System overview
It's a sad thing to say for a team that once had a reputation for strong player development, but the Baltimore Orioles probably have the worst farm system in baseball. They are almost completely bereft of interesting offensive talents, with hardly anyone who can be identified as a future impact player. Things are a little better on the pitching front, where there are some live arms available. But even there, the best guys are at least a year or two away, and the Orioles have had a hard time keeping their pitchers healthy.

The first order of the new administration must be to reorganize and revive the farm system. Orioles coaching and instruction has a bad reputation in the player development industry. The amateur scouting staff isn't as bad, as the Orioles have managed to pull in a few sleeper picks in the draft, plus they continue to sign talent from Latin America and the Caribbean. But the system has proven almost totally incapable of turning athletes with tools into players with skills. Even polished college players haven't developed as anticipated.

This is an organization with a lot of problems. It will probably take at least two years for any serious attempt at restructuring to have an effect on the field.

2002 amateur draft
Picking fourth overall, the Orioles selected lefty Adam Loewen, a high schooler from British Columbia. He's got everything ... velocity, command, control, poise ... except a contract in his pocket. They were unable to reach terms, and Loewen is now attending junior college. The Orioles will have a window to sign him in May, before the '03 draft, and if they fail to do so it will be a big blow to the system.

Second-round pick Corey Shafer, a high school outfielder from Oklahoma, has a strong power bat. He signed, but late, so he hasn't played yet. Third-round pick Val Majewski, an outfielder from Rutgers, swings a sharp stick and adjusted quickly to pro ball, hitting .300 in the New York-Penn League. Fourth-round choice Tim Gilhooly, a University of the Pacific outfielder, was unable to match this, hitting only .197 in the NY-P. Three pitchers were next. Hayden Penn (5th round, RHP, California high school), John Maine (6th round, RHP, UNC Charlotte), and Paul Henry (7th round, RHP, Ball State) all look good early, Maine especially.

This is a fair draft if they sign Loewen. If they don't, it's another sign that the system is messed up.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Darnell McDonald, OF: One of the few Orioles prospects who showed progress turning tools into skills last year. Hit 30 doubles, seven triples, 10 homers, 20 steals, 54 walks, while hitting .290 between Double-A and Triple-A.

Ed Rogers, SS: Turned out to be 24, rather than 21, which hurts his prospect status dramatically. Hit .261 with 11 homers in Double-A, but lacks plate discipline.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Eric Bedard, LHP: Best pitching prospect in the system, but he blew out his elbow when allowed to exceed his pitch count in a June game. Down for '03 with Tommy John surgery.

Dan Cabrera, RHP: Throws 96 mph fastballs, but doesn't have much of a breaking ball, and will need to sharpen his command. Fanned 69 in 60 innings of rookie ball.

Dave Crouthers, RHP: Went 8-6 with 3.34 ERA at Class A Delmarva in the Sally League. Works both sides of the plate with 92 mph fastball, good slider and curve.

Rommie Lewis, LHP: 6-6 lefty, saved 25 games at Delmarva, with 2.15 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 71 innings. Throws 93 with a good curve.

Rich Stahl, LHP: 6-7 lefty, hits 95 mph. Missed most of the season with a sore shoulder, but supposedly healthy now.

KEY SLEEPER
Tripper Johnson, 3B: Hit .260 with 11 homers, but drew 62 walks, hit 32 doubles, and stole 19 bases at Delmarva, while improving his defense at third base. Just 20.

Other names to know
Mike Fontenot, 2B; Eli Whiteside, C; Ben Knapp, RHP; Doug Gredvig, 1B; Kurt Birkins, LHP; Tim Raines, Jr., OF; Eddy Garabito, INF; Keith Reed, OF; Luis Jimenez, 1B.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.