Matt Angle

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #16 prospect in 2012
  Angle made his major league debut with two games last July, then returned to Baltimore at the end of August, making appearances at all three outfield positions and earning praise from manager Buck Showalter for his savvy and reliability. Angle's greatest value lies in his defensive versatility, as he's an above-average outfielder with a strong, accurate arm. He has the speed, arm and acumen to play all three outfield positions well. In that way he's similar to Trent Mummey, though Angle is probably more trustworthy with making the routine plays. At the plate, he puts the ball in play and makes use of his plus speed. He's a good basestealer thanks to his quickness and instincts. Angle offers no real power, and not enough overall impact in his bat to profile as an everyday player. But he has the perfect skill set to serve as an extra outfielder, and he'll try to win one of those jobs on the major league roster in spring training. If not, he'll play center field in Triple-A and wait for his opportunity.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #13 prospect in 2011
  In his last at-bat of spring training last year, Angle broke the hamate bone in his right hand. He had the bone removed and reported to Double-A in mid-May, hitting just as well as he had the year before and earning a promotion to Triple-A. Angle is a gamer whose biggest asset is his defense. He's an above-average center fielder, with legitimate speed for the position and an above-average arm. His speed plays on the bases as well. Angle is a solid hitter who is fundamentally sound at the plate and can lay down a bunt when needed. He shows good feel for the strike zone and makes consistent contact with a line-drive stroke. He has virtually no power, so he has to accentuate the other aspects of his game. Because he doesn't have a truly standout tool, most scouts see Angle as a fourth or fifth outfielder, but he's the kind of player managers love to have at their disposal. Added to the 40-man roster in November, he'll open 2011 back at Norfolk and could find a spot in the big leagues if he continues to hit.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #25 prospect in 2010
  Angle is the Orioles' most polished outfield prospect and put himself on the verge of major league consideration by advancing to Double-A and playing in the Arizona Fall League last year. He batted just .237 in the AFL, though he was focusing on improving his bunting and approach at the plate. Defense is Angle's strong suit, and most scouts think he could play defense in the major leagues now. He also has an above-average arm for a center fielder. Angle knows his game and embraces the leadoff role. He has a short swing and uses the entire field. Angle has above-average speed and good baserunning instincts, and he stole 42 bases last year while getting caught just 12 times in 2009. His only truly deficient tool is power, but if he can be a leadoff hitter that won't be a problem. He might not get the opportunity to be a big league regular in Baltimore, where the outfield is stacked with talented young players. Angle will open 2010 in Double-A and wait for an opportunity.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #20 prospect in 2009
  Orioles scouts viewed Angle as a legitimate center fielder and leadoff hitter coming out of the 2007 draft, and he has done nothing in pro ball to change that impression. He's a little man who embraces all that means on the diamond and knows how to play the game. He's a natural baseball player whose best tool is his plus speed, and he has the instincts to put it to use on the basepaths. A smart hitter, he has a knack for bunting and uses a short stroke to spray the ball all over the field. He even has a solid arm for a center fielder. At the same time, though, there are significant questions about Angle. His average and on-base percentage both dropped from his pro debut to his first full season. He also got caught stealing 11 times in 48 attempts in 2008, compared to just four times in 38 tries in 2007. He has to excel at getting on base and using his speed because he offers little power. Some scouts wonder if he runs well enough to be an everyday big league center fielder, which would be a problem because he's not going to be enough of a run producer to play left. Angle will move up to high Class A in 2009 and try to show he can be a legitimate leadoff man.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #24 prospect in 2008
  Orioles area scouts and crosscheckers fell in love with Angle's game at Ohio State, seeing a legitimate center fielder who not only could play the little man's game but actually relished the role. He had also impressed scouts in the Cape Cod League in the summer of 2006, finishing eighth in the league in batting (.298). Baltimore took him in the seventh round, signed him for $110,000 and found him to be exactly as advertised. Angle has legitimate leadoff skills, highlighted by his willingness to work counts and take walks. He focuses on getting on base and is a skillful bunter, and he also uses his hands well in his swing and shows gap power. He's an above-average runner with good instincts on the bases, and he was caught just four times in 38 basestealing attempts in his pro debut. He also uses his speed in center field to play good defense and shows plenty of arm for the position. Angle's game is all about getting on base and using his legs, and the Orioles are interested to see how it will play at higher levels. He should open his first full season in low Class A.