Baltimore Orioles: Potential In-House Rotational Options
By Vivek Shukla
Baltimore Orioles Options from Double-A Bowie
1. Yefry Ramirez RHP
Ramirez already was on the 40 man roster of the New York Yankees and was put there in last year to be protected from the 2016 Rule 5 draft. As an under the radar acquisition before the trading deadline, Ramirez was one of the best pitchers in the Eastern League for the league record best Trenton Thunder.
Since joining the Yankees organization, Ramirez has turned into a noteworthy prospect after showing steady progression through Single-A and Double-A. With the Trenton Thunder, Ramirez went 10-3 with a 3.41 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 92 1/3 innings.
He maintained his poise with the Bowie Baysox as he went 5-0 with a 3.66 ERA in 6 starts. The 23-year-old offers a plus fastball with an average curveball and changeup. While Ramirez is at least destined to start with the AAA Norfolk Tides, he is someone worth looking at during Spring Training.
2. David Hess RHP
In his third stint with the Bowie Baysox, he became one of the more reliable pitchers for the Baysox during their playoff push. Hess sported a 3.85 ERA over 26 starts and 154 and 1/3 innings. The month of August is where Hess caught on fire with a 2.25 ERA in 6 starts to a WHIP of 0.75. Hess has a plus fastball that has reached 98 mph on occasions along with an average curveball and changeup. Hess was on a rapid progression since he was drafted getting up to Bowie in 2015, a year after he was drafted. Norfolk or even Baltimore may be his next stop. David Hess must also be protected from the Rule 5 draft this year.
3. Lucas Long RHP
Long functioned as an all-purpose pitcher for the Bowie Baysox whether he was starting, pitching in long relief, or closing. The 24-year-old right-hander was drafted in the 24th round in 2014 from the University of San Diego. Long had his best year in the Orioles organization with a 2.95 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts through 128 and 1/3 innings. Lucas Long was so impressive that he was at one point the ERA leader in the Eastern League and made the mid-season all start team. Lucas Long also needs to be protected from the rule 5 draft this year.
4. John Means LHP
The 24-year-old lefty has provided good starts for the Baysox’s in the month of April and July but stumbled in between. Overall, Means had a 4.11 ERA in 24 starts with a 1.36 WHIP and 124 strikeouts. Means possess a plus curveball out of this bunch with an average fastball and change-up. If he does not get picked up in the rule 5 draft, it will be interesting to monitor his progression as he will likely be in Norfolk to start 2018.
Overall Perspective:
Tyler Wilson was DFA’d from the 40 man roster given the fact he would have to make the 25 man roster in 2018. Mike Wright faces the same dilemma this coming season. This may be a time to allow for new pitchers in the organization to grow and the Orioles the ability to option more arms. With holes to fill in the starting rotation, finding a decent #5 starter from the farm system will allow the organization options and cost control to pursue other starting pitchers in free agency.