What's next for Billy Rowell?
Billy Rowell, the 9th pick in the first-round of the 2006 draft, is becoming a bit of a problem for the O's organization.
His stats are declining each season. Worse yet, some Keys' observers this year questioned his effort and work ethic. Others said he was far from the most popular player in the clubhouse.
Somewhere amidst all of this there is massive power potential that remains untapped. He has hit just 16 homers in two full seasons in the Carolina League.
Yet, O's officials constantly remind you of his youth. He played all of last season for Frederick at the age of 20, turning 21 September 10th.
By contrast, Carolina League MVP Brandon Waring of Frederick was 23 this year and the Keys Robbie Widlansky won the batting title at the age of 24.
Rowell w-Fred, 2008: .248-7-50....315 OBP.....368 slug......104 K's
Rowell w-Fred, 2009: .225-9-39...284 OBP.....336 slug.......122 K's
Rowell just spent some time at O's instructional league workouts in Sarasota in the teams' never-ending quest to get his bat going.
"We sat down with Billy in August and talked a few different times," O's director of player development, David Stockstill, said. "We came up with a plan for instructional league. He was here two weeks and we talked about what he was going to do and the changes we were going to make. I also gave Billy the oppurtunity to talk about what he thought he needed.
"He was here two weeks and worked very, very hard. He made very good progress and went home with a plan he was very happy with. It was a very positive step forward."
So what is the plan for Rowell?
"Develop more relaxation and better rhythm as a hitter. He needs to be ready to hit earlier and not just react to what he sees. He needs to dominate what he sees, take it more by the horns so to speak and go do the job.
"Remember, he's played at pretty high levels for his age. This is a forward-looking plan. It's not one to beat a guy down, but it's one to lift him and keep him going forward and let's be positive for the future."
The plan moving forward could include another position change for Rowell. He played third base his first three years with the O's and was moved to right field this past season.
Rowell struggled often in the outfield and now there is talk he could move to first base.
"He got some introduction to first base and still took some work in the outfield (in Sarasota). We need to see what defensive position fits in the long run, but we all know it's his bat that will make the difference.
"We are considering it (a move to first base). We will continue to work with him in various defensive positions. Right now, he is still an outfielder. But at the same time, we are going to work very consistently on his hitting."
In an interview with O's president Andy MacPhail in Frederick late this summer, he told reporters Rowell needed a change of scenery from Frederick in 2010.
Sending Rowell back a level to Delmarva, does not seem to be in the plans. The O's are said to be considering sending Rowell to Double-A Bowie next year despite his poor statistics.
Stockstill said the club has pretty much ruled out sending Rowell back to Delmarva, where he played in 2007.
"I don't see that as a possibility. I don't think we are entertaining a move to Delmarva for Billy."
Stockstill said he was impressed with Rowell's work ethic at instructional league.
"He was outstanding. He came with a positive outlook and worked very hard. We couldn't ask any more of him, he was that good."
So now, the O's ponder the next move for Rowell. He's much too young to give up on, yet can't seem to find a home on defense or any consistency on offense.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Bowie and first base should be the final straw for Rowell. If he can't improve under those circumstances, then chalk it up as a pre-Andy mistake. Or better yet, use him as trade bait a la Jayson Werth!
I say to tell Rowell to throw his glove away. His bat is the only way he is going to make it. Let him only be the DH. For a year don't even let him think about fielding. Let him concentrate 100% on his bat and see what happens. He can always try 1st later. If for whatever reason McPhail doesn't want him in Frederick can't we lend him to another organization and let him play on their high A team instead of 'rushing' him to AA if he's not ready?
Steve, do you have any word on the MASN fantasy baseball league? I finished in the top five and according to the rules it says the top 5 get a lunch w/Trembley. Haven't heard anything from them yet but I'm hungry.
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Congrats on that. I'm not sure who at Masn handles that but I haven't had anything to do with it. I'm sure you'll be hearing soon. - Steve
9 - William Rowell, BAL
10 - Timothy Lincecum, SF
11 - Max Scherzer, ARI
14 - Travis Snider, TOR
18 - Kyle Drabek, PHI
32 - Pedro Beato, BAL
41 - Joba Chamberlain, NY
Could you imagine us with LINCECUM!!!! I think its safe to say we missed on both picks!
I would move Rowell to DH. We drafted him for his hitting, lets let him get that together. Then maybe we can find a position for him. I remain optimistic about his chances. Those who label him a bust lack patience.
Be patient with Rowell, look at some of Worth's stats in the minors, he was awful! Patience!
Let the young man play.
He needs to win a triple crown someday, somewhere, anywhere
Lou Montanez did just that.
But without a break out season, Rowell becomes just another fella that played awhile and then went home and got a job.
a seventeen year old taken in the first round will always be a high risk draft choice
Man, what a disappointment Rowell has turned out to be. One of the reasons to be cautious about high schoolers. Looks like Hobgood can/will be an exception, he seems to have a great head on his shoulders and tons of talent.
It does hurt to look back at that draft, I can't lie about that. I know a lot of teams had questions about Lincecum's delivery and injury risk. Looks like everyone was wrong but the Giants on that one.
Thanks for a great season Steve, hope the offseason yields some promising pick ups. --------------------------- Thanks for the nice words.....Steve
listen i want the kid to succeed but i have heard not so good things that follow this kid.......i would be willing to bet that stockstill addressed some extra caricular activities that this kid has had a problem with. i wont elaborate too much but i think he needs to grow up. a lot of people get into stuff then grow out of it. i think then and only then will this kid realize his potential, which is strictly a DH. its too bad too because if he could just have some good stats, he is the perfect trade bait prospect. there is a log jam everywhere he plays and hes the right age to actually peak some teams interest. still this kid has 2 years to prove himself before the Os move on, thats a load of time to turn it around
listen i want the kid to succeed but i have heard not so good things that follow this kid.......i would be willing to bet that stockstill addressed some extra caricular activities that this kid has had a problem with. i wont elaborate too much but i think he needs to grow up. a lot of people get into stuff then grow out of it. i think then and only then will this kid realize his potential, which is strictly a DH. its too bad too because if he could just have some good stats, he is the perfect trade bait prospect. there is a log jam everywhere he plays and hes the right age to actually peak some teams interest. still this kid has 2 years to prove himself before the Os move on, thats a load of time to turn it around
What's next for Rowell? The Carmax near me has a help wanted sign out.
i live 10 miles from salem va in the carolina league so i only go when fredrick is in town.the first year billy rowell was there i seen him snub people in the stands wanting an autograph.i remember thinking this kid should be happy that anyone wanted his autograph.his hustle was absent, jogging to 1st base on weak ground balls.the second year he seemed a little better to the fans,but unfortunly not so in the hustle dept.just one fans observation.
Disappointing to hear that for all his failures, Billy Rowell still has an attitude/motivation problem. I understand that kids can be immature, but he's either 20 or 21 now, right? That doesn't qualify as a "kid" anymore.
Rowell's future is probably at DH. Wouldn't mind seeing him at first since outfield is our one position of strength in this organization.
Either way this guy needs to put his head down and produce! If he wants to flaunt Albert Belle's attitude, he'd better also put up Belle's numbers...