229 replies to this topic

[bnickle]

Got to think he'll go to Bowie. Kind of excited about him. Don't have huge expectations, but hoping he can be a solid ML player.

[RichardZ]

I would imagine Urrutia stays in extended ST to work on things before being assigned to one of the minor league squads. Probably Frederick or more likely Bowie.

Could be headed for extended spring but for a player with so much experience, I would hope that 30 days is enough to get the rust off and head to Bowie where he can get the rest of the rust off.

[Icterus galbula]

Miami Herald article on Urrutia-

http://www.miamihera... ... hasnt.html

We have high hopes for him," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "It's been a while, so we've got to be patient with the amount of time he's been away from it and adjustments he's got to make to life here. So, just because it's delayed doesn't mean it's denied. He will reach his level. And we think it's got a chance to be the big leagues."

Urrutia will begin in minor league camp, with the possibility of getting into a few big league games by the end of camp, Showalter said.

"I really liked his thinking. He said, 'My idea was to come to the States to play in the big leagues,'" Duquette said. "So he is very clear what his intent is. And that's our intent, too. He just needs to get back into playing."

Asked if Urrutia could make it to the big leagues in 2013, Duquette simply said, "Yes."

"We didn't sign him to play in the minor leagues," Duquette repeated. "If he needs to go to the minor leagues to get his game back and get some of the rust off, that's fine. But we'll find out a little more about his bat (now). I think his bat is pretty advanced."

[SportsGuy]

Law thought he was a 4th OFer.

But that would be ok...Most people have/had that belief of Reimold as well and obviously Reimold has a lot of upside.

I want to see him play.

[JeremyStrain]

Law thought he was a 4th OFer.

But that would be ok...Most people have/had that belief of Reimold as well and obviously Reimold has a lot of upside.

I want to see him play.

The 4th OF concerns are basically hedging bets because of concerns on the bat. Looks to be a high avg/high OBP guy with a great eye. But can't tell how much pop he is going to have and there is some concern he might not have enough OOMPF for a corner OF spot.

Think similar bat to LJ Hoes, but I have a little higher upside than him if he can hit it.

[Chris B]

@Britt_Ghiroli: #Orioles OF Henry Urrutia will join Double-A Bowie later this week.

[BSLChrisStoner]

MASN: http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch/2013/04/latest-on-johnson-wada-roberts-and-urrutia.html

 

Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia is on his way to Double-A Bowie today and will officially join the Baysox's roster on Friday. They placed Zelous Wheeler on the disabled list today, which could clear a spot for Urrutia.

Showalter indicated that Urrutia will play right and left field for Bowie, and he may also get a look in center. The Orioles don't want him limited to one position.

[MKlein76]

@BowieBaysox: Henry Urruita 2-for-5 with 3 RBI in his debut.

[mweb08]

He went deep tonight.

[Mike B]

Nice to see Urrutia get out of the blocks quick.  He has not played in a long while so his quick start is impressive.

[JeremyStrain]

The guess when evaluating him was that he was close to ML ready, probably knock the dust off in AAA and be fine, so AA might not be advanced enough. I like the approach though, give him 10-15 games in AA to see where he is and move him up from there to be challenged.

 

The O's view AA and AAA as equal distance from ML though. AAA they like to stash ML depth and do actual development at AA, will pull from either equally though.

[Chris B]

For someone who knows next to nothing about him, who does Urrutia compare to? Floor/ceiling?

[JeremyStrain]

For someone who knows next to nothing about him, who does Urrutia compare to? Floor/ceiling?

 

I hate comps in general, even moreso for signings like him. Huge gap from floor to ceiling (big risk/reward) you just never know how their game is going to translate to the states. If I had to guess at a slash line it'd be something like .270/.350/.480 in the best case (I hear he's more OBP skill than power skill, so something like 15-20 HR potential maybe? Think like Nick with lower average. Spitballing though.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Season: 27 ab's, 8 hits, 1 double, 2 hr's, 7 rbi, 4 bb's, 6 k's

[BSLChrisStoner]

Pretty encouraging to see him have this start after all of the time off.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baltimore Sun: Urrutia already picturing himself at Camden Yards
http://www.baltimore...0,6489098.story

[Adam Wolff]

Baltimore Sun: Urrutia already picturing himself at Camden Yards
http://www.baltimore...0,6489098.story

 

Good read Chris, thanks for posting. Very nice to see him off to a solid start after such a long layoff. Seems like an easy guy to root for.

[bnickle]

Didn't realize he was 6'5. Have to think there is some decent power potential there. I know he is already 26 and everything but good nutrition here in the states, good weight program, etc.

 

 

he'll def be up at some point. He's probably the best bat we have in the minors right now.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Didn't realize he was 6'5. Have to think there is some decent power potential there. I know he is already 26 and everything but good nutrition here in the states, good weight program, etc.

 

 

he'll def be up at some point. He's probably the best bat we have in the minors right now.

 

Yeah, I'm still trying to hold back my excitement a bit, but he seems pretty promising the more I read about him.

[Chris B]

For someone who knows next to nothing about him, who does Urrutia compare to? Floor/ceiling?

I hate comps in general, even moreso for signings like him. Huge gap from floor to ceiling (big risk/reward) you just never know how their game is going to translate to the states. If I had to guess at a slash line it'd be something like .270/.350/.480 in the best case (I hear he's more OBP skill than power skill, so something like 15-20 HR potential maybe? Think like Nick with lower average. Spitballing though.

So he could become a starter in the outfield in a few years?