AJWatson3
February-13th-2004, 04:15 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=1734468
Friday, February 13, 2004
By John Sickels
Special to ESPN.com
Darius from Rochester, N.Y., writes: I would like some information and news on Orioles prospects Adam Loewen, Ryan Hannaman and Brian Forystek. When do you think they will reach the majors?
The Orioles have made significant progress rebuilding their farm system. They've developed an intriguing group of pitching talent, including the three lefties you mentioned above, plus RHP John Maine, LHP Erik Bedard, RHP Denny Bautista, and RHP Dave Crouthers. Even Matt Riley, a top prospect a few years ago, has overcome arm problems to re-emerge as a prospect.
The three guys you mentioned are all fine prospects. Loewen is the best of the group. Drafted in 2002 in the first round, he didn't sign until just before the '03 draft. He is a tall (6-6) southpaw with a 92-93 mph fastball, a nasty curve, and an improving changeup. He's been handled cautiously, but should begin '04 in full-season ball. He may be the best prospect in the system.
Hannaman, like Loewen, is a live-armed lefty. He was acquired as part of the Sidney Ponson/Kurt Ainsworth trade with the Giants last July. There are questions about his ability to stay healthy ... he had a sore arm last summer ... and his command is inconsistent. But like Loewen, he has a very high ceiling. If the arm problems become chronic, he could emerge as a bullpen lefty.
Forystek was a 14th-round pick in 2000, out of Illinois State. He doesn't throw as hard as Loewen or Hannaman, but he locates his 89-mph fastball well, changes speeds, and passed the Double-A Finesse pitcher test without too many problems last year (3.39 ERA with a 103/42 K/BB in 125 innings). I think he is a sleeper prospect.
Forystek is the closest of the group to seeing major league action, but both Loewen and Hannaman have higher ceilings. All in all, I think the Orioles are making good progress. All these guys are worth close attention, as well as others such as Maine, Bedard, etc. The hitting talent in the system is less impressive, but this group of pitchers could be surprising.
Friday, February 13, 2004
By John Sickels
Special to ESPN.com
Darius from Rochester, N.Y., writes: I would like some information and news on Orioles prospects Adam Loewen, Ryan Hannaman and Brian Forystek. When do you think they will reach the majors?
The Orioles have made significant progress rebuilding their farm system. They've developed an intriguing group of pitching talent, including the three lefties you mentioned above, plus RHP John Maine, LHP Erik Bedard, RHP Denny Bautista, and RHP Dave Crouthers. Even Matt Riley, a top prospect a few years ago, has overcome arm problems to re-emerge as a prospect.
The three guys you mentioned are all fine prospects. Loewen is the best of the group. Drafted in 2002 in the first round, he didn't sign until just before the '03 draft. He is a tall (6-6) southpaw with a 92-93 mph fastball, a nasty curve, and an improving changeup. He's been handled cautiously, but should begin '04 in full-season ball. He may be the best prospect in the system.
Hannaman, like Loewen, is a live-armed lefty. He was acquired as part of the Sidney Ponson/Kurt Ainsworth trade with the Giants last July. There are questions about his ability to stay healthy ... he had a sore arm last summer ... and his command is inconsistent. But like Loewen, he has a very high ceiling. If the arm problems become chronic, he could emerge as a bullpen lefty.
Forystek was a 14th-round pick in 2000, out of Illinois State. He doesn't throw as hard as Loewen or Hannaman, but he locates his 89-mph fastball well, changes speeds, and passed the Double-A Finesse pitcher test without too many problems last year (3.39 ERA with a 103/42 K/BB in 125 innings). I think he is a sleeper prospect.
Forystek is the closest of the group to seeing major league action, but both Loewen and Hannaman have higher ceilings. All in all, I think the Orioles are making good progress. All these guys are worth close attention, as well as others such as Maine, Bedard, etc. The hitting talent in the system is less impressive, but this group of pitchers could be surprising.