink at him, then to shorten up and battle until a mistake is made. While not a passive hitter, Machado has a particular taste and he’s patient enough to wait until it’s served. But as he climbs the ladder, Machado will be facing much better pitchers, ones that can exploit his willingness to wait. The best hitters are the ones that can hit the best pitches, not just the mistakes that they coerce from unrefined arms. Machado is currently playing at Double-A, where arms have more command over their fastballs, better secondary arsenals, and a better feel for sequence. This type of arm is going to be a major challenge for a hitter like Machado, who has all the requisite skills to mash, but is still trying to learn what he can hit and what he can’t hit and when he can or can’t hit it. This is all a part of the developmental process, and given the fact that Machado has already graduated to such an advanced level at such a young age, any nitpick is minor.

Prospect #3: 2B Jonathan Schoop
Background with Player: My eyes; industry sources
Who: Signed out of Curacao in 2008, Schoop exploded onto the prospect landscape in 2011, showing a promising hit tool and plus power projection; he has good size and strength, and he can generate excellent bat speed and shows the ability to drive the baseball with authority. Defensively, Schoop could end up at several spots on the diamond, with more than enough arm and reactions for third base, and enough athleticism at the present for second. As a 20-year-old at the Double-A level, Schoop is way ahead of the developmental curve, and facing more advanced pitching (even in the face of setback) will benefit the young infielder immensely. Schoop has the offensive potential to profile as a first-division starter, but he’s anything but a finished product at this stage of the process.

What Could Go Wrong in 2012: Schoop has a good swing, with fluid mechanics and a good coverage area. It’s not particularly lengthy despite having some leverage, and he shows the ability to make contact. What could go wrong in 2012 is being hit with better secondary pitches being thrown in more advanced sequences. Schoop has struggled with quality off-speed offerings in the past, able to keep the bat on the ball, but rolling over it and producing weak contact. This will only continue against more advanced competition, arms that are more astute at keeping hitters off-balance, uncomfortable, and guessing. It will take adjustment from Schoop, and it might take a year or more at the level to take that developmental step.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/ar...rticleid=16657