NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Frederick Keys

Orioles Invite Six Former Keys To Spring Training

January 15, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release


Frederick, MD - The Baltimore Orioles have extended invitations to six former Frederick Keys who are not a part of their 40-man roster for spring training which will begin February 15th in Fort Lauderdale, FL. SS Blake Davis (2007), RHP Fredy Deza (2003-06, 2008), RHP Ryan Keefer (2004), RHP Andy Mitchell (2003), 1B Brandon Snyder (2008) and C Matt Wieters (2008) comprise the list of invitees.

The group will also be joined by RHP Brad Bergesen (2007-08), RHP David Hernandez (2007), RHP Jim Hoey (2006), RHP Radhames Liz (2006), LHP Garrett Olson (2005-06), Nick Markakis (2005), RHP Bob McCrory (2007), LHP Wilfrido Perez (2008), RHP Chris Ray (2004), OF Nolan Reimold (2005-06), Brian Roberts (2000) and RHP Chorye Spoone (2007), who are a part of the Orioles 40-man roster.

Davis was a part of the Keys 2007 championship club as its starting shortstop and leadoff hitter. A collegiate champion as well at Cal State Fullerton (2004), Davis spent the entire season in Double-A Bowie in 2008. He batted .284 for the Baysox in 132 games helping lead the club to their first playoff appearance since 1997.

Deza had an injury plagued year that led him through Short-Season-A Aberdeen and Frederick on his way back to Triple-A Norfolk. He would finish the campaign with six appearances, all in relief, with the Tides.

Keefer has worked his way up the Orioles system since tying for the Keys lead in appearances with 63 in 2004. After missing the 2007 season due to injury, Keefer rebounded in 2008, going 2-4 with a 4.80 ERA in 39 appearances with Double-A Bowie.

Mitchell led the Keys in appearances in 2003 making 60 outings, all in relief. Since then he has transitioned into a starter pitching the last four seasons at the Triple-A level. Last year Mitchell made a career high 21 starts, going 12-8 with a 4.29 ERA in his 32 overall appearances with Norfolk.

Snyder flourished in 2008 in Frederick as the Orioles first round pick in the 2005 draft finished second in the Carolina League in batting (.315). He was rewarded with a trip to the prospect-laden Arizona Fall League where he hit .349 in 17 games in the fall showcase.

Wieters was the first ever Orioles farmhand named Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year in a season that began with a multi-home run night in Frederick and ended with a solid stint in the Arizona Fall League. Wieters was one of three Keys All-Stars in 2008 in his first professional season after being selected in the first round by the Orioles out of Georgia Tech in 2007.

Opening Night for the 2009 season at Harry Grove Stadium is Friday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. against the Salem Red Sox. Ticket plans are available now by contacting the Keys at 301-815-9900 or online at frederickkeys.com.


• Discuss this story on the Carolina League message board...

Carolina League Stories from January 15, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Frederick Keys Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central