I just posted this article about Brandon Waring on my blog.

Brandon Waring was drafted in the 7th round (229 overall) of the 2007 MLB Draft. Waring came to the Orioles’ along with Justin Turner in a trade with the Reds, for Ramon Hernandez. The Reds sent him straight to Billings of the Pioneer League. He showed tons of power potential in 2007 with Wofford College, he blasted 27 home runs. He would carry that power over to Billings. He hit .311 with 20 home runs for Billings in 2007. The power was clearly there, although he struck out too much. He struck out 31% of his at-bats, which is a rate he needed to decrease.

In 2008 the Reds sent him to Dayton in the Midwest League. He had a pretty solid season, although it was a bit of a drop from his previous season at Billings. He struck out at an even higher rate than he did at Billings, but he walked a bit more. The key areas for him to improve in was still plate discipline and patience and he would do that in 2009.

In Waring’s first year in the Orioles’ organization Waring showed great improvements from his previous years. The Orioles sent Waring to Frederick to start the season. He showed much improved plate discipline as he lowered his strike out rate by 10%. He also walked at a higher rate. His impressive season at Frederick earned him a late season promotion to Bowie, he was excellent there in the short time he was there. He got 24 at-bats and hit .292 with a home run, and 6 RBI’s. He struck out nine times in his 24 at-bats at Bowie. But I think next year if he starts the season at Bowie, he will not strike out at that rate (37.5%).

Waring can play first or third base but I think he will eventually stay put at first. He should start 2010 at Bowie and he is also playing in the AFL this year. Waring has definitely solidified himself as a top 10 prospect in the Orioles’ organization.

I am wondering what you guys think of him, and what type of MLB player he will be. I think he can be a solid DH for a team.