RealGM Baseball: From The Upper Deck - 2009 Prospect Review: Baltimore Orioles

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2009 Prospect Review: Baltimore Orioles

Authored by Christopher Reina - 22nd March, 2009 - 12:13 pm

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The Orioles have been on the sidelines since their playoff appearances in the late 1990's. While attempting to compete via the free agency route with the Yankees and Red Sox has failed, they now have a hybrid strategy where they can afford to keep their own players (Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis), but they have also built via the draft and the excellent Erik Bedard trade.

It really all begins, ends and begins again with Matt Wieters. He is the best prospect in all of baseball and legitimately has the potential to be one of the best two or three catchers of all-time.

His influence on the development of Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta will be incredibly important because unlike the days of four 20-game winners, Baltimore's starting pitching has been atrocious for many seasons.

Click on the each of the links below to view the players respective full prospect page.

Top Orioles Prospects

1. Matt Wieters - C

Matt Wieters is almost unanimously considered the best prospect in baseball and has every skill and upside necessary to be a Hall of Fame catcher.

2. Brian Matusz - LHP

Matusz is a big lefty who has good command over four pitches and is virtually a lock to be an effective middle rotation starter. If he can improve the velocity of the fastball, then he becomes more of a strikeout pitcher and a top of the rotation franchise cornerstone.

3. Chris Tillman - RHP

With a good mound presence and an excellent combination of curveball and fastball, Chris Tillman is one of top-10 pitcher prospects in the game.

4. Jake Arrieta - RHP

Jake Arrieta has the build and consistency with the fastball to be featured in the second half of the Orioles rotation, but will need better secondary pitches to rise above that projection.

5. Nolan Reimold - OF

Nolan Reimold is a little old to be considered a top prospect, but has very good pop, a good plate discipline and has been slowed down by injuries.

Other Players Worth Watching

- Brandon Erbe, Brandon Snyder, Zack Britton, David Hernandez

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