BOWIE -- Ryan Minor still hears the talk about how he's supposed to replace Cal Ripken at third base, as if he's someone other than a player in only his second professional season with so much to learn. Someone who not long ago was being lauded for his basketball skills and looked upon as more of a baseball project than a prospect.

2 A certain Oriole couldn't have said it better.

The Minor file

Age: 24

Position: Third base

Major-league time: None

Acquired: 33rd-round selection in the 1996 draft out of the University of Oklahoma

Strengths: Athletic, agile at third for player 6 feet 7; great raw power, mature.

Weaknesses: Too impatient at plate, needs better pitch recognition, strikes out too much -- all products of inexperience.

Pub Date: 8/28/98