Ed Rogers: The Orioles are an
organization that has made some bad decisions in trying to go for the
quick fix at the major league level. This has left both the major league
club, as well as the minor league system in desperate need of quality
prospects. Rogers is one of the few that could turn into a player that the
organization could count on at the major league level
eventually.
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 1997, Rogers
had his best season to date in 2000. While spending most of the year at
Single-A Delmarva, he batted .274 with 5 home runs, 42 runs batted in, 14
doubles, 5 triples, 46 runs scored, 22 walks, 63 strikeouts, and 27 steals
in 332 at-bats. Rogers received a promotion to Double-A Bowie and finished
the season on a strong note (.286, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 3 2B, 4 R, 3 BB, 15 SO, 1
SB, 49 AB).
The American League has been blessed recently with the
high quality shortstops that have come onto the scenes over the last five
or so years. Players like Jeter, Garciaparra, Rodriguez, and Tejada have
all raised the bar for future shortstops so it's common to try anc compare
Rogers to this foursome. At this point of his career, Rogers seems like he
could be a develop into that type of shortstop, but he has a ways to go
until he could fulfill that potential. Rogers is only 19 and has
the
height (6'1"), but he needs to put on more weight as he develops
physically (only about 150 pounds). If he can do that, then you could
start to look at him in that light since that could give him more power,
but proably not in the 30-40 range, more like around 20 would probably be
your best guess. He also needs to improve his pitch selection and learn to
walk more. As for his defense, that aspect of his game is advanced for his
age. He's very good in the field and has the strong arm and the ability to
make all the plays and throws that you need.
With Cal Ripken near the end of his long,
hall of fame career and with Mike Bordick currently playing short, Rogers
is the future at this position. Rogers has started off the season at
Double-A Bowie (batting .200 thru 25 AB). Because of his age, don't be
surprised if he struggles some this season. Rogers needs to spent
this entire season there and then a full year at Triple-A before even
being considered to be the major league starter. For the Orioles to even
begin to get things turned
around, they need players like Rogers to
really develop.