More from Billy Rowell
Earlier this week in this space, I presented a story on O's minor leaguer Billy Rowell. Rowell talked about his recent swing change and attempt to get his bat going this season after two poor years at the plate at Frederick.
Here are some more quotes from the 21-year-old on other topics.
What is Rowell's take on reports he has a poor attitude? "I hear this from other people, the media, but if you ask the coaches I don't have a bad attitude. My attitude may have been bad because I was struggling and working so hard. Anyone in that situation would be frustrated. But I didn't let it get to me during the season.
"Now I am not frustrated at what happened. I don't regret anything. It's experience and it will come, it will come. I have faith in myself that things will work out."
How does he feel about his play the last two seasons with the Frederick Keys? "I had high and low points. You have to be consistent and I wasn't. That is part of playing the game and being a big league player, consistency. The numbers were not there last year, but I think mentally and physically I took another step closer to the big leagues."
Do you expect to play at Double-A Bowie this year? "I have not heard. I have no control, all I can do is show up prepared and do well there. All you can do is have faith in yourself and play hard every day."
Will the 2010 season be a big year for you? "Every year is a big year. Last year was a big year. You can't pressure yourself to say 'this is the year.' Every year is important and all you can do is work as hard and play as hard as you can and be mentally focused at all times. I have faith things will click for me."
Rowell, who played some at first base, third base and outfield at instructional league, remains an outfielder for now, Stockstill said. There are no plans for Rowell to become a full-time designated hitter.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Thanks for the follow-up Steve.
Keep working hard Billy!
I'm really pulling for Billy as well, I'd love to see him earn his way to Norfolk eventually and beyond of course. Glad to hear that he is working very hard.
Steve-
Obviously, I hope the BR becomes the 40HR guy they thought they might be drafting, I just think, even though he is young, it would have happened by now. The other thing going against him I think is, Markakis, Townsend, Loewen,Snyder,Weiters, Matusz.
4 of those 6 made it to the big leagues, Townsend didn't sign and has since faded. Snyder will in all likelyhood make it this year sometime.
Loewen injured, but WOULD have been quality and had some really bright moments when his arm was still attached.
Anyway, not only did 4 of those 6 soon to be 5 make it, but Markakis is a top tier player, Weiters allready in fantasy mags rates as the 3rd best catcher in the AL, and Matusz, well, I just have a hunch he is gonna be really good.
So, when you look at the percentages of players who make it, then the O's success with their 1st rounders the last 7 years, the odds are NOT in his favor.
Again, I hope he belts 35 HR this year while batting 300, I'm just not holding my breath.
"I hear this from other people, the media, but if you ask the coaches I don't have a bad attitude. My attitude may have been bad because I was struggling and working so hard."
Actually, the quotes I've read from coaches and others say the exact opposite, that he needs to improve his work ethic and work harder. I don't think I've read a single quote from a team official that was impressed with his work ethic.
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I don't think any coaches have really ripped him, at least not publicly. They also have acknowledged that he may need to work harder. His work in Fla this winter indicates he may have gotten that message, but the proof will be in his in-season performance.
Steve