Orioles Prospect Report: Samuel Basallo, Golden Sombreros, Trevor Rogers, and That Man Creed Willems

A shorter report for you all today compared to usual, with the Delmarva and Aberdeen all wrapped up for the season. This'll be the last time we see Bowie here as well, with AA leagues headed to the playoffs next week. Things are really waning down, but they're not done yet!

Norfolk Tides
Won series with Durham Bulls 4-2

AAA ball's starting to look easier and easier for Samuel Basallo, going 7-21 on the week with 2 RBI. The effort raised his average at Norfolk by 56 points, as the organization's top prospect looks to finish 2024 on a high note.

Fellow catcher Blake Hunt was one of the few other bright spots at the dish, ripping .357 and scoring twice in 4 appearances. Seems like the backup spot for Baltimore will come down to these two guys next spring.

The Bulls rung up Jud Fabian for not one, but two golden sombreros in his six games played. Everyone knew Fabian would likely have some struggles early on for the Tides, but 45 strikeouts in 96 at bats is pretty indefensible-- especially when paired with just 2 home runs.

Big time start from Trevor Rogers on Thursday, tossing 6 scoreless frames. He allowed 4 empty hits, 2 walks and struck out 7, while maybe replanting the seed in Mike Elias' head that he could be a useful piece in the coming weeks. Don't completely throw out that idea just yet.

Brandon Young continues to make his argument for that same role, shutting out Durham over 5.1 strong. The righty's gone 5-3 with a 3.32 ERA and 3:1 K:BB rate across 84 IP for Norfolk, leaving many wondering what more he's got to prove at this level.

No-no watch! Carlos Tavera didn't surrender a single hit in his 5 innings of work Friday night, striking out 7 and walking just 2. It was the first time in 14 appearances for the Tides that he didn't allow an earned run. Justin Armbruester was unable to keep the magic going, blowing the no hitter and shutout 5 batters after Tavera got the hook.

Super encouraging rehab performances from Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb, each making two shutout relief appearances on the week. Webb's already rejoined the big-league club, while Coulombe is hot on his tail. Long awaited reinforcements!

Bowie Baysox
Tied series with Erie Seawolves 3-3

That's how you end a season, Creed Willems! The kid posted a .476/1/8 line in Bowie's final series, collecting a hit in every game. Willems' bat was a big question mark coming into 2024, but he showed some major improvements on that front. If he can continue to consistently make contact at the dish, he's going to have a spot in this organization for a long time.

Future top-100 prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. also went out on a high note, going 7-20 with a yard ball and 2 RBI. The center fielder also went 4/5 on stolen base attempts, ending the year with 74 swipes at an 85.1% clip. Throw in a .272 average and you've got yourself a nice little weapon for the future.

Dougie! Nice showing from Mr. Hodo against Erie, going 7-18 on the week, surprisingly not driving in any teammates. The 2022 6th rounder held his own in Bowie, batting .267 in 14 games with the AA club. Look for him to be starting there next April.

One more workmanlike outing from Alex Pham, lasting 4 strong while giving up just 1 earned on 4 hits and 2 walks. His 6 strikeouts raised his K/9 to 10.44 on the year, just one-hundredth lower than 2023. Big time hit and miss stuff from this exciting prospect.

Outstanding finale out of Peter Van Loon, tossing 5 shutout frames on Thursday, allowing just 2 hits and 3 walks while racking up 5 K's. Van Loon was outstanding for the Baysox after a dismal '23 that saw him post a 6.04 ERA with the club. He's not only saved his job but earned himself a spot in Norfolk's rotation next year.

Hard to argue there was a better reliever on this farm than Dylan Heid, holding the Seawolves off the board for 3 innings across 2 appearances. Heid surrendered 2 or fewer earned runs in 3 of the 6 months this year, never allowing more than 4. Dude was supremely consistent, bordering on dominant. Can't wait to see what he's got for AAA.