2015 5th (163) - Jason Heinrich - LF - River Ridge Middle HS (FL)

[MachoMachadoMan]

Central Florida/signable.

Stotle - Are any of our HS picks so far considered hard signs? I have to imagine that if they are perceived "reaches" by national analysts, the O's either 1) like them better than most or 2) know they are signable and it bumps them up their rankings.

[Slade-OH]

Prospect video

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[Stotle]

Stotle - Are any of our HS picks so far considered hard signs? I have to imagine that if they are perceived "reaches" by national analysts, the O's either 1) like them better than most or 2) know they are signable and it bumps them up their rankings.

I'm not aware of "tough signs" but that doesn't mean some or all won't require a little over slot. I don't know any as being "difficult" signs.

[MachoMachadoMan]

I'm not aware of "tough signs" but that doesn't mean some or all won't require a little over slot. I don't know any as being "difficult" signs.

Thanks. Hopefully we can get them inked and to the GCL for the summer.

[Tony-OH]

Huge bat speed. Hitter. Power.

http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=298006

Outstanding at WWBA WC

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These videos are a lot of fun to watch. this kids been hitting home runs since T-ball! lol

[Tony-OH]

I'm fine with the O's drafting players whose toolkit is tilted towards power in the early rounds. But it's certainly a change from recent years, when the O's loaded up on pitchers and toolsy position players at premium defensive positions in the early rounds.

It's hard for me to believe that this switch doesn't have something to do with the lack of production the O's are getting from corner bat positions at the major league and high minor league levels this season.

Honestly, time will tell, but I like the upside of the guys we've drafted so far and I'm glad we are going for some guys with some pop instead of the little guys.

[Tony-OH]

Tell you what, this kid's got some natural loft to his swing, legitimate power! Now we'll see how he can handle the breaking ball and upper level heat. Again, nice upside here in my opinion.

[Ruzious]

Honestly, time will tell, but I like the upside of the guys we've drafted so far and I'm glad we are going for some guys with some pop instead of the little guys.

Am I off-base in saying that the majors and minors are shy of good hitters with good power at this snapshot time in baseball - and the O's likely adjusted their drafting strategy with that in mind?

[Tony-OH]

Am I off-base in saying that the majors and minors are shy of good hitters with good power at this snapshot time in baseball - and the O's likely adjusted their drafting strategy with that in mind?

Good question honestly, but the pendulum has certainly seemed to have swung back to the pitching side the last few years. Rajsich seemed to certainly have a plan and it's the first time in recent memory where I could clearly see an Orioles scouting director going for HS power bats.

Now, Joe Jordan tried with guys like Rowell, Pope, Adams, and Henson and came up empty, so it remains to be seen if Rajsich and his scouts have a better eye for HS hitters, which traditionally are the hardest to judge of any talent.

[weams]

Bumped

[murph]

These videos are a lot of fun to watch. this kids been hitting home runs since T-ball! lol

Was a cool video and as far as I can tell he never ever has made an out and since 2005 only hit home runs!

Shame he needs to find that shirt he was wearing at the end and burn it now.

Seriously though, this has been an interesting draft, will be fun to follow the ones who make progress over the years.

[weams]

Was a cool video and as far as I can tell he never ever has made an out and since 2005 only hit home runs!

Shame he needs to find that shirt he was wearing at the end and burn it now.

Seriously though, this has been an interesting draft, will be fun to follow the ones who make progress over the years.

Jason Heinrich

@JasonKnine

Professional Baseball Player - Baltimore Orioles Organization

[usmcterp]

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseballpreps/orioles-select-river-ridge-star/2233026

"He decided he will bypass a scholarship to UCF, sign with the Orioles soon and report to the Gulf Coast League in Sarasota."

[Can_of_corn]

Heinrich played just down the road from me. A guy I know went to school with him. Also the 7th round pick for the Nats.

[weams]

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseballpreps/orioles-select-river-ridge-star/2233026

"He decided he will bypass a scholarship to UCF, sign with the Orioles soon and report to the Gulf Coast League in Sarasota."

"There will be something in the contract that will allow me to continue my education," Heinrich said. "I'm going to give this my best shot."

Heinrich is an all-around player who concentrated on the outfield during his senior season for the Royal Knights. He hit .437 with 22 RBIs, seven doubles, four triples and three home runs. He pitched much more his junior year but was limited to 15 innings this season.

Heinrich is being drafted for his outfield play and power. He is ranked 179th on mlb.com's top 200 prospect list. The site said Heinrich is a "big risk, big reward kind of high school bat, one with a ton of raw power."

As the 163rd pick, Heinrich is slotted to earn a signing bonus of $310,50"