Jim Bowden: Basallo #9, Bradfield #36

[Frobby]

Jim Bowden published his top 50 prospects list today in the Athletic, namng Samuel Basallo at no. 9 and Enrique Bradfield Jr. at no. 36.   (The list does not include anyone who’s played in the majors, so no Coby Mayo.). Here’s what he had to say about them:

9. Samuel Basallo, C/1B, Orioles (Triple A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 180
Scouting grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 65 RUN: 45 ARM: 60 FLD: 45

For whatever reason, Samuel Basallo doesn’t get the same attention as many of the Orioles’ top prospects, which is difficult to understand if you’ve seen him swing a bat. He posted an .820 OPS this season at Double A, with 22 doubles, 16 homers and 55 RBIs in 398 at-bats, but got off to a slow start after his recent promotion to Triple A. He’s a below-average defender behind the plate with a strong arm, but there is no doubt he’s going to hit for power at the next level. In all likelihood, Basallo will eventually share catching, first base and DH duties with Adley Rutschman when fully developed as the Orioles will aim to keep both catchers healthy for the long term.

36. Enrique Bradfield Jr., CF, Orioles (Double A)

Age: 22
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-1 Weight: 173
Scouting grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 30 RUN: 80 ARM: 45 FLD: 75

Enrique Bradfield Jr. is among the best leadoff hitters in the minor leagues, with blazing speed that’s allowed him to steal 69 bases this year. He’s logged a .348 on-base percentage this season between High A and Double A and continues to improve his hit tool. He profiles as a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. Drafted 17th overall last year, Bradfield is the Orioles’ future center fielder and should be ready for the majors in 2026.

 I am not a big Bowden fan, but thought people would be interested to see his thoughts anyway.

Edited September 6 by Frobby

[btdart20]

Andrew K's comment on the article pretty much sums it up for me:

"Of all the prospect ranking lists I've seen, this is certainly one of them."

[Sports Guy]

I think it’s pretty obvious that this list is only guys who have yet to debut in the majors.

[bpilktree67]

1 hour ago, Sports Guy said:

I think it’s pretty obvious that this list is only guys who have yet to debut in the majors.

Agreed there is no Dylan Crews on the list either which tells me he just took guys who have not appeared in the majors yet even if they have prospect status still.  

[Sports Guy]

7 minutes ago, bpilktree67 said:

Agreed there is no Dylan Crews on the list either which tells me he just took guys who have not appeared in the majors yet even if they have prospect status still.  

No Caminero either 

[Jim'sKid26]

Nice to see Bradfield on the list. 

[Frobby]

1 hour ago, Sports Guy said:

I think it’s pretty obvious that this list is only guys who have yet to debut in the majors.

Thanks.  I hadn’t studied it enough to notice that.  

[Sports Guy]

2 minutes ago, Frobby said:

Thanks.  I hadn’t studied it enough to notice that.  

And you call(ed) yourself a lawyer. SMH.

[Just Regular]

I no longer subscribe but still get promotional emails and I believe Baseball America issued a Top 100 update recently.

Usually @RZNJ is good at sharing the occasional BA tidbit here and there.

Big picture I'm ready for prospect watching to be over.    Cedric's replacements I don't hope much they'll outdo what he's given the Orioles the last few years, so Basallo whenever it happens is really the end of a (glorious) chapter in Orioles player development.

I think we'll probably better serve building the Orioles brand as a place Adley and others want to be forever if our farm ranking is low-ish in three years.

I'll give an exception if Ethan Holliday Eli Manning-style steers himself to BAL.