World Baseball Classic is a chance for this top Orioles prospect to burst onto the scene

The World Baseball Classic, coming around, brings a complicated level of excitement to the baseball world during spring training. Clubs like the Baltimore Orioles would prefer to have their players camp, but for some, the allure of representing their country on the global stage is too tantalizing an opportunity to pass up.

For Orioles fans, one of the most intriguing stories to watch when the WBC kicks off in March is how top prospect Enrique Bradfield looks when he suits up for Team Panama in the spring spectacle.

Typically, a club would usually frown on a top prospect missing valuable time in camp to sit on the bench, but tiny Panama isn't quite the baseball powerhouse that the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Japan are. In fact, Bradfield Jr. will certainly get more run with Team Panama than he would trying to find opportunities in Baltimore's crowded outfield.

In fact, not only will Bradfield Jr. have a shot at regular playing time, he has the chance to be a star.

Top Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. could put the league on notice during the World Baseball Classic

Bradfield Jr. is expected to be Panama's starting center fielder, putting his blazing, 80-grade speed directly in the spotlight. There's a pretty good chance that he will hit leadoff, and he should get the opportunity to run wild. Paired with last year's MLB stolen base leader, Jose Caballero, speed is the one thing that makes the Panamanian roster stand out.

The last time we saw the 24-year-old in a showcase-type setting was during the Arizona Fall League, and the results were mixed. Speed and spectacular defense were certainly on display, but the offensive showing was more uneven.

Bradfield Jr. has a good eye and patience at the plate, and will draw his fair share of walks. That in and of itself is an important skill, but given the fact that he can easily turn those walks into a pseudo-double via the stolen base, it makes him incredibly dangerous. He did that a decent amount in the AFL, posting a .341 on-base percentage thanks to a 14.1% walk rate, and 17 stolen bases.

However, against top minor league talent, he hit just .221 with a .312 SLG in the autumn action. With a full offseason to work through things, will he be able to perform better against much more difficult competition?

It's unclear, but if he can make enough contact, the other skills will play, and minds will be blown. From there, the speedster will return to Norfolk to master Triple-A competition, but he'll have put himself on the map and could solidify a midseason call-up if his WBC performance is what we're hoping for. Regardless, every at-bat and every ball hit into center field will be electric to watch.