Orioles Prospect - Brandon Waring
Waring had already had a monster year at Frederick, batting .273 in 128 games with 26 home runs, 35 doubles and 90 RBIs. He set career highs in every offensive category, and struck out 30 less times than he had the year before, despite stepping to the plate 32 more times. Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in December of 2008, Waring was named the Carolina League Most Valuable Player in his first season in the Orioles organization.
Waring was promoted to Bowie on Sept. 1, and was slated to bat fifth in the Baysox lineup. He wasted little time making an impression on his new fans, drilling a two-out, two-run double to center field in his first plate appearance. He followed the double with a three-run homerun in the fifth inning to drive in five of Baysox six runs in his first game at the Double-A level.
After leading all Orioles Minor Leaguers in home runs (27) and RBIs (96) last season, Baseball America named Waring the 18th best prospect in the Orioles system. The publication rated him the best power hitting prospect in the organization and stated, "Waring's raw power is well above-average and he can drive the ball out of the ballpark in any direction."
So far in 2010, Waring has been off to a great start for the Baysox. Playing almost every day at third base, Waring has only committed one error in the field through his first 23 games. He has also been a force in the middle of the lineup, and is tied for the team lead with five home runs through May 2.
If Waring continues his solid defensive play and continues to hit balls out of the ballpark, he could have a terrific opportunity to make the Major League club in the near future. Orioles third baseman Miguel Tejada's contract expires after the season, and either Waring or former Baysox slugger Josh Bell are the favorites to succeed him at Baltimore's hot corner.
Think Outside The Box with the Baysox in 2010. The Baysox 18th season as the class Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles at Prince George's Stadium is underway. Catch all the action in Natural Definition as the Baysox try to bring home their first Eastern League Championship! Baysox full-season and partial-season ticket packages are available now! Click HERE to order tickets online or call the group sales department at (301) 464-4880.