Beau Hale

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #23 prospect in 2007
  The Orioles spent the 14th overall pick and $2.25 million on Hale in 2000, but it wasn't long before his career was derailed by shoulder injuries. He missed the entire 2003 season after labrum surgery and needed another operation in 2004, keeping him out for another year. In 2006 he again showed the stuff that made him a premium draft pick. Baltimore considers him one of the most inspirational stories in the minors, as he worked diligently to rehab his shoulder and smooth out his mechanics. Hale's fastball got back to 88-92 mph and touched 93-94 with sink last year, and he also showed a good slider and control. His changeup lags behind his other two pitches. The Orioles always have liked his makeup, and the determination he showed in coming back from so many injuries has them convinced he can be a major league pitcher. He still needs to refine his command, and while his fastball has bounced back, he didn't dominate hitters last season. He could open the season back in Double-A, but Hale will be in Triple-A at some point and could earn a September callup.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #26 prospect in 2003
  It's been all downhill for Hale since he led Texas to the College World Series and became a first-round pick in 2000. He didn't make his professional debut until 2001 after signing late and has battled injuries in both of his pro seasons, though none of the ailments has been considered serious. Both his shoulder and elbow have bothered him at times. Hale was shut down a couple of times last season with muscle soreness, and he had been afraid to rear back and let a pitch go until the latter part of 2002. He had poor results in high Class A but pitched well after a promotion to Double-A--before getting shut down again. Hale threw 95-97 mph in college but has not approached that velocity as a pro, throwing around 89-92. His changeup might be his best pitch now, and he needs time to work on his breaking stuff. He has thrown a slider and a curveball. His mechanics and arm strength are obviously areas of concern as well. Hale has done a very good job of throwing strikes but also has been very hittable. He'll probably head back to Double-A to open 2003. The Orioles would just like to see the healthy and confident pitcher they drafted.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #11 prospect in 2002
  After leading Texas to the College World Series and going 14th overall in the draft in 2000, Hale looked great in his pro debut in 2001, making five strong starts at high Class A to earn a promotion to Double-A. He was less effective there because of a shoulder problem that kept him out for a month and reduced his velocity when he did pitch. The injury actually was in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, but it caused pain in his neck, which in turn slowed down his arm. His fastball, which is at 95-97 mph when he's healthy, was down to 89-92. Hale also throws a plus slider and added a curveball to his repertoire last season. He has developed a nice changeup and likes to throw it after coming into pro ball as a two-pitch pitcher. He's a quiet, determined workhorse with great work habits who just needs to learn more about the art of pitching. He has a tendency to leave pitches up. If he's healthy in 2002, Hale should continue a quick climb through the organization, arriving in Baltimore as soon as September. He profiles as a starter if his arm holds up and he continues to refine all of his pitches, but he also has the mentality to be a closer.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #6 prospect in 2001
  In spite of mediocre numbers in his first two years at Texas, Hale was in scouts' sights after ranking as the No. 9 prospect in the Cape Cod League and pitching well in the NBC World Series in the summer of 1999. He built on that with a 12-6, 3.10 season as the Longhorns' Friday starter, throwing a no-hitter and leading them back to the College World Series for the first time since 1993. Hale is a bulldog with great makeup and a great arm. His fastball tops out at 97 mph, and he pitches comfortably at 92-94. He has a hard slider that could be a plus pitch. He has a durable arm and always has his game face on. The Orioles have to hope Hale's durability in college doesn't translate into arm problems as a professional. He piled up some high pitch counts in his junior season and ranked second in NCAA Division I with 145 innings. He's essentially a two-pitch pitcher now, which could foretell a conversion to closer. Assuming Hale's track record in college carries over to pro ball, he projects as a No. 2 or 3 starter who will be an innings-eater. He'll probably start his career at Frederick after holding out last summer for a $2.25 million bonus, largest in club history.