Prospect #19

We continue ranking the Orioles Top 20 prospects going in to next season.   Again, our methodology consist of using a secret formula utilizing past performance, age, level, the views of experts from around the web and a dart board.

 If you have any input feel free to email us at bromoblog@lycos.com

So, here we go:

Orioles Prospect #19: Chorye Spoone

Spoone, a Pasedena native, was considered a top prospect at this time last year. John Sickels at Minorleagueball.comhad him as the Orioles 8th rated prospect, and BP had him at #2.  Spoone was considered a sure bet for the rotation in 2010, and had the upside rating of a 2/3 starter after posting a 3.26 ERA and a very respectable 1.15 WHIP at Frederick.   67 walks in 152 innings didntblow anyone away, but he lowered his BB% every month and was looking like a world beater as 2007 came to a close.

Then came 2008.  a pitiful 4.57 ERA at Bowie, combined with a labrum injury and the emergence of other pitchers in the system leave Spoone as an afterthought at 23.  While the ERA is troubling, it is actually the 27 walks in only 41 innings that worry me.  Assuming he recovers fully from his injury he will probably spend the year in Bowie working on his control and mechanics and will be looking at making his way up to Baltimore by 2011.

Prospect #20

Starting today I will be ranking the Orioles Top 20 prospects going in to next season.   I will be using a secret formula utilizing past performance, age, level, the views of experts from around the web and a dart board.

 If you have any input feel free to email us at bromoblog@lycos.com

So, here we go:

Orioles Prospect #20 : Lou Montanez

Lou is only down this low because he is far to old to be considered a prospect anymore.  At 27 Lou should be hitting the peak years of his career, but will be nothing more then a part time player in the outfield next season. 

Lou was the 1st pick (3rd overall) for the Cubs in 2000, but after shuffling up and down through their minor league system they finally gave up on him after he managed to OPS only .652 as a 24 year old in AA ball in 2006.

After another mediocre season at AAA in Norfolk in 2007 (.259BA, .742OPS 7HR) Lou looked to go down as one of the bigger first round bust before rebounding in Bowie this season.  Over 116 games Lou managed to OPS .986 with 32HR and won the Eastern League Triple Crown, even though he spent the last month of the season in Baltimore.  After a breakthrough appearance with the Orioles, hitting .295 with 3 HR, Lou has earned a chance to win a regular spot in the Orioles lineup. 

While a repeat of last years AA performance would be great, I think a more realistic expectation would be something closer to Jay Payton with a little pop.

Orioles Talk

An open letter to Peter Angelos and Andy McPhail,

Dear Orioles Management,

STOP!!

I realize that in the coming weeks you are going to be tempted to make some free agent moves to improve the team for this season.  After playing .500 ball over the first 81 games it probably seems like the Orioles might only be a couple moves away from contending for a playoff spot.  Additionally, the temptation to bring in a couple of big name players to help ratings and ticket sales must be overwhelming.  Its obvious that the Orioles could use an upgrade at third, first and obviously shortstop, and if the rumors are true you have discussed dealing for Mark Teixeira and David Eckstein (among others) in order to bolster the team for a playoff run.

For the love of God, don’t do it!

Do not decimate a finally rebounding farm system in order to compete for a playoff spot.  This years Orioles are not a playoff team.  This team, that was supposed to be historically bad, does not have the parts to compete with the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays this season.   The plan was to blow up the roster in order to build for the future and while the Oriole’s success this season may have sped up the timetable you may have had, this is not the time to roll the dice. Bringing in high price talent as a rental for three months will only cost the team in the long run, both in prospects and by taking playing time from younger players who need it.

Rather, I beg of you to blow up the team.  Trade off every piece that has any value to a contender, including Brian Roberts if the price is right.  There is no reason why Huff, Millar, Mora, Payton, Walker, Bradford or Sherrill should be on the roster on August 1st.  In fact, they should be heading out of town by the All Star Game.  There is no reason to try to cling to respectability if it doesn’t help this team win in the future. The fans don’t care what the record is over the last few months of the season, we are used to historic collapses out of this team, at least this time it will be for a purpose. This is probably the last time you will get the benefit of the doubt from us, so use it wisely.

Oh, and drop the stupid “Birdland” thing, it’s annoying and makes no sense.

Thank you,

Bromoblog

Sorry

A little internet access problem kept us offline for the last week or so.  New post will be up today.

Goodbye to Will Leitch

If you will pardon me for a bit of emotional sentimentality, I have a personal message for Will Leitch, the founder of Deadspin, who is leaving his editor post today.

Will,

I hope you realize what you have created. Not just a wonderful website that let me escape from real life for a few minutes at a time, but a community. A group that shared their life in 10 word increments, and were so inspired by it that they reach out to meet and communicate in the real world. A society of people united both in their love of sports and the enjoyment they take in talking about them. The enormous number of people who have gone from lurker, to commenter, to bloggers themselves, all in an effort to better express their appreciation for what you started.

There are now dozens of new, different and often insightful voices out there talking about sports, life, politics or whatever they feel like. That, even more then this site, is your legacy. The fact that you inspired others to reach out and try to share their voice is a tribute to what you have done here, and something you should be remembered for.

As for me, being able to participate in the forum has allowed me to not only find my own voice, but has given me a place where, no matter how rough my life has been recently, I can always find enjoyment.

Thank you,

BHR

NBA Mock Draft

Well, the 2008 NBA is only hours away and its time for our official mock draft.  While we are not experts like Bill Simmons, we do follow the NBA and are relatively comfortable with our ability to beat most of the experts at predicting the first round.  Below are our picks, and a brief reasoning for each decision. All draft positions are set based on deals through 5PM tonight.

One bonus prediction that we would love to see blown; No one will outdo Samaki Walker’s draft day outfit.

1. Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis.  The consensus #1 pick and best player on the board, Rose is a playmaker, a hometown kid and the safest bet on the board.  In a league where the PG is experiencing a return to prominence Rose has the potential to be a difference maker for a long time.

2. Miami Heat: OJ Mayo, SG, USC.  While Michael Beasley is the most talented player available, and has the most upside, reports have Heat Coach Pat Riley enamored with Mayo, who is the better fit for his system.  Miami wants to trade out of this spot but I don’t see it happening.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Michael Beasley, PF, K State. Last years top freshman, Beasley is a long and athletic.  While he is hounded by character issues from High School, there are no concerns about his ability.  Will pair well with Al Jefferson on the front line.

4. LA Clippers (from Seattle): Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA.  The Clippers made this deal targeting a PG with Livingston’s injury trouble.  Westbrook is the best defensive guard left on the board, and has the ability to play the off guard as well.

5. Memphis Grizzlies: Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana.  This team stinks and is looking at an extended rebuilding period.  A pure jump shooter like Gordon will fit in no matter who else Memphis brings in.

6. New York Knicks: Danilo Galinari, SF, Italy.  The top Euro prospect, Galinari can probably tolerate playing with a ball hog like Marbury, and can create his own shots when needed.  Maybe not the best athlete left, but all reports say the Knicks love him.

7. Seattle Supersonics: Jarred Bayless, PG, Arizona.  A great complimentary player, Bayless would look good getting the ball to Kevin Durant for the next decade.

8. Milwaukee Bucks: Kevin Love, PF, UCLA.  Maybe not the best fit, but the best player left on the board.  Love brings a physical presence and a at worst will make a nice trade chip.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Brook Lopez, C, Stanford.  Lopez lets Okafor shift to the PF position, which is the main reason they will draft him.  Disappointing  workouts have dropped him from the top 5.

10. New Jersey Nets: Kosta Koufas, C, Ohio State.  This team is building a base for a LeBron signing next year.  Koufas will pair with the recently acquired Yi to make an imposing front line.

11. Indiana Pacers: Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU.  After trading O’Neil, Indiana needs size badly.  Randolph is long, athletic and can shoot.  His frame raises some concerns, but with a little strength training he can be a steal here.

12. Sacramento Kings: DJ Augustin, PG, Texas.  There is no question that the Kings are looking for a PG, and my bet is they go with the most proven one on the board.

13. Portland Trailblazers: Joe Alexander, SF, WVU.  A nice complimentary piece for a loaded Portland team.  Alexander can probably play at the 2, 3 and 4 when called upon.

14. Golden State Warriors: Donte Green, SF, Cuse.  Another case of taking the best remaining player.  Green brings a decent outside shot and can rebound well from the 3.

15. Phoenix Suns: Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas.  A potential replacement for Steve Nash, Chalmers can also play at SG for the next year or two.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas.  A high energy big, Arthur can run the floor well and will fit in with the system in place.  Not much upside, but a solid pick here.

17. Indiana Pacers: Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas.  Will play well with new PG TJ Ford, and brings a stable, veteran presence to a team sorely in need of it.

18. Washington Wizards: Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown.  I hate this pick as a Wizards fan, as Hibbert is the softest big man since Olowokandi, but I don’t see the Wiz passing on him if he is here.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers: Robin Lopez, C, Stanford. They need size and Lopez is the most experienced center left.  I don’t see them going with a Euro here.

20. Charlotte Bobcats: Courtney Lee, SG, WKU.  Good shooter, solid citizen.  The coachable Lee sounds like a Larry Brown guy.

21. New Jersey Nets: Nick Batum, SF, France.  While every report has him going to the Spurs, I don’t see him dropping. A true swingman, Batum is a nice compliment to the new bigs and will make a nice 6th man behind LeBron

22. Orlando Magic: Alexis Ajinca, C, France.  A project, Ajinca brings size to a team truly lacking in it.

23. Utah Jazz: JJ Hickson, PF, NC State.  He will be ready to play on day one, is willing to hustle and do the little things that help teams win.  Probably won’t be a star, but can be a solid contributor for a long time.

24. Seattle Supersonics: DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M.  He is a project, but Seattle can afford to wait.  Has the size to dominate in the paint.

25. Houston Rockets: Marreese Speights, C, Florida.  A solid prospect, Speights will make a good insurance policy for Yao.

26. San Antonio Spurs: JaVale McGee, PF, Nevada.  Too skinny, but can play all front court positions and can spell Duncan to keep him fresh for the playoffs.

27. Portland Trailblazers: Kyle Weaver, PG, Washington State.  Looks like a career backup, but should be a nice roleplayer for this deep team.

28. Memphis Grizzlies: Chris Douglas-Roberts, SF, Memphis.  This team needs to court the local fans and will go with the ballhandler who is already loved in Memphis

29. Detroit Pistons: Jason Thompson, PF, Rider.  He can rebound, is a skilled defender and should fit in well with a veteran Pistons squad.

30. Boston Celtics: DJ White, PF, Indiana.  A solid bench player who should compliment KG and Powe up front, White makes a great addition to a championship squad.

Bad Polar Bears

Want to attend a free Nationals game?

Want to participate in a meaningless protest?

Always harbored a furry fetish?

Well then, have I got a deal for you.  Apparently a group called “Strike Out Exxon” is offended that the Nationals new (and green certified) stadium has allowed Exxon to advertise on signs around the ball park. They claim that Exxon is the main cause of both high gas prices (the aren’t) and global warming (they produce the gas, they don’t burn it).  They claim that the Nationals have “sold out” to the interest of an evil company by allowing them to pay to advertise (and subsidize ticket cost) at the new park.

This has so enraged this coalition of eco-Warriors that they have decided to break out the ultimate weapon in protest: idiots in polar bear costumes.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love the environment.  I support green initiatives and the Chesapeake Bay foundation, but I just don’t understand how exactly people dressing in polar bear costumes annoying families going to baseball games will actually accomplishment anything.  If anything, this group of what I can only assume are unwashed patchouli smelling college students will only create support for their opponents by annoying people who might otherwise be responsive to their complaints.  Much like the wandering polar bears during the anti-war protest in DC this spring I assume that these “activist” will manage to do nothing more then blockade traffic and wind up giving up the moment that they are inconvenienced.

Now, you are probably asking, what the deal I mentioned is.  Well, apparently this group of wackjobs is having so much trouble recruiting people to stand in heavy fur costumes this summer (shocker) that they have created a fun incentive to get people to volunteer.  The first five people who sign up to protest at each home game will be given a free ticket.  If you feel strongly about this cause (or want to scam a free ticket) you should email volunteer coordinator Lisa Lincoln and let her know that you are interested.  Apparently they are already short of people for this weekends’ games.

*Bromoblog does not condone the scamming of free tickets.  We think it would be wrong to show up, get your tickets and go enjoy the game.

**Bromoblog does not encourage the spamming of Ms. Lincoln’s email.  It is wrong to volunteer under a series of fake names to make Strike Out Exxon believe that they will have coverage for games when they will not.

***Bromoblog definately does not encourage people to volunteer to wear polar bear suits, only to bring their own funny or sarcastic signs with them.  Signs such as “Polar Bears Love Exxon” would also be innapropriate.  As would fake blood to put around the bears’ mouths.

Local Wrap Up

So admittedly we have taken our sweet time getting another one of these wrap ups out.  Honestly though, its been a pretty slow month locally.  The Wizards and Capitals were both eliminated early in the playoffs and since its summer there isn’t much going on at the college level.

We do hope to get a mock draft for the NBA out tomorrow for those who are tired of baseball.

And remember, if you think we forgot something, or you want to tip us off to a local athletic accomplishment you can email us at bromoblog@lycos.com

Colleges

Loyola won its first MAAC Commissioner’s Cup.  That means Loyola had the best athletic program in the conference over the past year, a pretty impressive performance from a tiny program.

Not to be outdone, Salisbury won their third Capital Athletic Conference All-Sports Award.

Maryland lost a couple recruits before they even made it to campus.  While this will leave the program thin it may be for the best.  Evens was a controversial recruit and Gilchrist is already on to his third college.

A number of local female athletes made ESPN’s Academic All-American team, an accomplishment that deserves more press then it receives.

Coppin’s Steve Delice came up short in his quest to repeat last season’s success.

Hockey

The Capitals really cleaned up at this years award dinner. Olie taking home the Hart and Pearson, and Bruce Boudreau winning coach of the year honors.   Not a bad consolation for a team that was written off for dead.

Baseball

Baltimore Orioles

38-36, 6-4 over the last 10.

7 games back of Boston for the AL East lead, 5.5 back of Tampa Bay for the Wild Card.

An impressive 8-4 in interleague play so far this season.

Now if they could just find a decent shortstop, and win an occasional game on a Sunday (one win all season)

Frederick Keys

34-36 for a dissapointing 3rd in the first half, started 2-4 in the second in a tough Carolina League Northern division.

20 year old Brandon Erbe is really starting to blossom.

Hagerstown Suns

34-35 in the first half, but have started 3-1 in the second half in the South Atlantic League’s Northern Division.

Bill Rhinehardt took All-Star MVP honors.

Bowie Baysox

41-33, 4.5 back of Akron in the EAS Southern Division, thanks mainly to a six game losting streak.

A number of the Orioles top pitching prospects are beginning to show their promise.

Delmarva Shorebirds

A 38-31 second place finish in the first half.  1-3 so far in the second half.

Delmarva put a pair of players in the All-Star Game.

Upcoming Event of the Week

Renew your Wedding Vows with the Baysox.  (caution PDF)

Kevin Millar’s New Look

Its rare that we at Bromoblog get to break a story, but we’ve got one tonight.

Kevin Millar came to the plate for his first at bat tonight with Platinum Blond hair and accompanied by “Ice Ice Baby.” Our source reports that this odd appearance is due to a wager on the NBA finals made with former Red Sox teammate Jason Veritek. We are trying to confirm this, and will hopefully have pictures and video up later tonight.

UPDATE: We have yet to confirm the winner of the bet, but Tim Wakefield has been mentioned as another possibility. We can confirm that the hair and music are a result of a lost bet on the NBA Finals.

UPDATE: We’ve got pictures and video of him coming up to bat with his new music. I’m sorry for the quality, I’ll try to track down better video. You have to listen pretty close.

Ironbirds

The short season Aberdeen Ironbirds have officially announced their opening day roster for 2008 and the roster is again loaded with local products.  We at Bromoblog have a few names that we recommend you watch over the next few months.

Andy Schindling, Pitcher, Bowie.  A 16th round pick in 2004, Andy played his high school ball for St. Johns in Bethesda

Brian Bent, Catcher, Ellicott City.  A 2005 draft pick, Brian is a product of Mount St. Joes and Catonsville CC.

Chad Durakis, Catcher, Lutherville.  This years 37th round pick, Chad was a four year starter for the University of Maryland

Eric Perlozzo, Second Base,  Cumberland.  Yes, thats the son of former Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo.  A late round pick in 2007 Eric earned a promotion from Bluefield to Aberdeen.  He played his high school ball for Bishop Walsh.

Other 2008 Draft picks on this years team are Catcher Caleb Joseph (7th round), Pitchers Richard Zagone (6th) Jason Gurka (15th), Outfielder Tom Baxter (24th) and Infielder Tom Edwards (28th).

Remember, if you are planning to attend any Ironbirds games this season (something we recommend) that they tend to sell out well in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.

Get your ticket information here.  The home opener is June 20th.