Orioles Arizona Fall League Weekly Recap

It was a rather productive week for all of the Orioles prospects playing for the Surprise Saguaros out in the Arizona Fall League. Each player, save for Eduardo Rodriguez, saw action in multiple games. And each player put together some good performances to build upon.

Jonathan Schoop started off his 2013 AFL experience with a hitless first week, but he managed to get his offense somewhat straightened out over 4 games during the 2nd week. He went just 3-for-17, but one of the hits was a double and another was a home run. He also drew his first walk of the fall league, but also K'd six times and GIDP'd once. In the field he played twice each at shortstop and second base. He committed one error (throwing), but helped in turning four double plays.

I cracked wise regarding Henry Urrutia's power in a comment earlier this week. So Hank went out an showed me by smacking a pair of doubles while going 4-9 over 3 games played. He also surprised (no pun intended) by drawing a walk and stealing a base. He started two games as the DH and came on late in another game as a pinch hitter. Urrutia currently leads the AFL in hitting with his .471 AVG.

Urrutia's fellow former Cuban, Dariel Alvarez seems to be the regular RFer, as he started four games there this week. 3-16 at the plate, with a double, a triple, a walk, and no Ks. Not too shabby.

As a member of the so-called 'Taxi Squad', Michael Ohlman is limited to playing in just two games per week. He DH'd in one and donned the 'tools of ignorance' in the other. Just one hit, a double, in his six at bats, but he did draw three walks as well. He also K'd once and GIDP'd once as well.

Eduardo Rodriguez made his 2nd start of the fall league on Wednesday. He went 2.2 IP, allowing 1 ER via 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 2. I wonder if he was working on a specific pitch that he just hasn't quite manged to find his control over just yet?

Branden Kline and Jason Gurka each made two relief appearances. Kline pitched a clean inning with one K in his first appearance. In the 2nd appearance he was extended to two innings. He gave up one ER via a solo HR and walked two while K'ing 4. Gurka went 1 and 1.1 IP in his two outings. In the former he allowed 1 hit, but otherwise put up a clean frame. In the latter he was touched up for 3 hits and 1 R (unearned). He struck out 1 batter in each appearance.

Tim Berry began the week with a relief appearance, going 2 IP without allowing any runs. He did allow 2 hits and a walk, but also struck out 3. Perhaps it was planned, or perhaps the coaches saw something they wanted to get a better look at, or perhaps the regularly scheduled starter just didn't feel right...whatever it was, Berry was given a start on Saturday. And he killed it. 4 IP, 3 hits, 0 walks, 0 runs, and 3 Ks. Nicely done, Tim.

Overall thoughts: Kline & Berry showed some nice swing-and-miss ability by garnering 5 & 6 Ks respectively. E-Rod struggled with his control. That'll happen. No worries there. Nice to see Schoop and Alvarez each getting plenty of time in the field. Still want to see some consistent power and plate discipline from Urrutia. And Michael Ohlman continues to show he has a solid approach at the plate. Really excited to see him again next season.