This week The Sun reported the Orioles' intention to not re-sign Billy Rowell, a 2006 first-round draft pick out of New Jersey.

Rowell was the ninth overall pick in that draft, and the Orioles famously passed over Tim Lincecum to get the touted power hitter. Rowell hit 40 homers in the O's minor league system during the last six years, and he missed the 2012 campaign because he was suspended 50 games for testing positive for marijuana. The O's had tried to convert Rowell to a pitcher this summer, but that didn't last long.

Rowell is an epic bust, and his lack of progress really shows how far the club has come since his selection in the draft. Outside of 2009 pick Matt Hobgood, all first-rounders from 2008-2011 are in the majors. Matt Wieters is a two-time All-Star, Manny Machado is starting at third base and scouts consider Dylan Bundy one of the best young prospects in the game.

Rowell's departure was bound to happen. The Orioles have moved on to a new era in many ways. Rowell represents so much of what was once wrong with the organization.

Posted Oct. 27, 2012