Official Orioles Draft Pick Thread

[markpolis]

I hope Tony, John, Adam (Hoosiers) and others don't mind that I've started this thread. If so, please feel free to delele this thread and start a new one. I just thought it would be a good idea if we had separate draft threads so people can easily click on this thread to read about the Orioles picks.

In years past it's been a little difficult to sift through all of the information in threads just to read about the Orioles pick and any information and tidbits people have regarding the pick.

So let's keep this thread limited to the Orioles picks and any information people have about those picks. We can have other threads that discuss the entire draft.

[markpolis]

With Weiters and Detwiler both being college guys, where would they start?

Are they headed to Aberdeen? Delmarva? Frederick?

My guess would be Wieters would start in Frederick and Detwiler in Aberdeen.

[Tony-OH]

I hope Tony, John, Adam (Hoosiers) and others don't mind that I've started this thread. If so, please feel free to delele this thread and start a new one. I just thought it would be a good idea if we had separate draft threads so people can easily click on this thread to read about the Orioles picks.

In years past it's been a little difficult to sift through all of the information in threads just to read about the Orioles pick and any information and tidbits people have regarding the pick.

So let's keep this thread limited to the Orioles picks and any information people have about those picks. We can have other threads that discuss the entire draft.

Good idea, only draft pick information and chatter AFTER the pick should go here.

[alexei606]

The O's pick Wieters

[TonySoprano]

Selig just said, the BALTIMORE Orioles are on the clock. Alert the warehouse it means us.

Wieters picked !

[alexei606]

Yeah the O's came through - wow

[Greg Pappas]

Wonderful news getting Wieters.

[ChipTait]

Any chance he can start Sunday?

[BoysofArbutus]

And now the next wait begins. I hope this round goes quickly.

Do they give 5 minutes for the supplemental round?

[markpolis]

1st Round - #5 Overall - The Orioles select Matt Wieters, C, Georgia Tech.

Here's some info on Wieters:

A talented two-way player threw 90 mph heat and plus-plus raw power at his suburban Charleston, S.C., high school. He's batted in the heart of Georgia Tech's batting order and served as the closer since arriving on campus. He ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Cape Cod League in 2006 and was a first-team Preseason All-American. His size has been used as a knock on his defensive ability, one national crosschecker said Wieters was the best defensive catcher he'd seen as an amateur since Charles Johnson, and another said only Joe Mauer was better among the amateurs he'd scouted. Wieters has soft hands, good footwork and well-above-average arm strength, as evidenced by the 96 mph heat he has shown from the mound.

Despite his size, he shows an ability to handle low strikes and receives quietly. He's not as vocal on the field as prototypical catchers. Wieters is the most polished hitter in the draft class. He commands the strike zone, displaying patience and pitch recognition. When he gets his pitch, he can use his plus bat speed to pull it out of the park, or keep his hands inside it and line it to the opposite field. A natural righthanded hitter, his swing is shorter from the right and he tends to work up the middle more as a righthanded hitter. He prefers to pull and has more power from the left. He could post averages near .280 with 30-homer potential in the big leagues. If the Devil Rays take Price No. 1, the Royals could take Wieters second, but he could slide out of the top 10 if the money adviser Scott Boras reportedly will seek is perceived as exorbitant.

For one day, one moment, it's great to be an Orioles Fan. YES! YES! YES!

[AgentOrange]

Here is ESPN's Insider's intial take...

The No. 1 player on my draft board. It's a surprise the Orioles drafted a Boras player. It'll be interesting to see how the negotiations go because there's talk that Boras will be looking for a Mark Teixeira type of contract. But Wieters is a once-in-a-decade kind of talent. He's an outstanding offensive and defensive catcher, and easily the best college bat in the draft.

WOO HOO!!!!

[DurhamSt]

Should be able to afford him since we are saving all that 2nd and 3rd round money.

[markpolis]

Kudos to Jordan, the FO and PA for pulling the trigger on Wieters. I am supremely confident we'll get him signed. Hopefully sooner than later.

IMO, he starts off in Frederick. What are your thoughts on this Tony?

[Sports Guy]

Flanny just announced that they are making Wieters a pitcher.

[Mackus]

I heart Joe Jordan.