The 2011 season...This is when desperate Orioles fans thought the O's had a chance to make noise for the first time since the Ripken Era. With the additions of Mark Reynolds, Derrek Lee, JJ Hardy, and Vladimir Guerrero the birds looked good entering the year. This was also supposed to be the year where Matt Wieters started his run as the "Catcher of the New Era" and Brian Matusz emerged as the O's ace. Through all Adam Jones and Nick Markakis have played well. Now with the Orioles sitting in last place with what looked to be a potentially successful season entering the year, they are looking to the future. They dealt reliever Koji Uehara to the Rangers in return for first baseman Chris Davis and pitcher Tommy Hunter. I thought this was a great deal for the Orioles. Now if you are a true Orioles fan you do some research on your prospects.
The O's could compete in future years, they just need a lot of things to happen. Machado can't start slow like former O's top prospects (Wieters, Matusz). He must perform and reach the big leagues on schedule. Wieters must continue being consistent with the bat, and emerge as the catcher everyone thought he could be. Brian Matusz must turn this season around down the stretch, so that he goes into the offseason without a bad taste in his mouth. This season has been a year to forget for him so far. Zach Britton has to perform as atop of the rotation pitcher. Early in the year, he showed potential, pitching at an All-Star Caliber. He has to find that again so he can prove the doubters wrong and have confidence going into his sophomore season. Mark Reynolds has to continue hitting 30+ HR's year in and year out, and Adam Jones and Markakis step up and lead the youthful Orioles. Those three have to be offensive leaders and provide run support for the young pitching staff, as they will not be perfect their first few years in the bigs. A potential difference maker is Chris Tillman. The kid has been floating from AAA to MLB this season and used to be a highly regarded prospect for the O's. Now he seems to be falling out. If he could somehow manage to turn it around and be productive this would help Baltimore a ton.
Leading the charge of the future is shortstop Manny Machado. This kid has been compared to Alex Rodriguez, as they share similar stories as young Florida SS prospects with power bats. Machado isn't alone though. He is joined by players such as Bobby Bundy, Trent Mummey, Dan Klein, LJ Hoes, Matt Hobgood, Mycal Givens, and newly drafted players Dylan Bundy and Jason Esposito. We should expect to see the likes of Dan Klein, Bobby Bundy, and maybe Trent Mummey in Baltimore next year, where as Hoes, Hobgood, Givens, Dylan Bundy, and Esposito will need a few years to develop. But with all these talents down in the minors, especially at prime positions such as SS, 3B, and SP, the future looks bright for Baltimore.
Posted by Michael and Owen
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