• Full name William A Rowell
  • Born 09/10/1988 in Sewell, NJ
  • Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: R
  • School Bishop Eustace Prep
  • Drafted in the 1st round (9th overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2006 (signed for $2,100,000).
    View Draft Report
    Rowell models his game and his approach after that of Giants outfielder Barry Bonds, and like Bonds his best tool is his power. Rowell's raw power rates as a legitimate 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale (well above-average), and he does not have to muscle up to hit the ball a mile--he has a loose, fluid swing without a lot of moving parts. The lefthanded-hitting Rowell used to model his stance after Bonds, with his hands low and over the plate, but this year he's raised his hands and done a better job spreading out at the plate, achieving more balance. He also has learned to hit the ball with power to the gaps instead of trying to yank everything. The only question about Rowell offensively is how well his enormous batting practice power translates to top game competition, but he has played well in some elite showcase events. Rowell's hands are good enough for shortstop and his arm is above-average, but his range is fringy and he'll probably outgrow the position. Some scouts see him at third base down the line, and some see him as a corner outfielder, but no one doubts that he'll hit enough for a corner.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Baltimore Orioles in 2012
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Baltimore Orioles in 2011
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Baltimore Orioles in 2010
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Baltimore Orioles in 2009
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Baltimore Orioles in 2008
  • Rated Best Hitter for Average in the Baltimore Orioles in 2007

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