Consider Monday a unique look back at the Orioles recent draft history.
Bryan Bass, the Orioles? 31st overall selection in the 2001 draft, roped a double to right-center field for the Double-A Bowie Baysox?s first hit of the game. It was the third baseman?s third double since being promoted to Double-A on June 22.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, two players on whom the Orioles passed with the 31st pick were swinging away in the finals of the Century 21 Home Run Derby at PNC Park.
Mets superstar David Wright was taken seven picks after Bass, while the Phillies selected derby champ Ryan Howard in the fifth round in 2001. Both played in Bowie as visiting players on their way up the ladder.
While Bass may not have panned out as the player the Orioles thought he might have, he is a solid minor leagueinfielder who still has hopes of reaching the majors.
“Of course, [my goal was] trying to make it to the major leagues as quick as possible,” Bass said, reflecting on being a first-round pick. “But, it?s taken a little bit. But the main goal is to make it to the Major Leagues. It doesn?t matter when.”
Through the Eastern League All-Star break, Bass is hitting .263 since being recalled from Single-A Frederick.
In the past year, Bass has made the transition from shortstop to third base. That is a switch for the better, according to Werner.
“He went from shortstop to third, I think, about two years ago, and they?ve really liked the way he?s fit in at third,” Werner said. “It?s great when you have the range of a shortstop playing third base.”
As a switch-hitting, versatile infielder improving his defense while continuing to swing a potent bat, Bass could re-emerge in the Orioles picture soon, after all.
THE BASS FILE
Full name: Allan Bryan Bass
Position: Third base
Age: 24
Did you know? Bass was the Orioles third selection in the 2001 draft, a sandwich choice that came as compensation for Mike Mussina?s free-agent departure ? Bass made a brief appearance in major league spring training with the Orioles this year ? Bass was chosen as a first-team high school All-American at Seminole (Fla.) High School … Bass had not played above Single-A until last month.
