MASN / Melewski:http://www.masnsport...and-schoop.html

Melewski interviewed Duquette, who basically says Schoop will play SS. "My thoughts are the players that can play shortstop should play shortstop as long as they possibly can and if the major league manager later wants to use them at another position, that's fine. But the players that can play shortstop, I like to keep them at shortstop until someone moves them off there," Duquette said.

"Both of them can play shortstop and I think they develop more value for the major league team if they play shortstop longer. I'd be more interested in the individual player's development of major league skills. It's not important that players play together in the minor leagues."


Last June we spoke to Kevin Goldstein, from Baseball Prospectus about Schoop:

BSL: “When you compiled the O’s Top Prospect list last November (http://www.baseballp... ... leid=12459) you had Jonathan Schoop 6th overall in the Baltimore system. The 19 year-old did not disappoint at Low A Delmarva, posting a .890 OPS (.316 average) in 216 ab’s at that level. Due to that production, he was promoted to High A Frederick (13 for 45, 4 rbi). Any thoughts from Coaches in the South Atlantic League about his defense? Can he stay at 3rd as he progresses? Do you ultimately see him moving to 2nd?”

Goldstein: “I think third base is a more realistic expectation, as he’s just not that kind of fast-twitch athlete you look for in an up the middle type of player. That said, the bat should play there and I’m glad Schoop has made me look smart for putting him so high.”

In our October Q&A with Jim Callis, Baseball America; we asked:

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Futures Game participant Jonathan Schoop posted a .890 OPS in his 212 ab’s at Delmarva, earning a promotion to Frederick. With the Keys, Schoop was one of the youngest players in the Carolina League but was able to put up a .704 OPS in 299 ab’s at that level. Do you agree with Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein that Schoop projects better as a 3rd baseman vs. 2nd base as he advances?”

Callis: “I think that’s fair, because Schoop is going to be more strong than quick once he develops physically. There’s some chance that Manny Machado outgrows shortstop and winds up at third base, which could lead to a trial at second base for Schoop, though in that case Schoop might wind up on an outfield corner.”


So, while I generally agree with the idea of allowing a guy that comes up as a SS to stay there as long as possible; I question if it makes sense to move Schoop back to Short. It seems clear that it is his bat that is going to earn Schoop a chance in the bigs at some point. It appears that staying at 2nd long-term is no lock either. I'd rather Schoop be going into '12 not worrying about playing SS (a position he won't play in the Majors), and spending as much time as possible trying to improve playing 2nd (a position he could play in the Majors).

Asked Klaw about it in his chat the other day:

Jeff (Baltimore)

Duquette hinted that Schoop and Machado would start at different levels so both can play SS (makes sense). Does this mean Machado starts at AA (makes less sense)?

Klaw (1:11 PM)

I think Machado could handle AA. He's ridiculously good. But I don't think there's any chance Schoop stays at SS, so I'm not sure what the point of leaving him there is.

If Schoop has zero chance of staying at SS, there is no reason to move him back to that position in my eyes. I'd be worried that he would spend so much time trying to be 'adequate' at SS, that it would hinder progress with his bat.

Thanks for relaying Law's comments!

I think the question comes down to where they feel Schoop can end up?

Is he set as the second baseman of the future? They should keep him with Machado getting comfortable as the Orioles' version of Trammell and Whitaker.

Do the Orioles feel he will be better utilized at another position, or will most likely end up as a utility player? Give him more time at third base and shortstop and maybe even some time in the outfield.

Are the Orioles convinced Machado won't stick at shortstop and will have to move? Give Schoop time at shortstop and give Machado time at third base and elsewhere.

Either way, I hope they don't try and stick the two of them at different levels just so both can play shortstop. I don't think that is necessary.

I'm very pleased with the O's decision to keep Machado and Schoop together, and keep Schoop at 2nd.

Can't agree with you more Chris. Hell, I would make them room together if I was the Orioles brass. As long as performance allows they should be paired. Ideally they stay at AA all season, then move on from there next season if they merit it.

I'm very pleased with the O's decision to keep Machado and Schoop together, and keep Schoop at 2nd.

Yeah seeing him last night he's got some more work to do at 2B. I'm hoping their flirtation with moving him back to SS wasn't because they are doubting if he can play 2B long term.

Yeah seeing him last night he's got some more work to do at 2B. I'm hoping their flirtation with moving him back to SS wasn't because they are doubting if he can play 2B long term.

What about third?

What about third?

I saw a teeny bit of the arm strength last night, but I'm more apt to say he can handle 3rd after seeing it. Not a lot of effort to the throw and had some good accurate zip on the backhand play he almost botched.

I'd have to see him over there of course because the footwork for 3B/1B is more of a one-two step and make the play kinda thing where at 2B it's more involved, so I'd need to get a better read on his pure reflexes.

Comparison's sake, Buck Britton played 3B last night, with Waring at 1B and Townsend DHing. I kinda wondered for a second, but I know he's a gamer and has done well in his reserve roles at Fredreick so I didn't think much of it. Britton had one play where he was in on the grass and the ball was shot oppo field and would have been a double into the corner, but right where the ball was going to hit the ground and roll back there (it was hit hard) Britton took a half step and dove and got his glove RIGHT where the ball would have hit for the out. Pure reflex, but it was played perfect by Buck, I'd need to see Schoop in that kinda situation to get a better feel his reflexes.