Mound Talk

James Hoey-RP-BAL. James Hoey will be a rookie this year and could become the Orioles closer when current favorite, George Sherill hits a snag. Hoey boasts a plus fastball and slider with good command, although he didn’t show it in his big league debut last season. Keep an eye on Hoey and don’t let him get away when he gets the call.

Rickie Weeks-2B-MIL. It seems foolish to suggest that a former top 10 prospect who’s been in the league starting for three years is a sleeper but he fits the bill. In many drafts I’ve seen he’s slipped beyond the 120th pick. Don’t let that happen. He’s a great late pickup at second base. He turned his season around last year late and over the last month or so there were very few players better than Weeks. Expect to see his power and speed numbers increase over last years.