Just over half-way through the big 162, the Orioles are sitting at 13 games over .500 and surging toward another playoff push led by youngsters like Manny Machado and steady veterans like Adam Jones and Chris Davis.
Although the club is winning now, there’s always a chance for a slump in the heat of August and the brutal demands of September. Maybe it will be a pitcher, perhaps an extra bat in the lineup—either way, don’t be surprised if a new face emerges before season’s end.
Let’s take another trip “Down O’n the Farm”, taking a look at one pitcher and hitter from each of the Orioles’ minor league affiliates.
AAA Norfolk Tides
L.J Hoes: Ranked as the organization’s best hitter for average and best strike-zone discipline after 2012 per Baseball America, Hoes is backing up everything folks have been talking about this season. He’s currently hitting .307 in 345 at-bats, and is leading the every-day players with a .403 on-base percentage.
The 23-year old outfielder is leading the Tides in doubles (25), walks (51), and hits (106). He has a .412 on-base percentage in the month of July, and is on pace for his best minor-league season yet. Hoes is certainly turning heads in the Orioles organization, but could other teams be looking at him too? With the trade deadline approaching, Hoes could be on the radar of clubs across the league in need of an extra outfielder.
Chris Jones: The Norfolk bullpen has been led by some incredible arms in 2013, and few have been better than Jones. The young left-hander is proving to be one of the best not only on the Tides, but in the entire International League.
Jones is on fire in his last 10 appearances dating back to June 2nd, owning an incredible 0.93 ERA in 29 innings. He may not strike out many, but hitters are hard pressed to put runs across the plate. Maybe it’s been a run of good luck, considering he’s allowing about a hit per inning, but there’s no denying what he has done with Norfolk.
AA Bowie Baysox
Caleb Joseph: It hasn’t been just recently—Joseph has been leading the Baysox all season long. Catching behind the plate and raking at the dish, it’s safe to call him Bowie’s MVP thus far.
Joseph is hitting baseballs often, and very, very far. His 16 home runs lead the team as do his 73 RBI. Joseph has 30 extra-base hits, averaging almost one every three hits. While his strikeout numbers are a bit high, his .341 on-base percentage makes up for it. His .438 average against left-handers is just more proof that this guy is the real deal.
Mike Wright: Of all of the starting pitchers in the minors, Wright is one guy that is lighting up the stat sheet more than others. Making all of his 19 starts at AA Bowie, the 6’6” Wright is putting on a pitching clinic.
The East Carolina alum was selected to the Eastern League All-Star Game played on July 10th. He has an 8-2 record accompanied by a 3.61 ERA, and is going deep in ball-games—a priceless commodity. Wright has gone at least six innings in six of his last seven, his best striking out nine in a six-inning gem against Harrisburg. Just 23 years of age, Wright could have a bright future ahead.
Stat To Note: Wright has a K:BB ratio of 91:32
A Frederick Keys
Jerome Pena: The Keys haven’t had too many players that have lit up the scorebook, but Pena has been solid. Hitting .257 on the season, the second baseman is providing an every-day option for Frederick.
He has hit nine home runs and driven in 43 with his 28 extra-base hits. Pena had a pair of pretty significant games last week; going 3-4 with 2 RBI’s in each.
The lineup in Frederick isn’t great, so having a second baseman who can offer good play every night is a bit of relief.
Ashur Tolliver: Called up from Delmarva on the 7th, Tolliver has been impressive in his three outings at the high-A level.
He has gone 7.2 innings, serving up just six hits and striking out five. During his time with the Shorebirds, the left-hander struck out 20 in 17.1 innings, and notched a 3.63 ERA out of the bullpen. His 1.15 WHIP was fourth-best on the team.
Look for a full report on the short-season Aberdeen Ironbirds later in the week.
All statistics provided by MILB.com and Baseball America.
