Welcome to the Orioles Minor League Roundup. A weekly feature where I highlight one player from each minor league level who either has had a solid season overall or simply a hot week. We need a little hope in the midst of this 50 win season of ours.
Low A Delmarva Shorebirds: SS/2B Cadyn Grenier
A gifted defensive shortstop with impressive range and soft hands, Greiner has struggled to hit professional pitching since being drafted. With a good eye and solid bat speed, the infielder does posses the tools to be an above average hitter but in his second go around at Delmarva, Greiner has struggled again, posting a batting average just below .230 heading into June. But in the last 10 days, he has caught fire, hitting .359 with a homer and two walks, raising his average to .260 and his OBP to an impressive .365. In a system that lacks infield prospects, hopefully Greiner has figured something out. If he pairs an ability to be an average hitter with his plus defensive skills, he could be a solid contributor at the MLB level.
High A Frederick Keys: RHP Brenan Hanifee
After dominating to the tune of a 2.86 ERA at Low A, Hanifee has struggled a bit in his first taste of the Carolina League, posting an ERA over 4.00. But in his last two starts, he's seemingly figured something out, giving up zero earned runs in a combined twelve innings. While his walk rate remains concerning (24 walks in 47.1 innings) it's nice to see Hanifee get on a bit of a roll. Although none of the tall righty's pitches are plus, they all play up due to above average/plus command. His fastball touches 95 with heavy sink and has been described as a bowling ball. An average slider and average change up round out Hanifee's arsenal but both play well off his sinking fastball. If I had to guess, Hanifee will likely have the most success as a reliever in the Jim Johnson mold.
AA Bowie Baysox: RHP Dean Kremer
My personal favorite prospect received in the Manny Machado trade, Kremer had his most dominant start this week since returning from injury. He went seven innings against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, giving up no runs, scattering four hits, and striking out eight, all while only walking one batter. With a plus fastball that touches 96 to go along with a plus curveball, Kremer racks up the strikeouts and led the minor leagues in punchouts in 2018. He also has a slider that flashes above average and an improving change up. Right now, the righty looks to be a future middle of the rotation starter, but if one of his slider or change up becomes consistently above average, he has potential to be an ace. Kremer's ceiling is high to say the least.
AAA Norfolk Tides: RHP Tom Eshelman
Acquired from the Phillies this week for international signing slots, Eshelman had a strong debut for AAA Norfolk. He went seven innings giving up just one earned run while walking three and striking out just two. The righty is an interesting case because none of his stuff his above average but he possesses 80/70 command and control, meaning while his stuff is underwhelming, he can spot it exactly where he wants it. In five starts at AAA this year he's posted a 2.45 ERA while striking out just 25 batters. With the Orioles' fifth starter spot in constant flux, I'm curious to see if the control artist gets a shot at starting in the big leagues and more importantly whether his style of pitching plays at the MLB level.
Commenti