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

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

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Here is some video of Orioles first round pick Brian Matusz in spring training action against the Florida Marlins.  Props to “justD” on the Orioles Hangout message board who shared this with us.

Also, the Washington Post has an article about team philosophies surrounding when to bring up young pitching to the big leagues.  The article concerns to teams, the Orioles and the Detroit Tigers, and two pitchers, Matusz and Rick Porcello.  It goes into the win now approach of the Tigers compared to the patient approach the Orioles are on.