Jonathan Schoop talks about his Player of the Year award

Just a few minutes ago, on the field at Camden Yards, Jonathan Schoop talked about being named the winner of the Brooks Robinson Award as the Orioles minor league Player of the Year. "I'm real happy. There are a lot of good players (in the organization)," Schoop said. "This means a lot to me. Just keeps me focused for next year. It's good." Schoop felt he made plenty of improvements in his game this year. He hit .290 with 24 doubles, five triples, 13 homers and a .781 OPS in 51 games with Single-A Delmarva and 77 with Single-A Frederick after his promotion in early June. "(I felt I improved on) everything, but I was focused on hitting. Next year I want to improve on everything again too," he said. Schoop played alongside one of the organization's best prospects this year in Manny Machado. The two spent some time together at both Delmarva and Frederick, with Machado at short and Schoop at second base. "We have fun with each other and have become close friends. We have fun, play the game the right way and do our jobs. He told me congratulations," Schoop said. Frederick manager Orlando Gomez feels Schoop can play equally well on the infield at second, short and third base. Schoop said he doesn't have a preference. "Just put me in the lineup," he said. Tomorrow he leaves to play for his country in the World Cup games. He will be on the Netherlands team and that is a proud honor for him as well. "That is exciting. It will be a great experience to play for my country," Schoop said. Check back here a little later and I'll post some comments from Tim Bascom on his minor league Pitcher of the Year award.