The first half of the 2009 season couldn't have gone much better from David Stockstill's perspective.

The Orioles' director of Player Development has seen the improvement he envisioned during the offseason from a number of top prospects. The steps many of the young players have taken this year point to a fortified major-league roster in the years ahead, unless something goes terribly awry for the Orioles.

"I'm really, really happy with how the kids have progressed," Stockstill said. "Almost everyone we've wanted to see gain ground has gained ground in different areas."

A couple of...