Despite the fact there’s a more publicized prospect on the Shorebirds’ roster, the offensive leader which has emerged this far is outfielder Kipp Schutz. One can’t argue with a .381/3/28 batting line nor a 1.002 OPS.
Over the last few seasons the Shorebirds have featured speedy outfielders like Xavier Avery and Matt Angle, both of whom have progressed up the system after playing well with Delmarva. Kipp, however, is more the prototypical hard-hitting corner outfielder. And runners in scoring position? So far Kipp has been money, hitting .462 in that situation. No wonder he’s leading the team in runs batted in, besides being fourth in the league in that category (and second in average – he trails only megaprospect Bryce Harper of Hagerstown in both categories.)
For Schutz, an Indiana native who just turned 23 during spring training, this is his first shot at full-season ball. After being drafted out of Indiana University by the Orioles as a 19th round pick two years ago, Kipp spent a summer apiece in Bluefield and Aberdeen. After a mediocre .252/1/15 line in 40 games at Bluefield two seasons ago, Schutz blossomed last season in Aberdeen with a .313/4/42 line in 68 games for the IronBirds, meriting his selection as a New York-Penn League All-Star.
With a limited number of good corner outfielders in the Orioles’ system, there’s a good chance that we won’t see Kipp around after the All-Star break, so enjoy his sweet left-handed stroke and solid outfield play while you can.