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Catching Up With...Ryan Adams

2008 second baseman progressing up farm system
November 1, 2010
Salisbury, MD - In 2008, Ryan Adams helped fuel the engine for a Shorebirds team that finished 17 games over .500 (78-61). The 78 wins stand third in the 15-year franchise history. The 1996 (inaugural season) team won the most games, 83.

In 119 games back in 2008, Adams led the Shorebirds with a .308 batting average, his career best in the minors. The New Orleans, Louisiana native also blasted 11 home runs, eight of which came after the all-star break.

"Delmarva was my best year so far," said Adams in a telephone interview from Arizona. "I just remember hitting very well that year and I was able to carry the success over."

Since 2008, Adams has blossomed into a highly regarded hitting prospect within the Orioles organization. In 2009 with the Frederick Keys, he batted .288 in 59 games. This season, Adams showed no signs of slowing down in his first season at the Double-A level. He batted .298 in a career high 134 games. Adams also achieved personal highs in home runs (15), RBIs (68), doubles (43), walks (47) and runs scored (81).

Now 23-years old, Adams is testing the waters against the premier talent in Minor League Baseball in the Arizona Fall League. It's his first trip to the prestigious league.

"It's a lot of fun out here," said Adams. "It's an honor to be playing against the best of the best."

Through 10 games with the Scottsdale Scorpions, Adams is hitting a very respectable .289 with a home run and 11 RBIs. He ranks third on the team in RBIs.

Although he has been impressed with many hitters in the league, when asked to single out one, he quickly mentioned teammate Bryce Harper, the number one overall pick in this past season's draft.

"Bryce is so young and he has unbelievable power," said Adams. "He is really living up to all the hype and he is a great kid too."

Because of his prowess for tearing apart opposing pitchers, Adams' defensive improvement has gone under the radar. In 2008, he made 52 errors for the Shorebirds. This season in Bowie, he made only 25 miscues. Keep in mind that he is learning a new position as well. Adams played 32 games at third baseman for Bowie and he is playing third in the Arizona Fall League.

"I'm really focused on continuing to take all the reps at third base because it is a new position for me," said Adams. "It will definitely make me a more versatile player."

Even though the 2011 season is still many months away, everyone always want to know what's next.

"To be honest with you, I have no idea where I am going to start 2011, but I know that I am going to be playing baseball and that's great."

Quick Hitters for Ryan Adams
1) Favorite ballpark that you have played in?
Richmond County Bank Ballpark (Staten Island Yankees) because it's set in New York City and the batters eye is awesome.
2) Favorite MLB Player?
Robinson Cano
3) Who is going to win the Super Bowl?
New Orleans, again!
4) Favorite TV show?
Sportscenter

The Delmarva Shorebirds want to thank Ryan Adams for spending time to chat with us.

The Shorebirds will profile several of the former players currently playing in the Arizona Fall League over the next month including: Pat Egan, Oliver Drake and Xavier Avery.