Billy Rowell put on an offensive display at Camden Yards last month by blasting a number of home runs during a pre-draft workout.
The Orioles are hoping those are just the first of many shots over the short right field porch to come from the 6-foot-5 third baseman, who officially signed with the club Thursday during a news conference at the ballpark. Rowell, the ninth overall selection in this year?s amateur draft, received a $2.1 million signing bonus and should be in uniform tonight for rookie league Bluefield.
“Hopefully I?ll be [in Baltimore] in a couple of years,” said Rowell, a four-year starter at Bishop Eustace Prep (N.J.). “I couldn?t be in a better situation. I can see myself hitting a lot of home runs in this ballpark.”
Rowell, who mainly played shortstop in high school, said he shouldn?t have a problem adjusting to a new position.
“I?m fine with wherever they need me,” Rowell said. “I think playing third will probably be a better fit for me in the long run.”
Orioles Director of Scouting Joe Jordan said he is confident Rowell can make the adjustment to playing professional baseball. He added that Rowell was not only the best player available, but fills the Orioles need of building infield depth within the organization.
“I hope every year that we are here doing this press conference I can feel as good about the player we got, the decision we made,” Jordan said. “I?m really, really excited about what might happen here the next few years. We got the player we wanted.”
Orioles scout Dean Albany shares Jordan?s assessment. Albany watched Rowell play 20 times over the last year, and believes he will be a middle-of-the-lineup hitter who will also contribute on the base paths and defensively.
“Once we figured out who he was and saw the tools he possessed, it was just a matter of going back making sure he stayed healthy and if we took him he would be ready to play.” Albany said. “He?s fast, has power to all fields and has a plus arm.”
THE ROWELL FILE
Hometown: Sewell, N.J.
Age: 17
Weight: 198 pounds
Dexterity: bats left, throws right
Did you know? Rowell finished his high school career with a .507 average, 35 home runs and 161 RBI in 106 games ? He batted .571 with seven homers and 37 RBI his senior year ? He went 2-for-3 with two walks, an RBI and two runs scored during last year?s Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.
