Orioles agree to terms with Matusz!!!

[clapdiddy]

The key to Matusz is command of his four pitches. If he's got the three-plus pitches with command plus a four he can use occasionally, he'll be just fine with a live low-90's fastball.

Looks like he compares to Cole Hamels. I certainly wouldn't be unhappy if that's who he turns into!

[Greg Pappas]

Sorry if this has been discussed, but what is the ceiling for him? I've read reports saying he's a 2 or 3, because he doesn't have a ML quality fastball, but I've seen clips of him, and the radar gun had him between 92-95 mph. What is he most likely to be in everyones minds? Thanks for any insight.

Btw, I didn't realize how big he was. 6'5 200.

This was my report on Matusz from my draft site right before the draft...

<img src=http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05fngZbeNP6Uf/340x.jpg>

*Brian Matusz, College LHSP, San Diego, Age=21, 6' 5 - 200. Matusz (pronounced MAT-iss) is one of those pitchers that just has ML'er written all over him. The University of San Diego junior stands 6' 5 and weighs in at 200 lbs. He employs a sweet combination of crafty lefty with a low nineties fastball and consistently throws three quality pitches for strikes. He will pitch from 87-92 and can hit 94 when necessary, but it's his assortment of high-grade secondary stuff that has scouts excited about his future. His curve and change are both outstanding, and his athleticism and easy arm action plants him squarely in line to be a high first-round selection.

Because he doesn't necessarily profile as a true #1 ace, Matusz doesn't get the drools from the scouts as last year's #1 David Price had, but in time Matusz may prove to be about as good.

Updated... June 1, 2008;

Matusz's has fairly claimed the title of 'Best College Pitcher', and his regional effort has wide smiles upon scouts' faces.

In 14 starts and 1 relief appearance > 105 IP... 1.77 ERA, 83 Hits/22 BB's, 141 K's, and a .211 BAA.

[joldey]

Looks like he compares to Cole Hamels. I certainly wouldn't be unhappy if that's who he turns into!

Do you think that, or are you saying that because Mr. Matusz said during last night's game that he compares himself to Cole Hamels...

[clapdiddy]

Do you think that, or are you saying that because Mr. Matusz said during last night's game that he compares himself to Cole Hamels...

Both...seems like he has the same repertoire as Hamels and command of all his pitches...again, like Hamels. Just an observation in that Hamels isn't "overpowering", but knows how to pitch.

Plus, the fact he mentioned that doesn't hurt!

[joldey]

This was my report on Matusz from my draft site right before the draft...

<img src=http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05fngZbeNP6Uf/340x.jpg>

*Brian Matusz, College LHSP, San Diego, Age=21, 6' 5 - 200. Matusz (pronounced MAT-iss) is one of those pitchers that just has ML'er written all over him. The University of San Diego junior stands 6' 5 and weighs in at 200 lbs. He employs a sweet combination of crafty lefty with a low nineties fastball and consistently throws three quality pitches for strikes. He will pitch from 87-92 and can hit 94 when necessary, but it's his assortment of high-grade secondary stuff that has scouts excited about his future. His curve and change are both outstanding, and his athleticism and easy arm action plants him squarely in line to be a high first-round selection.

Because he doesn't necessarily profile as a true #1 ace, Matusz doesn't get the drools from the scouts as last year's #1 David Price had, but in time Matusz may prove to be about as good.

Updated... June 1, 2008;

Matusz's has fairly claimed the title of 'Best College Pitcher', and his regional effort has wide smiles upon scouts' faces.

In 14 starts and 1 relief appearance > 105 IP... 1.77 ERA, 83 Hits/22 BB's, 141 K's, and a .211 BAA.

That's an awfully different delivery than what I have seen before (and that's a very good thing). All the previous pictures and video clips have had him with a shorter stride and more crouched down...

<img src=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/usd/sports/m-basebl/auto_action/1990288.jpeg>

[Stevo5278]

Any idea where he's being optioned to? Aberdeen? Bluefield? Delmarva?

[Big Mac]

Any idea where he's being optioned to? Aberdeen? Bluefield? Delmarva?

He's going to Aberdeen to throw some side sessions but will not be on the active roster.

He will then go to either the Hawaiian Winter League or Arizona Fall League.