Interview With Clay Rapada

333: Hey Clay. First off, I want to say thank you so much for doing this. Appreciate that you're willing to take time out of your schedule. Ok, first question:
333: You've floated around from team to team so far in you career. Is it fun traveling from club to club, meeting new fans, etc. or would you rather stay put and establish yourself with a club?

Rapada: When you first start with an organization you always have your connections with them, coaches, and players.  I have enjoyed playing for all of the teams.  It's still just baseball.

333: You play for the Tides, the Orioles AAA affiliate. Give us a little clubhouse insider. Are there any unique pregame rituals that you guys do?

Rapada: The most common clubhouse would be playing cards... everyday there is a new game... we even try to invent some games...

333: What's it like to say you've been in the big leagues for 5 years and made 68 appearances, but never suffered a loss?

Rapada: I would hope that it means that they could trust me... but it's obviously an odd number...

333: As a pitcher who's appearances usually consist of 2 or 3 outs, do stats really matter to you?

Rapada: No.. I look at success rate as far as keeping the game close and getting the ball to the next reliever with a chance to win.

333: Your pitching motion is the not the most common one used, but you're very effective with it. What made you decide to use the side-arm motion?

Rapada: I would say that I rely on a ton of deception... I was never highly scouted because of lack of arm strength and movement.. But I have found success in deception and mixing speeds and times to the plate...

333: What do you think are the biggest benefits and biggest disadvantages to being a sidearm lefty?

Rapada: Benefits are just different angle... disadvantage is that some times my ball doesn't have depth like throwing overhand.

333: Should we expect to see Clay Rapada on the expanded roster in September?

Rapada: I would hope so... but I'm not upper management.

333: How does your experience with the Orioles differ from your experience with the Cubs, Tigers, and Rangers?

Rapada: It was fine because this is the place I choose over 13 other organizations.

333: Throughout your career in the bigs, the appearances you've made have typically been very clutch situations. Does it give you confidence on the mound knowing that your manager trusts you enough to rely on you in those situations? Or do you not tend to think about that on the mound?
Rapada: Well I think the Cubs did a great job of training me for my role up in the bigs... I was a closer for the last 3 years ... so it was normal for me to face tough situations.

333: Last year you were added to Texas' expanded roster to be a specialist against Robinson Cano. Take us back to that: what's it like coming on to face one batter; especially when it's one of the best hitters in baseball? Is there more pressure because you know he's the only guy you're gonna face? Or does that not really effect you.

Rapada: It always seems to be a critical point... facing a dangerous hitter... I've had success against Cano... but when it's for a situation and kinda gives me the feeling of a place kicker for a football team... all eyes or on that play... it doesn't really affect me .. because i knew it was my job...

Interview With Brandon Snyder

Last week 333 West Camden Street had the honor to chat with Orioles/Tides 1B/3B Brandon Snyder.

Thank you Brandon for taking the time out of your schedule to do this!


333: You got drafted by the O's as the 13th overall pick back in 2005. Most mock drafts had Chris Volstad going at that spot. How surprised were you to hear your name called?


Snyder: It was a big surprise to me to hear my name called because I really hadn't heard a lot from the Orioles. I guess because I was right in their backyard they had seen me a lot but didn't have the interaction that I had with the other clubs. I honestly thought I would go to either the Reds or the Marlins.


333: You were drafted right out of high school, and received a full scholarship offer to play at LSU; one of the top baseball schools in the country. What went into your decision of declining the scholarship and going to the pros?


Snyder: I had always dreamed of playing at LSU and for me to sign I needed a monetary amount that would allow me to play this game and have a fall back because I wasn't going to have my education. I was always really good at making sure I had my grades as a back up so that when I went to college I could choose wherever I wanted to go so it was a very tough decision.


333: How does it feel to look back and say you were drafted ahead of guys like MVP-candidate Jacoby Ellsbury, Matt Garza, and Chris Volstad?


Snyder: To me the draft really doesn't matter once it is over. Once you are on the field I believe everyone is playing for the same goal. Obviously the higher you are drafted the more a team has invested in you and are afforded more opportunities. However it only matters how you go out and play every day..


333: You were originally drafted as a catcher. What was it like making the transition to first base?


Snyder: I have enjoyed the transition to first and now third as well. Obviously being able to reach the major leagues at first was a big accomplishment for me because it was something I had to work really hard at. It's always good to see the work you put into something pay off.


333: Is the feeling of getting a call-up still as satisfying as it was the very first time?


Snyder: Getting the call for the first time is an amazing feeling and it's hard to top but every time you get a chance to put on a big league uniform it is a special thing and I embrace every second I have the chance to do so.


333: What has been the biggest adjustment you’ve had to make since you’ve been in pro ball?


Snyder: The mental daily grind of going out and playing every day. It is way under rated and the hardest ing to get accustomed to. Also the physical grind of a 162 game season.


333: Guys are always getting called up, sent down, traded, released, etc. Does that make it tough to be close with your teammates, or not so much?


Snyder: I have had a lot of friends in this game that are here on day and gone the next and it is hard to get accustomed to. But in the same sense it's a great way to meet a lot of good people and the true friends you make you keep in touch with and I have friends that I made in 2005 that I still talk to to this day.


333: Your big league skipper, Buck Showalter, is supposed to be a very smart baseball guy. Have you gotten a chance to pick his brain much since his arrival in Baltimore?


Snyder: I haven't been around him enough to be able to pick his brain too much but the little time I have spent with him has been great for me in regards to my "baseball IQ". Some of the things he points out people would never think about and he is very meticulous in the way he runs the club.


333: One word to describe Brandon Snyder is:


Snyder: Hungry. I am just waiting for an opportunity to play every day and show that I can belong up in Baltimore. 


333: What should we expect to see from Brandon Snyder in the near future? 


Snyder: To be honest in this game you have to go one day at a time. I hope that I get my opportunity to show that I can play this game at the highest level. Whether it's with this organization or not is to be determined but my goal is to continue to work hard and make things happen. 


333: What’s something that you really want to tell your fans?


Snyder: I would like to tell them thank you for sticking with me throughout the years I know that things haven't been as smooth as everyone would like, including myself, but I know what I can do and I can't wait to be able to show them that I am worth it. We have great fans and I feel very fortunate to have so many great people in my corner.

Jo-Jo Reyes: Great Acquisition

Jo-Jo Reyes was claimed off waivers by the Orioles on August 2nd. Lots of fans were skeptical of the acquisition, but I think it was a very smart pickup for the Orioles. They added a left-handed starter which in itself is very nice to have, but the pick-up also brings in a guy that who has some experience. His record and ERA didn't look great when he was on Atlanta or Toronto, but having a healthy arm to eat innings and provide quality starts on the mound is a good feeling for the Orioles.

When Jo-Jo was drafted in the 2nd round of the draft in 2003 he came straight out of high school and was a top notch prospect. He did great in the Braves Minor League system, but when he came up he just didn't fit in with the club. A lot of people believe in a change of scenery and I think Jo Jo might be the same. Hes showed great potential in the minors and maybe he could play a big role on the Orioles with his ability to get strikeouts as he has a 5.7 K/9 IP throughout his career.

Reyes has a 5.7 K/9 IP throughout his career.



The Orioles have tried in past years to acquire an innings-eater. Justin Duchscherer was the target this offseason, and Kevin Millwood was two offseasons ago. The problem is that the average innings-eater pitcher doesn't tend to be the most effective starter. They usually need run support. So by getting a guy like Jo-Jo that can come in and hopefully stay healthy, eat innings, and be effective, this acquisition can be looked at as a large plus. There aren't many other veteran starters in the Orioles rotation, so hopefully Jo-Jo can join Jeremy Guthrie as the two veteran leaders on the staff. At the start of next year Reyes should win a spot in out rotation and have a solid a 10 win season.

Edited by: Michael Natelli (Head Editor - 333 West Camden Street)

Scouting Manny Machado



He was drafted out of high school and has been compared to Alex Rodriguez. This is Orioles prospect Manny Machado. Machado was selected by the Orioles with the 3rd overall pick in the 2010 Ameteur Draft, and is projected to be their shortstop of the future.

Does this remind anyone of a certain Alex Rodriguez?



Machado tends to stand in the back of the batter's box, giving him more time to see a pitch and get good wood on it. Machado's batting stance is similar to that of Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond. He is a righty, his back foot is stationary very close to the catcher, and his front foot is stretched out left towards third base. However, despite these close similarities to the finesse hitter, Machado also has similarities to power-hitter Alex Rodriguez. The actual way he swings the bat is quite similar to that of Rodriguez. He has a very simple swing, and it stays nice and straight, allowing him to make contact with the ball right on the sweet spot.

No ground balls are getting by this kid. Hit 'em there; you're out.



Machado is also solid in the field. He has great range and a solid arm. The way he throws is at a one half arm slot, similar to the way a side-arm pitcher pitches. This arm motion is also comparable to that of Alex Rodriguez. Generally, it is unorthodox to throw side-arm, as it fatigues your arm much quicker than the tradition methods of over-the-top throwing and using the three quarter arm slot. These two methods fatigue your arm much more slowly, and generally generate a stronger throw with less effort involved. However, both Rodriguez and Machado get it done with the one half motion, and it certainly hasn't held them back.


This kid IS the future of the Orioles.

When the Orioles spent a first-round pick on this kid, they knew he'd be their future. Great teams are built around a great shortstop (see: Jeter-era Yankees, Rollins-era Phillies, etc.), and that's exactly what Machado is going to be. The next great shortstop. Can't wait to see this kid taking grounders at Camden Yards, and hopefully I won't have to for much longer.

There's Still Hope With Matt Hobgood

Matt Hobgood had huge expectations coming out of Norco High School being drafted 5th overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2009 draft. He shot up draft boards all through the draft process. The Orioles decided to go with Hobgood because they liked his upside and he was fresh out of high school so they could give him a few years in the minors.

Matt Hobgood has struggled for most of his professional career,
but his ceiling is still as high as ever, and it's not too late to turn it around.

Now up to this point you could call Hobgood a bust. He has struggled in his 2 seasons in the minors. In his first full season he pitched in 21 games and posted a 4.40 era in 94 innings pitched for the Delmarva Shorebirds. In his second season he has showed some progress but wasnt pitching very deep into games. He has battled injuries but has pitched 13 games total and only 37 innings for the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

Now why so much optimism for a kid that hasnt looked good at all since being drafted? Well the most of us know we dont have much depth in out minors so if Hobgood can get back on track next year and pitch decently and maybe pitch close to 100 innings then thats huge progress. Remember he just turned 21 years old in the beggining of august so he is still a young kid. I would expect him to turn it around next year and hope to see the majors in 2014 when hes 23. The Orioles saw something in him that they liked so my guess is that he will at least get a shot maybe not as a starter but somewhere on the big league roster. I think Hobgood will surprise a lot of people and turn out to be a good draft pick for the Orioles.

The Future of the O's

The 2011 season...This is when desperate Orioles fans thought the O's had a chance to make noise for the first time since the Ripken Era. With the additions of Mark Reynolds, Derrek Lee, JJ Hardy, and Vladimir Guerrero the birds looked good entering the year. This was also supposed to be the year where Matt Wieters started his run as the "Catcher of the New Era" and Brian Matusz emerged as the O's ace. Through all Adam Jones and Nick Markakis have played well. Now with the Orioles sitting in last place with what looked to be a potentially successful season entering the year, they are looking to the future. They dealt reliever Koji Uehara to the Rangers in return for first baseman Chris Davis and pitcher Tommy Hunter. I thought this was a great deal for the Orioles. Now if you are a true Orioles fan you do some research on your prospects.

The O's could compete in future years, they just need a lot of things to happen. Machado can't start slow like former O's top prospects (Wieters, Matusz). He must perform and reach the big leagues on schedule. Wieters must continue being consistent with the bat, and emerge as the catcher everyone thought he could be. Brian Matusz must turn this season around down the stretch, so that he goes into the offseason without a bad taste in his mouth. This season has been a year to forget for him so far. Zach Britton has to perform as atop of the rotation pitcher. Early in the year, he showed potential, pitching at an All-Star Caliber. He has to find that again so he can prove the doubters wrong and have confidence going into his sophomore season. Mark Reynolds has to continue hitting 30+ HR's year in and year out, and Adam Jones and Markakis step up and lead the youthful Orioles. Those three have to be offensive leaders and provide run support for the young pitching staff, as they will not be perfect their first few years in the bigs. A potential difference maker is Chris Tillman. The kid has been floating from AAA to MLB this season and used to be a highly regarded prospect for the O's. Now he seems to be falling out. If he could somehow manage to turn it around and be productive this would help Baltimore a ton.

Leading the charge of the future is shortstop Manny Machado. This kid has been compared to Alex Rodriguez, as they share similar stories as young Florida SS prospects with power bats. Machado isn't alone though. He is joined by players such as Bobby Bundy, Trent Mummey, Dan Klein, LJ Hoes, Matt Hobgood, Mycal Givens, and newly drafted players Dylan Bundy and Jason Esposito. We should expect to see the likes of Dan Klein, Bobby Bundy, and maybe Trent Mummey in Baltimore next year, where as Hoes, Hobgood, Givens, Dylan Bundy, and Esposito will need a few years to develop. But with all these talents down in the minors, especially at prime positions such as SS, 3B, and SP, the future looks bright for Baltimore.

Posted by Michael and Owen