My Orioles top 20 prospects

This system is weak right now, with very few upper minor league players with a chance to make a big impact in the majors. There are some interesting guys in the lower levels that gives the system a chance to improve next year, but as of now, I would put it bottom 8 in the league.

1. Zach Britton-LHP- Took the jump from very good pitching prospect to great pitching prospect by easily handling the transition from A ball to AA and AAA. Generates a ton of ground balls with possible the best sinker in the minors and has tightened up his slider. His SO/9 remained above 7 while advancing and he appears almost ready for the show. I have heard mixed reports about his changeup but if that progresses I could see him as a good number 2 starter, however he has a  very high floor and I think is worst case a number 4 starter.

2. Manny Machado-SS- Not really any pro data to go on, but a top 3 pick with a good hit tool, potential to develop power and a smooth shortstop with a 70 arm is a good package. Many already consider him one of the best shortstops in the minors. The big question is if he outgrows SS and moves to third where his bat should play, but not be premium.

3. Xavier Avery-CF- 2008 second round pick out of highschool took a big step forward this year with a .271/.337/.386, swiping 38 bases(14 caught) with good defensive reports as a 20 year old mainly in High A and 120 at bats at double A. Won't hit for a ton of power but could develop into a solid centerfielder, hitting for average, stealing bases and playing good D.

4.Ryan Berry-RHP- 9th round pick who signed over slot coming off a junior year where he was shut down for 5 weeks with a rotator cuff injury (Rice of course) pitched well in his professional debut. Debuted and in A ball and was promoted to High A he threw 117 innings on the year with 106 hits, 106 Ks and 36 BBs. Sits 89-92 with an above average curveball and developing change-up while showing a good feel for pitching. Questions about durability and stamina and whether he will remain a starter long term. I am high on him and think he can break out big next year. Will probably begin the season back in the Carolina league.

5. L.J Hoes-2b- Hit .290/.383/.397 mostly at High A as a 20 year old. Drew 55 walks and struck out 72 times. Makes contact, and can draw a walk which should help him going forward. Doesn't hit for power, but hit 24 doubles, and with quick hands and command of the zone could develop good gap power. Should be patient with him but he could develop into a solid 2b offensively and defensively.

6. Wynn Pelzer- RHP-Struggled in his double A transition with a 1.653 WHIP, 5 BB/9, but still 8.1 K/9. Has a live arm and I think he could be a 3/4 starter best case, and worst case a power arm out of the pen.

7. Brandon Snyder-1B-Former 13th overall pick has been a disappointment since his break out at AA the first half of 2009. Hit .256/ .321/.412 with 10 homeruns this year at AAA. I dont think he can hit enough to be a regular first baseman, and best case is probably a 45/50 type firstbaseman.

8. Matt Hobgood-RHP- 5th overall pick of last year's draft started career in the sally league and was disappointing.94 IP,4.40 ERA, 90 H, 38 BB and 59 SO. Also heard that he was not in very good shape and there was some dimished stuff. He is still very young but needs to make strides next year.

9. Mychal Givens-SS-Toolsy 2nd round pick last year was hurt most of the season but looked impressive in about 100 ab's. Middle infielder is intriguing and I think he can have a good year next year and raise his stock.

10. Joe Mahoney- 1BStarted year at high A and played well, promoted to double A and played even better ending the year with a combine slash line of .306/.366/.498 with 18 HRs. Huge guy 6'6 240, and said to be very athletic (13 sb's) but most scouts do not think he will hit for power. Intriguing guy, next year is important.

11. Brandon Cooney-RHP- Power arm out of the pen could be helping the orioles in middle relief soon.

12. Caleb Joseph-C- Looks like he can stay at catcher, but needs to make big strides with the bat, disappointing year stuggling with the double a transition. Needs to transfer raw power to game power.

13. Brandon Erbe-RHP Top 5 prospect coming into last season really struggled at triple and then was shut down and has surgery on his labrum. Should solidify him as a relief pitcher as many thought he belonged there the whole time. Power stuff and can dominate when he's on. Stil think he could develop into a back end bullpen guy IF he comes back to previous form.

14. Ronnie Welty- RF-Had nice year at high A, .282/.349/.464 with 18 HR's. Needs to cut down big time on strikeouts and command the zone better but potential 4th outfielder.

15.Luis Lebron-RHP- Out with Tommy John surgery but had 90 K's in 60 IP in 2009 between high a and double A. Getting up there in age and needs to come back strong to stay on the radar.

15. Ryan Adams-2b- Infielder can hit but needs to find a position and cut down on K's. could be utility guy.

16. Brandon Waring-3B- big power BIG K's. already 24, probably a minor league masher or AAAA player, doesn't make enough contact.

17. Dan Klein-RHP- 2nd round pick this year was closer in college but is said to have solid 3 pitch arsenal and O's plan to make him a starter.

18. Matt Angle-CF- Productive minor leaguer has hit .290 with 142 Sb's in 4 minor league seasons. No power at all, but maybe can be a 4th/5th outfielder.

19. Steve Johnson- another arm, best case 5th starter, possible long relief/middle relief.

20. Troy Patton- former big prospect never the same since arm injuries. Probably a middle reliever at this point.