What have the pundits said about the Orioles' 2011 draft

[Frobby]

Feel free to add in what others talking heads have said.

John Sickels: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/6/13/2220478/2011-mlb-draft-baltimore-orioles-review

Bundy is the big star here, while Delmonico and Roney are intriguing high school bats who would be a nice boost for the system if signable. The rest of the class focused on solid-non-spectacular college guys, none of them projecting as stars but they should get at least some role players out of them. Bundy needs to live up to expectations.

Jim Callis: http://www.masnsports.com/steve_melewski/2011/06/baseball-americas-jim-callis-gives-the-orioles-high-marks-on-the-draft.html

http://www.masnsports.com/steve_melewski/2011/06/taking-an-in-depth-look-at-the-orioles-draft-with-jim-callis.html

http://www.masnsports.com/steve_melewski/2011/06/callis-on-the-dylan-bundy-negotiations-and-os-draft-sleepers.html

"They got the best pitcher in the draft and depth after that," Callis said. "They got tremendous quality and quantity. There's an expression that every scouting director tells every GM on draft day they had the best draft in baseball. But I think this is a very good draft for the Orioles. It has the makings of a terrific draft. We won't know for a few years for sure but on paper it looks very good."

Kevin Goldstein: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=14249

Make no mistake, this draft revolves almost completely around Bundy; the rest of the picks are a bit of a yawner.

[Vandy]

I definitely think our haul in the first 10 rounds was solid, as we should be able to develop a handful of useful bullpen arms to go along with Bundy in the rotation. I think Esposito gives us a nice package of defense and hitting ability at 3rd base, and Ruettiger can become a solid 4th outfielder. I really hope we make a serious run at Chris Mariscal (SS, 41st round), Bradley Roney (3B, 18th round) and Nick Delmonico. These 3 are all high upside players and it would be a long way to building up our lower minors with solid positional talent. Also, I'm hope Jason Coats signs. It seems that our guys 'in the know' think his bat could play at the major league level with a few adjustments.

On the surface, the draft looks solid, but of course we'll have to wait and see what we actually come away with in August.

[GoldGlove21]

I think the Orioles continue to pass on the best prospects for signable picks. If you want to get better then you need to select the best prospects in every round and worry about signing them later. If you get them then great, if not then you move on and do it again next year. By you drafting them and having them walk you keep them away from your competition. Spend the money and get the guys other teams want.

[OriolesMagic83]

Why is it taking so long for the O's to sign their draft picks? I understand that Bundy, Delmonico, and probably Esposito will be last minute deals because they want well over slot value. Is it accurate that the O's have only signed 16 picks so far (I could be off by 1). Are the O's haggling w/ draft picks from rounds 30 to 50 over $10-20k? I think if the O's drafted these players, they should try to sign them. How many picks have other organizations signed so far?

[Oldorioles]

Why is it taking so long for the O's to sign their draft picks? I understand that Bundy, Delmonico, and probably Esposito will be last minute deals because they want well over slot value. Is it accurate that the O's have only signed 16 picks so far (I could be off by 1). Are the O's haggling w/ draft picks from rounds 30 to 50 over $10-20k? I think if the O's drafted these players, they should try to sign them. How many picks have other organizations signed so far?

Good question. I'm sure the O's that for some picks, the O's are waiting to see if they can sign the early round guys and they are more of a contigency plan. But, it is concerning to me that they have only signed 16 (yes, that number is correct) picks. I understand that JJ has been quoted as saying they'll probably only sign 20-25 draftees this year due to the contraction of Bluefield, but it's still concening.

Another point is of concern is that of those 16 signed players, only three are hitters. I understand we have adopted the philosphy of drafting and growing the arms, but you have to draft some bats...at least enough to form a team. I mean one decent OF signing could replace someone like Kinght, Hoppy, or Clinton - none of whom have ever had an OPS over 600 in professional ball .