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.