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.