Right Off Russell

John Sickels of Minor League Ball has his top 20 Prospects for the O’s. Here are his top 5:

1) Brian Matusz, LHP, Grade A-: I don’t see anything to complain about here. Could be something like a cross between Barry Zito and Mark Mulder when they were young.

2) Jake Arrieta, RHP, Grade B+: I like this guy a little more than most people, but I love the upside and I think the command will come around.

3) Zach Britton, LHP, Grade B+: Love the grounders, solid strikeout rate, I’m pro-Britton.

4) Josh Bell, 3B, Grade B: I like Bell too, but I see him more as a solid regular than a future star.

5) Brandon Erbe, RHP, Grade B: Borderline B-. Have always loved the upside, but durability and consistency remain concerns.

Read the rest at MinorLeagueBall.com

The Orioles today announced that RHP RADHAMES LIZ has been claimed off of waivers by the San Diego Padres.

Liz, 26, appeared in two games for the Orioles in 2009, allowing 10 earned runs in 1.1 innings of work. In eight starts for Double-A Bowie, Liz was 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA (48.0IP, 14ER) and in 17 games (six starts) for Triple-A Norfolk, Liz was 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA (44.1IP, 28ER).

I hear that Liz was a super cool guy and took the demotions this year with class. I’m glad he is going to get a shot somewhere else. Unfortunely for him, his door had closed for him here.

In other news, Chris Waters was outrighted to AAA Norfolk.

There are currently 39-Players on the 40 man roster.

In this week’s edition of Birds On The Wire, Jeff Pilson and Zach break down the Ravens 17-15 loss to the Colts, they discuss Fabian Washington’s season ending injury, and preview the upcoming game against the Steelers. Also, you get to here me interview Arizona Fall League prospect Josh Perrault.

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wings.avkids.com

That’s right folks, the Baysox will no longer be playing the Connecticut Defenders. Instead, they will be facing the mighty Richmond Flying Squirrels.

I guess we have known for a while that the team would be based in Richmond, we just weren’t sure of the name. The Richmond Baseball Club opened up a contest for the naming of the team. The finalists were all out there- hambones, flat heads, rock hoppers, rhinos, etc. I am still shocked that Flying Squirrels is the name since there are no flying squirrels in the area, but its kind of fun.

I could really care less what the name is. Being that I spend the majority of my life in Richmond, it will be nice to have the Baysox come and visit my neck of the woods for a few series each season.

Adam Pohl is the radio broadcaster for the Frederick Keys. He gives us his thoughts on the 2009 season and what we can look forward to in the future.

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Tom Sedlacek of the Bowie Baysox gives us some perspective on the Baysox season.

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It was a good season but it could have been an amazing season for the Norfolk Tides. Nevertheless, Norfolk saw its share of talent come through its clubhouse this season. We are fortunate enough again to have Bob Socci, who calls the games for the Tides, give us a wrap-up on the season.

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Brett Jacobson came to the Orioles organization in August as part of the Aubrey Huff deal. We were able to sit down with him about 4 days later and talk with him. Check out the video as he discusses the trade day, his career prior to the trade and his previous encounters with Brian Matusz.

Brandon Waring is the 2009 Carolina League MVP. He moved up to Bowie about a week later and he is now in Arizona for some fall league ball.

This was shot during Frederick’s last trip to Myrtle beach on August 21, 2009.

Josh Bell was a key member in the George Sherrill trade and could possibly be the heir apparent to Melvin Mora as next long-term 3rd Baseman for the O’s. We were able to talk to Josh for a few minutes about his transition to Bowie, his family life, and prospects for this fall. Enjoy.

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