The Orioles have had their Opening Day — you can listen to our wrap-up of Monday’s festivities, including interviews with players such as Mark Trumbo, Zach Britton, Trey Mancini and Craig Gentry on our weekly WOYK radio show, which you can also access here, and on iTunes.
And now the Orioles’ minor league affiliates are about to experience their own openers Thursday.
No one is more excited than Adam Pohl, the voice of the Double-A Bowie Baysox and our host for “Minor League Podcast,” which kicks off its second season on BaltimoreBaseball.com.
This week’s segment features three separate interviews that span a cross-section of the Orioles’ minor league landscape.
Pohl first talks with David Hall, the Triple-A Norfolk Tides beat writer for The Virginian-Pilot. Hall discusses various topics, including what makes Tides manager Ron Johnson so valuable to the organization and how Johnson will have a unique experience this year managing his son, Chris, a corner infielder and former major leaguer trying to get back to the big leagues.
Hall also analyzes the task ahead for Pedro Alvarez, who is trying to transition to the outfield. Alvarez will be doing it at a home stadium that provides its own challenges for outfielders, Hall says.
Next, Pohl talks to Geoff Arnold, director of broadcasting for the High-A Frederick Keys, who open their season Thursday at home.
Arnold will have the opportunity to see some of the organization’s top prospects in Frederick this year, including pitchers Cody Sedlock, Keegan Akin (pictured above) and Ofelky Peralta, infielders Ryan Mountcastle and Jomar Reyes and outfielder Austin Hays, among others.
Arnold discusses those players, and focuses on the potential of the rotation, which also includes Brian Gonzalez and Cristian Alvarado. An argument can be made that all five members ultimately will end up in the majors before their careers are over.
Lastly, Pohl wraps up the podcast with our minor league reporter, Dean Jones Jr., who may be the second most excited guy in Maryland this week as the affiliates begin play. If you missed Jones’ updated prospect list, Dean’s Dozen, click here.
And if you love hearing about prospects, this extended version below of “Minor League Podcast” is your ticket for early April.
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