I think I've determined one of the primary culprits for the Orioles' relatively barren farm system over the past few decades. The team saved money on scouting by just drafting and signing players with familiar names. The young man pictured above is indeed the son of Hall of Fame Brewers shortstop/outfielder Robin Yount, but a famous bloodline does not a major leaguer make. Dustin hit .241 in seven seasons in the O's organization, and is now hawking his wares in the independent leagues. On the plus side, he did lead the Lincoln SaltDogs in several offensive categories in 2008. It's a shame that Topps couldn't find a photo of him that didn't have gray clouds looming in the distance; they seem to have put the whammy on the first baseman.In the past two decades, the Birds have had plenty of sons of prominent big leaguers pass through their minor league clubhouses with few tangible benefits. Off the top of my head, there was also Tim Raines, Jr., Pete Rose, Jr., and Jeff Nettles (son of Graig). The latter did just hit 24 home runs for AA Bowie in 2008, but it was at age 29, a full decade older than some of his teammates.
Maybe in the future the Orioles should stick to guys who don't have to worry about playing in the shadows of their own names.
Despite the names you mentioned, the Orioles have had some mild success with 2nd generation players such as David Segui, Garry Matthews Jr., and Jerry Hairston Jr. What everyone has to realize is that the Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Prince Fielder's of the world are the exception, not the rule. That being said, what are the odds that Ryan Ripken gets drafted by the O's when he leaves high school??
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point. Heck, I'm surprised the O's don't try to draft Rachel Ripken, too!
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