Top 10 Baltimore Orioles Prospects To Watch In 2010
Scouting Reports Courtesy of Orioles Prospects Official Website
2010 Outlook: Should get a chance to make opening day MLB Roster.
Brian Matusz – SP
Regarded as the top pitcher in the 2008 class, Matusz was drafted by the Orioles 4th overall. Matusz has four above-average pitches in his unique repertoire. His fastball sits in the 90-92 mph range and is complimented by a changeup, slider, and curveball.
RC Card Spin: With Matusz being one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, you will pay a premium. If you think he is the real deal find a RC that fits your budget.
Brian Matusz Cards on Ebay:
- 2008 Upper Deck USA National Team #USA2
- 2008 Razor Letterman #BIMZ
Zach Britton – SP
Britton won Carolina League Pitcher of the Year in 2009 and second in the league in ERA. He was shutdown in his last start due to fatigue but will be ready for spring training.
2010 Outlook: Zachary will start the year in the Minor Leagues. Could move up quick if he pitches well.
RC Card Spin: Zachary has a nice Donruss Elite Autograph. That would be a good card to pick up if you think Britton has a shot at the bigs.
Zach Britton Card on Ebay:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Signature #50 /437
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Prospects #ZB
Josh Bell – 3B
Bell is easily the best bat in the Orioles’ system. Bell is an above-average defender at third base and has a plus arm. He has above-average power and shows excellent ability to get on base and work the count.
2010 Outlook: Bell will start the year in AAA. If Garrett Atkins gets hurt, Bell might get an early season call to the big leagues.
RC Card Spin: Josh Bell has 2005 Bowman Rookies. Bowman Draft and Bowman Chrome. I would try and find a nice graded one and then go look for a nice autograph.
Josh Bell RC Cards on Ebay:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft #36 RC
- 2005 Bowman Draft #36 RC
Jake Arrieta – SP
The Orioles drafted Arrieta in the 5th round of the 2007 MLB draft. He progressed quickly through the system, reaching Norfolk in only his second pro season. In 2009, Arrieta dominated hitters at Bowie and followed that with a solid half-season at Norfolk.
2010 Outlook: Jake could see time in the MLB as soon as 2010.
RC Card Spin: Look to pick something up, he should be a cheaper alternative to Matusz.
Jake Arrieta Cards On Ebay:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Edition #102 AUTO /949
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP164
Brandon Erbe – SP/RP
Erbe has an excellent fastball in the 91-94 mph range with excellent movement on it in the zone. His slider has potential to be a plus pitch and his changeup has come a long way as well.
2010 Outlook: Erbe will start the season in the minors.
RC Card Spin: His 2005 Bowman stuff is his RC cards. Look to pick up a few Bowman Chrome cards.
Brandon Erbe Cards On Ebay:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft #48 RC
- 2005 Bowman Draft #48 RC
Brandon Snyder – 1B
Snyder uses his hands well and shoots balls around the field. Snyder’s defense has improved immensely and he has great footwork around the bag.
2010 Outlook: Snyder should start the season in AAA.
RC Card Spin: The Topps Rookie Cup Autograph would be a great card to add if you think Snyder has a shot at having a long MLB career.
Brandon Snyder Cards On Ebay:
- 2005 Topps Rookie Cup #157 AUTO RC
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft #94 RC
Matt Hobgood – SP
Hobgood has an excellent fastball in the 90-95 mph range. His curveball is a plus pitch and a changeup that could also develop into a plus pitch. He has all the makings of a front of the rotation starter.
2010 Outlook: Matt will start the season in the minors and should pitch there the entire season.
RC Card Spin: Look to add a Hobgood card to your collection, as he is a guy who is probably under valued at this point. He has a live fastball which if he improves his command, he should get a shot to start in the MLB.
Matt Hobgood Card on Ebay:
- 2009 TRISTAR Obak #119a
Ryan Berry – SP
Berry has a good fastball in the 89-92 mph range with quality movement on it. He has a plus curveball in the 80-83 mph range that he throws in two different grips, knuckle and spike. Berry has excellent command of all his pitches.
2010 Outlook: Berry will start the season in the Minors.
RC Card Spin: This is a young guy who was overlooked in the 2009 draft (9th Round). When his cards start to hit the market, they should be affordable. Look to snag one up.
Ryan Berry Cards on Ebay:
- 2008 Upper Deck USA National Team Patch Autographs #RB
- 2008 Upper Deck USA National Team Jerseys #RB
Mychal Givens – SS
Givens was regarded as one of the best two-way prospects in the 2009 draft class. The Orioles want to try him on the offensive side first and if that does not work he can go to pitching. Givens has the athleticism that the Orioles have been looking for in recent drafts.
He has excellent speed, agility, and strength. He has good bat speed and as he matures he should be able to hit for above average power. His arm strength is a plus tool and can hit 97 mph on the mound.
2010 Outlook: Givens is young, and will have to work his way through the Minors starting this season.
RC Card Spin: This is a guy I would keep an eye on. He is very athletic, and has a shot to make it as a Pitcher or SS. I think he has more value as a great SS, so if he starts out hitting well, be sure to look for one of his UD USA Autographs, like the one pictured below.
Mychal Givens Cards on Ebay:
- 2008 USA Baseball #34
- 2008 Upper Deck USA Junior National Team Autographs #MG
Caleb Joseph – C
Joseph was drafted by the Orioles in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB draft out of Lipscomb. He had a very successful college career. Joseph has been forgotten in all the hype surrounding Matt Wieters but has become the Orioles’ new top catching prospect.
2010 Outlook: Joseph will start the year in the Minors. He might end up being a trade chip for the O’s with Wieters being on the MLB roster.
RC Card Spin: Caleb doesn’t have any cards yet. Look for some to pop up this season.
Caleb Joseph Stuff on Ebay:
