Big news from Frederick
It's a clean sweep tonight for the Frederick Keys.
Brandon Waring has been named this year's Carolina League Most Valuable Player and lefty Zach Britton has been named Pitcher of the Year in the League.
The 23-year-old Waring, who was just moved up to Double-A Bowie on Tuesday, batted .273-26-90 in 128 games for the Keys this year. His 26 homers is tied for second most in Keys history.
Waring is second in the Carolina League in homers and is first in the league currently in doubles, RBI, slugging and extra-base hits.
The 21-year-old Britton is 9-6, 2.70 in 24 starts for the Keys. In 140 innings, he gave up 123 hits with 55 walks, 131 strikeouts and a batting average against of .232.
Britton, the O's 3rd-round pick in 2006, is 2nd in the Carolina League in strikeouts, he is 3rd in ERA and 4th in innings.
Waring, a 7th-round pick of the Reds in 2007, was traded to the Orioles last December in the Ramon Hernandez deal.
This is the first time in Keys history the club has swept both honors in the league.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Congrats to both!
Congrats to both. But, a 23-yr-old at high A ball projects to nearly 26 when he gets to the bigs (presuming he spends a full season each at AA and AAA). Unless he makes a really big leap over a level or two, not sure he's going to be an impact player for us.
Cool to see talent down on the farm. Keep em coming. Do you see Waring getting invited to Big league camp in spring training? I know its a long way off, just curious.
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I could see that happening, yes. - Steve
Keep in mind that Nolan Reimold played an entire season at AA as a 24 year old. Brandon could make the same jump.
Baseball America posted a nice article (members only) about Britton. I was impressed with the fact that his velocity is back up to 90-94 after lowering it last year to perfect his offspeed pitches. He also credits Brian Matusz for helping improve his changeup by changing his grip. I'm excited about seeing him in Bowie next year. That also shows what kind of character Matusz has.