Former Fan Favorite Released by O's

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Former Fan Favorite Released by O's
05/20/2009 10:19 AM ET
By Matt Martinez / MiLB.com

(FREDERICK, MD) It hasn't been very long since Chris Vinyard called Ripken Stadium home. The 2006 Team MVP hit for power and average in Aberdeen but a rough start to his 2009 season in Frederick forced the Orioles to make a decision about their once promising first baseman of the future. After the Keys lost to the Lynchburg Hillcats on Monday, Vinyard was informed that he had been released by the organization.
Over the past three seasons, Vinyard proved at each level that he could hit the long ball. His progress began in Aberdeen in 2006 after he was drafted in the 38th round of the 2005 draft. In Aberdeen, Vinyard hit .284 in 73 games with a league leading eight home runs and a second best 47 RBIs. Most fans in Aberdeen will remember his red-hot start. In his first 18 games, Vinyard exploded at the dish, hitting an unfathomable .435. At the end of the season, he was honored as the team's most valuable player and it looked as though Vinyard would flourish.
In 2007, he stepped up to Low-A Delmarva and hit a respectable .269, belted 16 homers and drove in 82. Vinyard was named to the South Atlantic League All-Star team as the slugger appeared to be on the right track. But in 2008, Vinyard showed some drop off at High-A Frederick. Though he still smacked 16 home runs and knocked in 65, Vinyard's average was a disappointing .240. His plate discipline failed to improve as well as he struck out more than 100 times for the second time in as many years. So, in 2009, Vinyard was sent back to Frederick.
On May 9th, Vinyard finished the day 1-for-4 with an RBI and an average of .248. But over the next ten days, Vinyard would slip into a horrific 1-for-24 slump that would deflate his average to a meager .208. And with that, the Orioles made their decision to release the 23 year old.
The opening in Frederick's roster will be occupied by another former IronBird. Robbie Widlansky, who spent parts of 2007 and 2008 in Aberdeen, will take the promotion. In 2009, Widlansky has been in extended spring training and should make his debut against the Lynchburg Hillcats.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.