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Baltimore Orioles: Ravens NFL Draft Brings Hope to Fans

ByKristen Bentley|
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: John Means #67 of the Baltimore Orioles in congratulated for his performance in the seventh inning during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 22, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: John Means #67 of the Baltimore Orioles in congratulated for his performance in the seventh inning during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 22, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Now that the most unusual draft in NFL history is over, eyes turn to the MLB as Baltimore Orioles fans hope for the best.

The sentiment was shared by Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame pitcher, Jim Palmer, who tweeted his approval for the Ravens highly rated draft choices.

As a fan who doesn’t follow the NFL, Palmer’s words resonated:

NFL drafts are often more meaningful that MLB drafts, as the players who enter the NFL can begin playing in the fall. With the MLB, scouts do their best to determine what young men might beat the odds at get an at-bat in the Show.

Sometimes, scouts get it right. But, it’s tough as they have to predict who might make it a few years down the road. Take John Means for instance. He was drafted twice. Once by the Atlanta Braves in 2011 when he finished high school. The second time in 2014 by the Orioles after he spent some time pitching for West Virginia University. In his first draft, he was selected in the 46th round and in the second, he was selected in the 11th round.

As Palmer was interacting with fans, he shared a bit about the draft:

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Details about the draft are still unknown, but if it is short, players like Means won’t have a chance. A rebuilding team often gives chances to players who wouldn’t see them elsewhere. Because of this, lightning struck twice for Means. He was able to see significant time on the mound, be named an All-Star, and finish second in the voting for 2019 Rookie of the Year.

Compare Means recent history to that of David Hess, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2014. He started in 19 games in 2018 and 14 in 2019, but he hasn’t proven to be as consistent as Means. Hess is not expected to join the Orioles to start the 2020 season, but will most likely stay with Triple-A Norfolk.

If the MLB does restart this season, he is expected to be the ace of the squad with veteran Alex Cobb behind him. The

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