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Former Cubs dominate Orioles off-season
minor league acquisitions If nothing else, the Orioles AAA affiliate at Norfolk should be exciting this year. Maybe they could even be renamed the Norfolk Cubs, or former Cubs. With the connection between some members of the Orioles scouting staff and the Cubs, things fell into place to bring in several Fitch Park alumni. When Baltimore became affiliated with Norfolk this off-season, it made things much easier for the Birds to sign minor league free agents. Instead of playing in front of few fans in cold weather, Oriole farmhands can play in a beautiful stadium that attracts nice crowds and is minutes from Virginia Beach. Current Orioles Director of Professional Scouting, John Stockstill, was the Cubs Scouting Director from 1999 until the end of the 2005 season. Under his tenure, the Northsiders drafted current Orioles farmhands Luis Montanez (first round 2000, Brandon Sing (20th round 1999), Jon Leicester (11th round 2000) and Jason Dubois (14th round 2000). Francis Beltran is another former Cub who has signed on with the Birds; however he was not drafted by Stockstill. All five have received invitations to the Orioles major league camp this spring and some have an outside shot at making the team as reserves, depending on how things shake out. Unfortunately for Leicester and Beltran, the Orioles spent millions to upgrade their bullpen this off season and, unlike years gone by, they are now long shots to make the team out of spring training. However, they do provide pitching depth at the AAA level. Both throw in the mid to upper 90s and both are coming off injuries. Leicester injured his knee last year, so his arm is sound. Beltran is in his second season following successful Tommy John surgery. Typically, this is the year that pitchers regain what control they had prior to the operation, so Beltran could have a big year for the Tides! At one time, he was reported to have the best fastball in the Cubs system. Montanez brings outfield speed and a right handed bat to the table in his bid to make the big team. The Orioles were notorious pushover’s for left handed hurlers last season. Although Baltimore has signed Jay Payton to play left field, a right handed stick on the bench would be a nice addition. Montanez will find himself competing with former major leaguer Roger Cedeno, who sat out last season and is attempting a comeback this year, and newly acquired Jon Knott, who was picked up from the Padres system as a free agent. Other outfield candidates include left handed sticks Freddie Bynum (formerly of Wrigley Field), Adam Stern and dark horses Val Majewski and Jeff Fiorentino, both of whom will most likely start the year in Norfolk. Sing and Dubois are also righties who have histories as power hitters. Sing can play left field in a pinch; however he is more suited to first base. The Orioles acquired him after he suffered a poor 2006 season, which may have been the result of eye infections and allergies. Dubois is listed as an outfielder; however, his real position is Designated Hitter. In addition to the former Cubs, the Norfolk roster could include newly acquired J.R. House and possibly Josh Phelps, who was claimed by the Yankees in the Rule V draft this year. The possibility of his return has increased since the New Yorkers have signed Doug Mienkiewitz. Bubba Trammell is attempting a comeback this year and may have a place in the Tides outfield. The Orioles have also upgraded their middle infield defense for Norfolk with former Eastern League All Star Eider Torres as well as former Brave prospect Luis Hernandez. Both are known as slick fielders and if they don’t repeat AA this year, they could make the middle a hard place to get a hit for opposing batters. Torres is a top notch base stealer as well. Last year he stole 44 bases. In a minor league system that has been devoid of power hitters and position players in general, this off-season has to be considered a tremendous success for the Orioles. They've attracted some position players with upside who could make it to Camden Yards this year and not be total embarrassments. --- John
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