CarL1 Frederick Keys

2008 Frederick Keys Break Camp

Published on March 28, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release


Frederick, MD - The Frederick Keys, Advanced Class-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles have announced their 2008 roster as they break camp from their spring training complex in Sarasota, FL. The Keys roster will feature each of the Baltimore Orioles last three first round selections including the #5 pick of the 2007 draft, C Matt Wieters. The team will have continuity from their 2007 championship run with nine players who spent time with the Keys last season returning to the club. Six of the Orioles top-ten prospects deemed by national publication Baseball America will break camp with the Keys.

"The 2008 Frederick Keys are one of the most talented squads to have ever played in Frederick," Keys General Manager Dave Ziedelis said. "The excitement from our fanbase as we approach opening day is palpable."

The starting pitchers are led by a young crop of power pitchers including Jake Arrieta, Pedro Beato and Brandon Erbe. Arrieta was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 draft and stunned many in the prestigious Arizona Fall League by not allowing a run in 14 appearances. Beato, the 32nd overall pick of the 2006 draft, represented the Orioles in the Future's Game in 2007. Erbe, a 20-year old local product from Owings Mills, MD, was Frederick's opening day starter in 2007. All three pitchers are listed as top-ten prospects in the Orioles organization by Baseball America.

Behind the plate the Keys will have the prized prospect Wieters, a two-time collegiate All American out of Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jacket was just the second All-American catcher in Georgia Tech history joining Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. Wieters signed too late to play in the regular season in 2007 for an Orioles record six million dollars. Although he played in the professional Hawaiian Winter Baseball League, Wieters will make his official professional debut with the Keys.

The infield will feature top prospects Brandon Snyder and Bill Rowell who will man the corner infield spots in 2008. Snyder, who hails from Centreville, VA, was the Orioles first round pick in 2005. He led the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League this off-season batting .378. Rowell was selected with the ninth overall pick of the 2006 draft, a high school player with exceptional power. Last year Rowell battled through an early season oblique strain but he has regained the power that saw him launch a 480-foot home run for the Aberdeen Ironbirds in 2006.

The outfielders include the Orioles Minor League Player of the Year Brandon Tripp and speedster Danny Figueroa. Tripp rebounded from a sub-par 2006 to bat a stellar .288 with 19 home runs and 79 RBI with Delmarva last season. Figueroa, whose brother Paco played with the Keys in 2006, will give the Keys line-up needed speed. Figueroa stole 35 bases in Delmarva in 2007.

The reigning Carolina League Champion Frederick Keys open their 2008 season Friday, April 4th at 7:00 p.m. against the Lynchburg Hillcats. For information regarding season ticket or group plans for the 2008 season contact the Keys at 301-815-9900.

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Carolina League Stories from March 28, 2008


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