Kevin Goldstein recently unveiled his list of the top 10 Orioles prospects and you have to like what you see here. Right handed pitcher Brandon Erbe tops the list after playing a full season at Low A as an eighteen year old. 133 strikeouts in 114 1/3 innings is very solid, especially for a guy coming right out of high school. This is a big kid (6′4″) and if he fills out his frame and gets the proper time down in the minors, he could be a stud. Looks like he’ll be starting the season at High A next year.
Number two on the list is third baseman Bill Rowell, who also fell into the excellent category. Rowell was the Orioles first round pick in 2006 and he hit very well in both the Rookie League and short season ball. He was a shortstop in highschool and it looks like his play at third year wasn’t all too hot. Goldstein projects him moving to first at some point.
Pedro Beato (rhp), Garrett Olsen (lhp), and Radhames Liz (rhp) round out the top five. Overall, Goldstein gives the Orioles a good mark for rebuilding their minor league system. Maybe, just maybe, the Orioles can use these guys in two or three years to finally make a run at something.
