This fanpost was influenced by the "Top Minor League Pitchers" thread.  As I was replying to the post, I found mysefl coming up more with sleepers rather than actual solidifed top 25 or so prospects. 

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After seeing the thread discussing who is the better 3B prospect on Sickel's home site between Brett Wallace and Josh Bell, it got me thinking about a few things.  Especially since that most people seem to be favoring Bell now.

During the time of that trade, I would have been happier with a return of Brett Wallace from the Cards a rather than the Bell return from the Dodgers.  In that time since that trade, Bell has boosted his stock tremendously.  He at the time was regarded as a fringe top 100 prospect, and now, after a bit less than half a season with Bowie and an AFL stint, he could be looking like a top 40 or top 30 slot.  So first off, I'd like to say kudos to the scouts who watched Bell and saw his talent/potential and AM for making the trade happen.  Since that trade, Bell went from being a good prospect to being on the verge of an elite prospect, and it came to my realization as I saw folks choosing Bell over Wallace who many said had the best bat in the 08 draft.  Now, after seeing the two compared side by side basically I presently would choose Bell over Wallace even if I weren't an O's fan. 

So I wanted to spark some discussion on Bell.  Where do you guys see him being rated amongst the top 100 prospects once BA unveils their new list soon?  Where do you see Bell at his peak before being promoted to the majors most likely in 2010 at some point?  And what do you guys think sparked Bell's helium between the trade deadline and now?

It is no secret that Joe Jordan specifically targeted young pitchers in the 2009 draft last June.  He drafted(and signed) Matt Hobgood, Aaron Wirsch, Tim Berry, Ryan Berry, Randy Henry, Ashur Tolliver, Jake Cowan, Jarrett Martin, Cameron Coffey, to name a few(the best IMO).  For the most part, these pitchers are going to all start in the low minors, between GCL and Delmarva.  Only Ryan Berry will probably start in Fredrick. 

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I know that many folks here love Brandon SNyder, and I do too, but....

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I am a huge O's fan and finally get to watch Brian Matusz' first major league game.  In less than a year of his fist professional stint, he will be pitching tonite against the Tigers.  I believe his transition to the majors will be a bit smoother than Tillman's.  He has some monster secondary pitches and a pretty decent fastball too.  What are you guys expecting?

On a side note to fill up some space, IMO the O's rotation is one of the youngest most exciting rotations in the league

Guthrie

Bergesen

Tillman

Matusz

Hernandez

Tons of upside here, heres to hoping everyone finds success!