What’s happening to the Orioles’ minor league affiliates? | MAILBAG

Question: The Orioles’ minor league teams are struggling mightily, both pitching and hitting wise. What was recently considered the top minor league system is currently performing abysmally across all levels. A very disturbing trend as the major league team is also struggling in all facets of the game, including defense. This does not bode well for the future as the major league prospect well appears to be running dry. Too soon in the season to be concerned with the play of the minor league teams? Too much reliance on metrics and not enough on heart and desire? From: Joe Rees, Aiken, South Carolina

Answer: Joe, you’re correct. Not one of the four Orioles minor league affiliates has a .500 record or better. In recent years, the best Oriole prospects have been promoted to the major leagues, and there have been many of them. Other prospects have been traded for major league players, further weakening the system.

There are still excellent prospects, including Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo at Norfolk, Enrique Bradfield at Chesapeake and Vance Honeycutt at Aberdeen. There just aren’t as many as there were, say two years ago.

It’s hard, but not impossible to have both a contending team and a top-tier farm system, but it can be done. The Orioles have three first-round draft picks in July, and it’s important that they nail them to restock the farm system.

Question: What is Buck Britton’s role on the Orioles’ coaching staff? From: Amos Lucas

Answer: Amos, Buck Britton has the title of major league coach. He assists the other coaches and is available to help third base coach Tony Mansolino for the infielders and Anthony Sanders for the outfielders as well as other duties as assigned.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.