Richard Stahl -- By Robert Sherry

A first round pick in the 1999 draft (18th overall), this 18-year-old is raw but has all the makings of a possible number one starter for the Orioles.

A lefty, Stahl stands at 6-foot-7 and about 200 pounds. Probably the best comparison for Stahl is Seattle's Ryan Anderson. Stahl uses a mid-90s fastball as well as a potentially very good curve and changeup. He needs to develop his overall game more, but all of that should come in time. I would not expect to see him advanced as quickly as some other recently drafted high schoolers (e.g., Anderson, C.C. Sabathia). Instead, the O's would be best suited to have him spend a full season at each level.

Stahl made his pro debut this season at Class-A Delmarva in the South Atlantic League and has put up nice numbers so far. He has made 17 starts for the Shorebirds, posting a 5-5 record with a 2.77 ERA, 81.1 innings of work, 91 hits allowed, 48 walks and 78 strikeouts thus far.

With the problems Matt Riley has had, both on the field and off, Stahl could replace him as the organization's number one pitching prospect if he has not already. Stahl could be a staff ace and could be in Baltimore by the time he is 21. His is definitely a name to remember down the road.