Will there be another change for Rowell?

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

April 02, 2010, 6:39pm

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The Orioles are not confirming anything yet, but it appears there have been internal discussions about moving Billy Rowell from outfield back to the infield. Rowell, who played third base his first three seasons in the organization, played right field last year for the Class-A Frederick Keys. The 21-year-old Rowell struggled at bat the last two years with Frederick, but also had a tough time last season adjusting to right field. The O's 2006 first-round draft pick, he made 15 errors with a fielding percentage of just .904 in 110 games with Frederick. David Stockstill, who heads up the Orioles minor leagues before moving to a new position soon, could not be reached for comment. Rowell was expected to begin this season with Double-A Bowie when the Eastern League season begins next Thursday. There appears to be the possibility that Rowell could stay in Florida at extended spring training when the minor league seasons begin. Reports indicate Rowell was swinging the bat better this spring. He homered off Brian Matusz in a recent intrasquad game, but continued to play poorly in the outfield. The Orioles were planning on him remaining an outfielder for this season. Now those plans may be changing.