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Take Billy Rowell of the Frederick Keys. Selected by the Orioles with the 9th pick in the first round of 2006, a lot is expected from the 6-5, 205-pound left-handed third baseman who was drafted that high because of his raw power potential.

This year, Rowell is hitting just .246-7-48 with 23 doubles in the Carolina League, and some fans think a first-round pick should be putting up better numbers. But remember this fact - at 19, Rowell was the youngest player in the League this season, playing every night vs. older, more experienced players.

"I've learned a lot this year about the game and myself," Rowell said. "The numbers aren't there, but I've learned so much and I've got to build on that. There are things in this game that people really can't tell you, you have to experience it for yourself. I've learned a lot about hitting this year."

Rowell is getting better as the season is nearing its end. He's batting .293-2-11 in 22 games in August and is hitting .351 over his last ten games.

"I've made a few adjustments with my swing and some things are coming together. Some numbers are showing now."

If you take Rowell's stats from 2006 and 2007, his at bats add up to about the equivalent of a full season, and he played 144 games between Bluefield, Aberdeen and Delmarva.

Rowell 2006-07: 144 games, .293 AVG, 40 doubles, 6 triples, 12 homers, 89 RBI

Decent numbers for sure, but this season Rowell had some real struggles early in the Carolina League season for the Keys.

"He's played much better the last month," Keys manager Richie Hebner said. "He was a little over-matched earlier in the season. But you don't see a body like his a lot, and he's going to be a good hitter down the road."

Hebner can relate to playing in the Carolina League at the young age of 19. He did it for Raleigh in 1967.

"Sure he was over-matched some earlier this year, but he's survived to hit .240 or so," Hebner said. "The kid's got talent, believe me. All kids make mistakes when they are that young in the Minors. You have to really want it to make the Majors. Arrieta, Erbe, Brandon Snyder, Wieters, you can see it in their eyes how badly they want it. Billy will get there too."

Rowell, who hit .273-9-57 at Delmarva last season, is aware that when you are a high pick without a high batting average, the critics will surface.

"I don't pay attention to what other people say. I have plenty of confidence in myself. You can't ever get down on yourself. I've grown up a bit this year. You have to battle through some tough times in this game," Rowell said.

Rowell realizes he might have to return to the Carolina League next season. If that happens, at 20, he'll still be one of the youngest in the League.

"I would have no problem with that--in fact, I expect that to happen. You don't move up until you dominate in a league."

Hebner said one issue to be resolved concerning Rowell is what position he's going to play. He said footwork issues could keep Rowell from playing third base in the Majors. But he says Rowell has a great arm and that he will recommend to Orioles officials that they consider looking at him as a right fielder.

Hebner also said any rumblings that Rowell is not coachable or has any attitude issues are just not true.

"Billy's been good. We have a good relationship. He's not always the best listener. He can be naive at times about baseball. He didn't know that much baseball when he signed. But he's learned. And we talk a lot and not just about baseball."

Rowell has survived the grind of a long season vs. quality competiton, and he looks forward to his next step, making his way up the ladder in the O's organization.

"It's been a long year; everyone's tired right about now. In amateur ball you might play 100 games in a year, but not at a high level like this. Every game here is against top competition. It's not like high school. It's a mental strain on you more than anything else."

One area where Rowell looks to improve is his average vs. left-handed pitching. He's batting just .189 vs. southpaws this year.

"I haven't seen a lot of quality lefty pitchers in my life. Even this year I didn't get that many chances to face them. With experience, I'll get better."

When you are drafted out of high school, the road to the Majors can be long, with a lot of bumps along the way. But Rowell remains confident that his road will end in Baltimore, the same expectations the fans have had for him since the day he was drafted.

Audio: Highlights from Billy Rowell's Minor League season