Last spring, Vance Honeycutt and Griff O’Ferrall were rivals in the ACC – Honeycutt, at North Carolina, and O’Ferrall, at Virginia.
Now both are in the Baltimore Orioles organization, having been selected by Baltimore in the MLB Draft last July.
Honeycutt was the number 22 overall pick, while O’Ferrall was the 32nd pick.
Not even an hour later, the Orioles selected UVA’s Ethan Anderson with the 61st overall pick.
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Honeycutt and O’Ferrall made their professional debuts in August at Low-A Delmarva and, after a solid start, were both promoted to High-A Aberdeen together.
They were roommates during the Orioles postseason instructional camp in Sarasota last September.
Both were invited to visit Camden Yards in late September and took batting practice with the Orioles before a late-season game against Tampa.
Both are here in Sarasota, together, in the Orioles minor league camp.
On Saturday evening in Ed Smith Stadium, Honeycutt and O’Ferrall will be showcased in “Spring Breakout,” a high-level prospect showcase that takes place over four days during Spring Training.
Prospects from the Orioles and New York Yankees will face off at 6:05 p.m. in a nationally televised contest on MLB Network.
Late this week, Anderson was also tabbed to participate in the game.
Anderson has been catching the Orioles’ attention this spring, both at the plate and behind the plate.
According to Orioles’ coaches, Honeycutt’s best tools are his glove and his speed.
Although he struggled in his initial plate appearances last season, the Orioles believe he has the potential to be a reliable hitter.
O’Ferrall is drawing raves from the Baltimore brass.
A versatile infielder, his bat and speed have been fully displayed this spring.
Last season, in 22 minor-league games, O’Ferrall hit .250, with two doubles and eight RBIs, and stole three bases.
Kent Qualls, Director of Minor League Operations for the Orioles, commented on “Spring Breakout,” saying, “This is an exciting and tremendous opportunity for our players. It allows them to play against other top prospects on a national stage.”
Honeycutt, O’Ferrall and Anderson came over from the Oriole back-lots (minor league complex) last Saturday and Sunday to the big-league camp as extra players. They got into their first two Grapefruit League games with the Birds.
Each went 0-for-1 at the plate in split-squad games played before sparse crowds.
Saturday, the Orioles are expecting a near sell-out in their 8,500-seat Spring Training home.
After all, it’s the Orioles and the Yankees.
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