The Orioles? Director of Minor League Operations Dave Stockstill knows many fans are tired of being told to be patient as they wait for the team?s minor-league prospects to make an impact in the majors.
However, he wants those fans to know that there is reason for optimism, despite the team being on track for its ninth straight losing season. Prior to last week?s amateur draft, Stockstill said the team?s minor leagues are beginning to show the fruits of labor from years of hard work.
“There hasn?t been a time here in years that there have been this many good players in our minor leagues,” said Stockstill.
When pitcher Adam Loewen took the mound against the New York Yankees earlier this year, he represented the 14th home-grown player to play for the Orioles this year. Of those, Loewen, outfielder Nick Markakis, infielder Brendan Fahey, closer Chris Ray and pitchers Chris Britton and Sendy Rleal were ranked among the team?s top 30 prospects this year by Baseball America.
Stockstill said the team is confident a number of other prospects could soon join the big-league club and help lay the foundation for years to come.
He also has faith that Director of Scouting Joe Jordan will put together another solid draft and help continue to replenish a minor-league system that failed to produce a regular everyday player between Cal Ripken in 1982 and Brian Roberts in 2001.
“The progress we are experiencing now in our player development didn?t just occur in the last year,” Stockstill said.
A number of players within the organization have noticed the team?s commitment to those it has developed, and that gives them hope and added motivation.
“It is encouraging to see players come up through the system and get a real chance to contribute in the major leagues,” said Frederick Keys outfielder Nolan Reimold last month. “Nick Markakis was just here last year, and now he?s at Camden Yards. That could be me next year if I work hard.”
ORIOLES NOTES
» Stockstill is in his second year as the Orioles? director of minor league operations. He has served as a roving hitting instructor, manager, field coordinator and hitting coordinator in the Orioles? minor leagues since 1994.
» Baseball America ranked the Orioles? minor leagues 13th out of 30 organizations this year. This came after being ranked 25th, 19th, 30th, 29th and 27th the previous five seasons.
