It was a surprise to many when the Orioles sent catcher Chance Sisco and outfielder Austin Hays to Triple-A Norfolk in March. Both were hitting the cover off the ball during the spring, and with the Orioles in a full rebuild, why not allow the two to continue their development in the big leagues?
Gary Roenicke, an Oriole from 1978-1985, went through the same experience himself. He knows not being added to the big-league roster despite performing well can be discouraging for a young prospect, but he believes not rushing players to the big leagues is beneficial in the long run.
"I agree with what their philosophy is. Don't rush people up to the major leagues," Roenicke said on The Bat Around April 20. "Maybe they'll do well at the beginning and then they'll go deep in a hole or not start out very good. Baseball's all about confidence when you're young so if they feel like you're ready, then you make that big step. That's the biggest step, from Triple-A to the major leagues -- much more from another level up to a higher level."
