Two Orioles prospects make top 20 list in the Gulf Coast League

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

September 20, 2011, 3:53pm

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Two Orioles made the list of the top 20 prospects in the Gulf Coast League as selected by Baseball America, which released the list today. Outfielder Roderick Bernadina was ranked 12th and pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez 18th. Both were international signings. Bernadina, who turned 19 on Aug. 10, is from Curacao and the 18-year-old Rodriguez is from Venezuela. Bernardina hit .239 in 51 games for the GCL Orioles with 14 doubles, three triples, four homers and 28 RBIs. He had an OPS of .754. Baseball America said this about Bernadina: Curacaoan infielder Jonathan Schoop is one of the Orioles' top prospects, and they may have another find from the island nation in Bernadina. He's a right fielder with impressive tools across the board. A lefty, Rodriguez made 11 appearances and 10 starts this year, going 1-1 with an ERA of 1.81 and batting average against of .177. Over 44 2/3, he gave up just 28 hits with 17 homers and 46 strikeouts. Baseball America said this about Rodriguez: The Orioles paid Rodriguez $175,000 to sign before the 2010 season, and he rewarded them with an encouraging pro debut in the Dominican Summer League. He pitched well again in his first U.S. stint, posting a 1.81 ERA that would have ranked second in GCL if he hadn't barely missed qualifying. The O's GCL team finished in first place, making the playoffs with a record of 38-22. Showing how tough the American League East is however, six of the top nine rated prospects are from the division. Yankees players were rated first, second and ninth by Baseball America. Boston had prospects Nos. 6 and 7, Toronto had Nos. 8 and 15 and Tampa Bay No. 13.