Roman Anthony Learning the Ropes in Triple-A

Baltimore's Top Prospect Soaking up the Experience

Building Patience at the Plate

Roman Anthony, the Baltimore Orioles' top prospect, is taking his time adjusting to Triple-A pitching. The 21-year-old shortstop is batting just .240 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in his first 50 games at the level. But Anthony isn't worried about his stats. He's more focused on learning from the experienced pitchers he's facing and making the necessary adjustments to his swing. "I'm just trying to learn as much as I can and get better every day," Anthony said. "I know the results will come eventually." One of the biggest adjustments Anthony has had to make is to the velocity of Triple-A pitching. The pitchers in Triple-A throw harder than they do in Double-A, and Anthony has had to learn to adjust his timing at the plate. "The biggest difference is the velocity," Anthony said. "The pitchers in Triple-A throw harder, and I've had to adjust my timing at the plate. I'm still learning, but I'm getting better every day."

Developing a More Selective Approach

In addition to learning to adjust to the velocity of Triple-A pitching, Anthony has also had to develop a more selective approach at the plate. He's no longer able to swing at every pitch, and he's had to learn to be more patient and wait for his pitch to hit. "I've had to be more patient at the plate," Anthony said. "I can't swing at every pitch anymore. I've had to learn to wait for my pitch and hit it hard." Anthony's newfound patience has led to a decrease in his strikeout rate. He's struck out just 25 times in 50 games, which is a significant improvement over his strikeout rate in Double-A. "I'm striking out less and walking more," Anthony said. "I'm being more patient at the plate and waiting for my pitch to hit."

Making Defensive Adjustments

In addition to making adjustments at the plate, Anthony has also had to make some adjustments in the field. He's had to learn to play shortstop at a higher level, and he's also had to learn to play second base. "I've had to make some adjustments in the field," Anthony said. "I'm learning to play shortstop at a higher level, and I'm also learning to play second base." Anthony has made all of these adjustments while playing for the Norfolk Tides, the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate. The Tides are in first place in the International League East, and Anthony has been a big part of their success. "I'm just trying to help the team win," Anthony said. "I'm learning a lot and getting better every day, and I'm just trying to help the team win."