Orioles top 20 Prospects going into 2000

[Tony-OH]

More Wayback stuff

Top 20 Orioles Prospects
(Rankings based on Overall potential and production, age as of 1 June 99 (age they will play this season)

This ranking is based on information known at the end of spring training 2000.  Players were evaluated on their overall potential, tools, and production. Organizational information gained by talking with players, coaches, scouts and front office personnel. 

Click on player's name for a profile
1. Matt Riley, SP, 20, (3-2, 2.61 at FRE & 10-6 3.22 IP at BOW & 0-0, 7.36 at BAL) - Still number one despite some serious questions about his maturity. During spring training, he was late three times, "sentenced" by the team, fined by the manager, and finally sent to the minors after getting arrested in a nightclub incident. But, the hard throwing left-hander made big strides during the 1999 season especially with his endurance. Cut back on trying to strike everyone out and suddenly went from a five inning pitcher to a seven or eight inning starter. Consistently throws 92-93 MPH with a knee-buckling curve. Fastball tops out at 95mph on occasion. Tired at seasons end, but received an ill-fated major league call-up anyway. Will probably spend the entire 2000 season in Triple-A.

2. Jayson Werth, C, 21, (.305, 3,30,16sb at FRE & .273, 1,11, 7sb at BOW) - Got married in the offseason but more importantly, his hand completely healed in the offseason and added 15 pounds. Last season, the 6'5" catcher looked more like a kid, but after adding 15 pounds in the offseason, Werth now looks like the major league prospect he's suppose to be. Received a mid-season promotion to Bowie in 1999 where he was lighting things up (.363 with a .463 OBP (31-67) before going on the disabled list after being struck by a throw on his right wrist when sliding into a base. Continues to show promise defensively, but struggled to throw out runners all season and has not developed the power the Orioles are looking for. His wrist continued to bother him once he came off the DL and the Orioles took him out of the Arizona Fall League. Will spend the year in Double-A.

3. Calvin Pickering, 1B, 23, (.283, 16, 63 at ROC & .125,1,5 at BAL) - Hit well in the Arizona Fall League but appeared lazy on several plays, leading some scouts to doubt his desire. Still has a major league bat with major league power. The Orioles would like him to become more aggressive in RBI situations. Has a tremendous eye and can hit for power to all fields. Needs a big year at Triple-A to overcome the whispers. Everyone from Eddie Murray to Don Buford have sat down and talked with him about his attitude, it's now up to him to decide whether he wants to put it the effort to become a major league player. 

4. Luis Matos, OF, 21, (.297, 7, 41,27sb at FRE & .237, 9, 36, 14sb) - Legitimate five-tool prospect who probably was rushed a bit too much last season. Has as much talent as anyone in the system. Has legitimate speed and can cover a lot of ground in center field. Will start the year in Triple-A but has usually struggled at each new level so a return to Double-A can not be ruled out. Has the potential to be a 30-50 guy in the major leagues. 

5. Larry Bigbie-OF, 22, (.277,2,31 at BLU and DEL) - The furthest along of all the Orioles 1999 first-rounders. The sweet swinging outfielder struggled at first before adjusting to the wooden bat. Another five-tool talent, Bigbie's power should increase dramatically in his first full minor league season. Will not steal a lot of bases, but has decent speed and is a solid outfielder. Will start the season at Class-A with the Frederick Keys.

6. Darnell McDonald, OF, 21, (.266, 6,73,26sb at FRE) - A tough offseason for the former first-rounder. Had shoulder surgery after re-injuring it in the California Fall League last season, but then lost his mother unexpectedly.  He's looking at baseball as a way to get his mind off his horrible offseason. More focused and calm now that the pressure of being the latest number one pick is off. Showed better patience at the plate drawing a team high 61 walks and cut down his strikeouts from 123 in 1998, to 92 in 1999. Decent defensive outfielder who still needs to work on getting good jumps and routes to the ball while keeping focused. Will start the year in Bowie (AA).  

7. John Stephens, SP, 20, (10-8, 3.22 at DEL) - No one had more intriguing numbers from last year then the 20-year right-hander from Australia. Overcame a career-threatening injury to post a remarkable season in the Sally League where he led the league with 217 strikeouts in 170.1 innings pitched while walking just 36. Allowed just 148 hits while holding opponents to a .229 batting average. Remarkably, he did all of this despite the fact his fastball was in the 82-83 MPH range. Uses a 60 MPH 12-6 curveball and a solid changeup along with impeccable control and pure pitching savvy. One of the smartest pitchers you will find who studies hitters and figures out and exploits the weaknesses of each hitter. If that's not exciting enough, Stephen's velocity has returned and he's now getting it up there in the high eighties. Keep an eye out for this one.

8. Edward Rogers, SS, 18, (.288,1,19 20 SB at GCL O's) - We can hear you asking, "Who?". How does an 18-year old Dominican shortstop rate this high after just one short-season in the Gulf coast League? When he's that good, that's how. The Orioles wonderchild shortstop is a five-tool talent that has an unlimited future. At just 17-years of age last season, Rogers hit .447 with three home runs in 13 Dominican Summer League games  before coming over and leading the Gulf Coast Orioles in stolen bases with 20. Showed up in Sarasota much bigger then he was the year before which could mean added power to an already impressive stroke. Soft-hands, outstanding range and a solid arm combined with speed and power potential make him a future star. Suffered a hand injury in spring training, but is expected to start the season in Delmarva by late April.  

9. Sean Douglass, SP, 21, (5-6, 3.32 at FRE) - Nothing wrong with being a 20-year old (His age on opening day) opening day starter on a Double-A club, now is it? Tall, lanky starter who throws in the low 90's with good movement to go along with a solid slider and change. Still needs to fill out and could easily add 3-4 MPH to his fastball. Could find himself in the big leagues come September 

10. BJ Ryan, RP, 23, (1-0, 3.09 at ROC & 1-0, 2.95 at BAL) - 6'6" left-handed reliever acquired in the Juan Guzman deal. Immediately showed he was ready for the majors by striking out 32 in 23.1 IP at ROC before striking out 28 in just 18.1 IP with the Orioles. Held major league hitters to just a .150 average. Throws in the low 90's with a Jesse Orosco-like slider and a herky-jerky delivery that throws batters off. Will pitch out of the Orioles bullpen in 2000 and could be a closer in the future.

11. Keith Reed, OF, 21, (.254, 4, 25 at BLU and DEL) - Raw prospect who may have the highest ceiling of any prospect in the system. A five-tool talent who still is unpolished. Has tremendous power an outstanding speed. May take longer to develop but could be a 30-30 player in the majors.

12. Brian Roberts, SS, 22, (.240,0,21 17SB at DEL) - Outstanding defensive shortstop with good speed. The switch-hitter has a decent stick which will get better. Is defensively ready to be in the big leagues. His stick will decide how far he can go.

13. Juan Guzman, SP, 21, (9-5, 3.55 at DEL) - The results are coming for the Orioles latest catching convert. In his first full season as a pitcher, made the conversion from a reliever to a starter with good results. Throws 92-93 MPH but can top out in the mid-nineties. He's still working on an effective offspeed pitch but the slider is coming along good. Struck out an impressive 134 batters in 124.1 innings pitched. Compared to Nerio Rodriguez because of conversion from catcher, but actually has a much better arm. Will start the year with Stephens and Bechler at Frederick. 

14. Steve Bechler, SP, 20, (8-12, 3.54 at DEL) - . This 20-year old right-hander has struck out 178 in 202 minor league innings. "Bech" features a low 90's fastball and above average knuckle-curve and improving change. Struggled with consistency walking a team high 58 while throwing nine wild pitches. Second on the team in strikeouts (139) while holding opposing batters to a .239 batting average. Will start the year in Frederick.

15. Rick Elder, 1B, 20, (.600,2,4 at GCL& .329,10,40 at BLU & .083, 2,4 at DEL) - Injuries continue to hound the hulking left-handed hitting firstbase. Continues to show big league power (14 home runs in 204 at bats) but also continues to strikeout at an alarming rate (73 in 246 plate appearances). Missed part of spring training while tending to his ill mother.  Can hit a ball a country mile but needs to cut down on his swing or pitchers at higher levels will carve him up.

16. John Parrish, SP, 22 (2-2, 4.17 at FRE & 0-2, 4.04 at BOW) - Getting suspended last season may have been the best thing for him and the Orioles. Rededicated himself to baseball with terrific results. Left-handed thrower with a 92-94 MPH fastball has been known as a thrower more then a pitcher for most of his career, but has begun to pitch this season. One of the hardest workers in spring camp.  Could be a huge surprise this season. 

17. Ivannon Coffie, SS, 23 (.185,3,23 at BOW & .283,11,53 at FRE) - Back to shortstop after a season at 3B. Still one of the sweetest swings in the organization. Was a decent SS with Delmarva. Relearned to hit at Frederick under current manager Andy Etchebarren. Needs a breakthrough season.

18. Jocobo Sequea, SP, 18, (4-6, 4.92 at Rock (Low-A/CIN) & 0-2, 3.90 at DEL) - 17-year old protégée was already in his second professional season when the Orioles acquired him along with BJ Ryan in the Juan Guzman trade. Reportedly has a mid-nineties fastball, but is still trying to harness his heat as evidence by his 60 walks in 119.2 innings. However, he did strike out 92 during that span. Still has a long way to go but any 17-year old with that type of heat has to be watched closely.

19. Josh Towers, SP, 23, (12-7, 3.76 at BOW) - Keep moving through the system despite the fact that few in the organization believe he's a real prospect. Don't tell that to Josh. At 6'0" 170lbs, he's definitely not going to intimidate many hitters but keeps them off balance with an assortment of pitches. Fastball usually clocked in the 86-88 MPH range, but did top out at 90 MPH a few times this season. Every year, some in the organization wait for the other shoe to drop, but  after becoming the Baysox most consistent starter in 1999, maybe they'll see that he just may be a major league prospect. Actually learned to pitch better by throwing less strikes. Received the opening day assignment at Rochester. Don't let the nay-sayers let you believe he can't be successful. 

20. Mike Paradis, SP, 22, (15.00 in 2 games at DEL) - Pitched just two games before hyper-extending his elbow last season. The Orioles top pick in 1999 throws in the mid-nineties.

Players to Watch -
Richard Stahl-SP, Tim Raines-OF, Jonathan Kessick-C, Ryan Kohlmeier-RP, Wady Almonte-OF, Juan Aracena-RP, Aaron Rakers-RP, Rodney Ormond-RP, Alex Gordon-OF, Matt Griswold-OF, Steve Salargo-OF, David Tavarez-SP, Eliot Tomaszewski-SP, Erik Bedard-SP, Matthew Tate-SP, Ben Knapp, Richard Negrette-P, Eddy Garabito-2B, Eddy Martinez-SS, Franky Figueroa-1B, Roberto Rivera-OF, Ntema Ndungidi-OF, Rick Bauer-SP, Maikell Diaz-SS, Joey Hammond-INF, Jeff Wilson-LHP, Richard Paz-2B, Randy Perez-LHP, Raymond Cabrera, Edwin Centeno-OF, Napolean Calzado-3B, Jeff Wilson-P, Pete Shier-SS

Players to watch in first year-
Sonel Sena-C, Quincey Ascencion-OF, Ruben Francisco-OF, Francisco Mejia-P, Elvis Montilla-P, Rleal Sendy, Felipe Perez-1B

Players that could still surprise

Rochester-  Eugene Kingsale- OF, Gabe Molina- P, Willie Morales-C, 3B Ryan Minor, Howie Clark-OF, Mike McDougal-RHP

Bowie- Rick Short-3B, David Gilbralter-1B

Frederick-  Charles Alley-C

Delmarva- Willie Harris-2B, Matthew Riorden-OF, Mamon Tucker-OF,  Matt Schwager-RP

 

 

[btdart20]

This pipeline is actually respectable!  

[RZNJ]

24 minutes ago, btdart20 said:

This pipeline is actually respectable!  

Was thinking the same thing.   Not a bad top 20.

[Sports Guy]

3 top 20 guys had good careers and a few others made the majors.

Better than I would have thought to be honest.

[clapdiddy]

Whatever happened to Matt Riley?

[Can_of_corn]

5 minutes ago, clapdiddy said:

Whatever happened to Matt Riley?

I'm guessing middle school PE teacher.

[Frobby]

Note that this list followed the summer where we had 7 first round picks.   

No. 8 Ed Rogers, listed here as 18, was later found to have lied about his age by three years, which instantly tanked his prospect status.  His memorable big league moment came when he was fielding a ball and it somehow rolled under his shirt.  

 

Edited December 14, 2023 by Frobby

[now]

On 12/14/2023 at 1:05 PM, Frobby said:

Note that this list followed the summer where we had 7 first round picks.   

No. 8 Ed Rogers, listed here as 18, was later found to have lied about his age by three years, which instantly tanked his prospect status.  His memorable big league moment came when he was fielding a ball and it somehow rolled under his shirt.  

 

Ed Rogers, who Syd Thrift said was the next ARod. Yeah right. Glad we replaced the SydBot with the SigBot!

[Frobby]

5 hours ago, now said:

Ed Rogers, who Syd Thrift said was the next ARod. Yeah right. Glad we replaced the SydBot with the SigBot!

His profile changed entirely when the age discrepancy was discovered.   

[Tony-OH]

24 minutes ago, Frobby said:

His profile changed entirely when the age discrepancy was discovered.   

It sure did. No wonder he looked so good as a 17-year old. He was really 20-years old. 

Nice kid though overall. I always liked Eddie and while I would never condone what he did, it was pretty common practice for guys back then and did explain why the Orioles were able to get him. Most teams probably had a pretty good idea he was old since they had bigger presences down in the DR.

[LookinUp]

That John Stephens write up is something else. Something tells me he wouldn't even make an affiliate with this regime. My how times, and data, have changed.

[Tony-OH]

47 minutes ago, LookinUp said:

That John Stephens write up is something else. Something tells me he wouldn't even make an affiliate with this regime. My how times, and data, have changed.

Stephens had that neck injury diving for a ball in a game in Delmarva, and somehow his velocity never returned. I never saw it, but I remember being told he was 87-89 before the injury. When I saw him at Bowie, he was racking up big strike out numbers with an 81-84 MPH fastball, but was getting them with that big slow curveball, a good changeup, and pitching guile. 

Say what you want about his velocity, take away his first major league start where he was torched for 9 ER in 3 innings of work, and he pitched to a 5.08 (4.49 FIP), held batters to a .248/.313/.419/.732 slash line, went 6 or more innings in 8 of 10 starts, and had a 55-21 K-BB ratio on 62 innings. He did that at 22-years of age. Those are much better numbers than Grayson Rodriguez put up as a 23-years old in his first ten major league starts. Obviously Rodriguez's stuff was much better than Stephens, but I'm just saying that Stephens deserved more chances at the  major league level. 

Stephens was  a classic situation of a pitcher who never got another chance because of his fastball velocity. I still think he could have carved out a career as a 5th starter if teams would have given him a chance vs dismissing him because of a lack of fastball velocity. If Stephens was pitching prior to radar guns, he probably would have had a 10 year major league career.    

[LookinUp]

23 minutes ago, Tony-OH said:

Stephens had that neck injury diving for a ball in a game in Delmarva, and somehow his velocity never returned. I never saw it, but I remember being told he was 87-89 before the injury. When I saw him at Bowie, he was racking up big strike out numbers with an 81-84 MPH fastball, but was getting them with that big slow curveball, a good changeup, and pitching guile. 

Say what you want about his velocity, take away his first major league start where he was torched for 9 ER in 3 innings of work, and he pitched to a 5.08 (4.49 FIP), held batters to a .248/.313/.419/.732 slash line, went 6 or more innings in 8 of 10 starts, and had a 55-21 K-BB ratio on 62 innings. He did that at 22-years of age. Those are much better numbers than Grayson Rodriguez put up as a 23-years old in his first ten major league starts. Obviously Rodriguez's stuff was much better than Stephens, but I'm just saying that Stephens deserved more chances at the  major league level. 

Stephens was  a classic situation of a pitcher who never got another chance because of his fastball velocity. I still think he could have carved out a career as a 5th starter if teams would have given him a chance vs dismissing him because of a lack of fastball velocity. If Stephens was pitching prior to radar guns, he probably would have had a 10 year major league career.    

Mark Buerhle and Jamie Moyer, but without the years and years of success to show he could pitch successfully with lower velocities. It's such a narrow lane to succeed in.

[Frobby]

10 hours ago, Tony-OH said:

Stephens had that neck injury diving for a ball in a game in Delmarva, and somehow his velocity never returned. I never saw it, but I remember being told he was 87-89 before the injury. When I saw him at Bowie, he was racking up big strike out numbers with an 81-84 MPH fastball, but was getting them with that big slow curveball, a good changeup, and pitching guile. 

Say what you want about his velocity, take away his first major league start where he was torched for 9 ER in 3 innings of work, and he pitched to a 5.08 (4.49 FIP), held batters to a .248/.313/.419/.732 slash line, went 6 or more innings in 8 of 10 starts, and had a 55-21 K-BB ratio on 62 innings. He did that at 22-years of age. Those are much better numbers than Grayson Rodriguez put up as a 23-years old in his first ten major league starts. Obviously Rodriguez's stuff was much better than Stephens, but I'm just saying that Stephens deserved more chances at the  major league level. 

Stephens was  a classic situation of a pitcher who never got another chance because of his fastball velocity. I still think he could have carved out a career as a 5th starter if teams would have given him a chance vs dismissing him because of a lack of fastball velocity. If Stephens was pitching prior to radar guns, he probably would have had a 10 year major league career.    

I loved that guy.  I think I recall him throwing a few curves in the high 50’s.  That’s not a typo.  I meant 50’s.

[truespectra]

This is fantastic. About the time I discovered Orioles Hangout. Really appreciate re-posting these rankings Tony.