Minor League Podcast: Breaking down the 2017 Baysox — Liranzo, Stewart, Scott and Keller

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCASTS HERE
iTunes / Google Play

The 2017 season is quickly approaching, both in the majors and minors, and that means Adam Pohl is close to wrapping up his previews of the Orioles’ primary affiliates.

This week, he’s right at home – literally – talking about Double A.

Pohl, the voice of the Bowie Baysox, breaks down what could be the Baysox roster this year. Last season was a rough one for Bowie, a last-place finish and a 56-86 record.

This year, it seems like the top talent in the organization will start at High-A Frederick, which Pohl discussed in his last “Minor League Podcast” episode.

But there are some recognizable names that could play for the Baysox in April. That group may be led by right-handed reliever Jesus Liranzo, who got the attention of Orioles manager Buck Showalter this spring with his big arm and impressive poise for a 22-year-old. Liranzo (pictured above) had a couple shaky moments in Grapefruit League action, but he just dug in and kept pitching. Showalter raved about him several times in March.

Pohl thinks Liranzo is probably the top reliever in the organization right now. And as Dean Jones Jr., our minor leaguer reporter, points out on this podcast, the Orioles in the recent past have brought relievers from Double-A straight to the majors, such as Mychal Givens and Donnie Hart.

Another pitcher that should be at Double-A on Opening Day is fireballer Tanner Scott, who Baseball America ranked as the organization’s 10th best prospect in 2017. He should get a chance to start after being a reliever most of his pro career.

From the offensive side, Jones talks about one of his favorite players to keep an eye on: speedy outfielder Cedric Mullins, who tripled last week in an Orioles’ Grapefruit League game and homered off the batter’s eye in straightaway center with Showalter watching in a “B game.” Jones has been raving about Mullins for a year, and it seems like he’s starting to get his due.

Although the safe play is for the 22-year-old switch-hitter to start at Frederick, Mullins could be pushed to Bowie quickly.

Another outfielder that likely will start at Bowie is 2015 first-round pick DJ Stewart, who improved greatly after he was promoted from Delmarva to Frederick last year.

So even though Frederick might have the organization’s most talented players, the Baysox should have some worth monitoring.

Lots of good stuff here for Orioles fans. Definitely worth your time to listen.