Orioles Baby Birds Weekly Prospect Recap (August 16-22)

This week, MLB Pipeline updated their prospect list and guess what? The Baltimore Orioles are still on top. In the field, Gunnar Henderson played his final minor league game? Let’s check!

AAA – Norfolk Tides MVP: IF Gunnar Henderson (he’s ready)

The Orioles tested their most valuable prospect, Gunnar Henderson, on the right side of diamond. Henderson played first and second base against the Rays affliate and his performance didn’t change. Additionally, he hit a walkoff in extras last Saturday!

He’s not the only headline. Kyle Stowers (despite a 1-11 week) and Nick Vespi (0.00 ERA in MiLB) got the call to the majors. DL Hall made his first bullpen apperance (2.0 IP, H, ER, 3 BB, 4 K) and Drew Rom debuted in AAA with a good showing (4.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 BB, 9 K).

Unranked to watch: SS Adam Hall

Adam Hall was demoted to FCL during the season and the promotion to Norfolk was a surprise. Hall has a 1.167 OPS in his first two games. Could he be a replacement for Henderson?

Next series: at Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

AA – Bowie Baysox MVP: OF Hudson Haskin (7-18, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R, 1.177 OPS)

Even after MLB.com updated their prospect rankings, Haskin still landed in the top 30. The 2020 second-round pick played an excellent baseball overall. Our old friends are still rockin’: Joseph Ortiz (3 Home Runs – team leader this week), Colton Cowser and Connor Norby (8 hits each – team leaders) were pretty good, too.

Baltimore Orioles: Baby Birds Weekly Prospect Recap

The pitching staff had some debuts from two newcomers. Cade Povich was good (5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) but Chayce McDermott had a tough first game in AA (19.64 ERA in 3.2 IP).

Unranked to watch: RHP Justin Armbruester

He faced the 2017 NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton in his rehab game. Result: two K’s.

Next series: vs Altoona Curve

A+ – Aberdeen IronBirds MVP: OF Billy Cook (8-24, 3 HR, 2B, 12 RBI, 6 R, 1.110 OPS)

A slugfest by Cook, who dropped from top 30 (revenge tour is comming?). Other two players had a great offensive week: Trendon Craig (7-19) and Darell Hernaiz (7-23, 5 SB). Promoted from Delmarva, Luis Valdez made his debut in a great fashion: walkoff hit to seal the deal. With 4 stolen bases, Valdez is the third in all MiLB in that category (63).

Unranked to watch: RHP Jean Pinto

One of the surprises in 2021, Pinto made his best outing this season in a 11-K performance.

Next series: vs/at Wilmington Blue Rocks

Lo-A – Delmarva Shorebirds MVP: OF Jud Fabian (9-21, HR, 6 2B, 4 RBI, 8 R, 5:2 BB:K, 1.395 OPS)

Most members of the 2022 draft class have debuted for Delmarva and are creating a lot of buzz. Jud Fabian hits 4 doubles and in his first game, hit the ball over the fence. He’s lead the team in hits. Dylan Beavers (8-21, 3B, 6 RBI, 6 R, SB), Max Wagner (5-20, 3B, 4 RBI, 5 R), Adam Crampton (3-19) and Silas Ardoin (1-13) had their first experience in Low-A.

On the mound, Jared Beck (2.0 IP, H, 2 K) and Reese Sharp (1.0 IP, BB, K) made their Shorebirds debuts.

Unranked to watch: C Creed Willems

He unlocked his power, hitting for a double, triple and homer for an outstanding 1.438 OPS. He’s only 19 years old.

Next series: vs Lynchburg Hillcats

Extra

• FCL and DSL finish 2022 season on Tuesday. The headline is the #1 draft pick, Jackson Holliday. In seven* games, he had one hit in six. Even when he finished 0-2, he hit a walkoff, presented by the outfielder. Holliday’s slash line: .368/.552/.579, HR, 3 RBI, 9 BB, K.

*numbers before plublished

• Great news for Grayson Rodriguez. The best pitcher prospect will make a bullpen sesion, a live batting practice session and a simulation game, according from Orioles’ insiders. He had a chance to play in 2022.

MLB Pipeline – Ranking

Last Monday, MLB Pipeline released their midseason farm ranking. From Steve Melewski:

The Orioles remain #1! It’s a consensus from specialized media. The future is bright, Birdland!