Hodgood signing to be announced Saturday at O's-Nats game

[markpolis]

Hodgood to sign for just under $2.5 mil.

"In other news, first-round draft pick Matt Hobgood arrived in Baltimore late Wednesday night, and started taking his physical today. Barring unforeseen developments, Hobgood, a right-handed pitcher out of Norco High in suburban Los Angeles, will sign his contract and then be introduced to the Camden Yards crowd Saturday during the Orioles game against the Washington Nationals.

Hobgood, the fifth overall pick in the draft, will receive a signing bonus of just under $2.5 million. On Sunday, Hobgood will leave Baltimore and join one of the Orioles' affiliates, most likely Rookie-level Bluefield.

"We basically got this thing done," Orioles director of amateur scouting Joe Jordan said. "He's just got to get through the physical process and we'll sign the contract, and get this thing going."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-osshort625,0,7482701.story

[waroriole]

That should be funny since we play the Nats. Who even knows if they will sign their pick.

[bobmc]

Why not have Matt throw out the first ball? Usually it's someone who can't reach the plate. How about he throws some cheese to Matt W, his future batterymate? :scratchchinhmm::clap3:

[frufan1591]

According to mlb.com there'll be a press conference at 5:30.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090627&content_id=5564700&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal&partnerId=rss_bal

[orioles119]

Glad they're able to get this done quickly. It would be good for Hobgood to get some professional action under his belt.

[QBsILLEST1]

I wonder how soon he will start at Bluefield.....This is awesome since he will be able to get basically an entire half season's worth of development. Im very excited to see how he will do against higher competition.....

[tennOsfan]

The kid couldn't have sounded more excited in being interviewed by Amber.

I hope I can see his first start for Bluefield.

[Orioles4Life]

I wonder how soon he will start at Bluefield.....This is awesome since he will be able to get basically an entire half season's worth of development. Im very excited to see how he will do against higher competition.....

It is great that the Orioles got this done and that he can get a great start on his development.

[QBsILLEST1]

It is great that the Orioles got this done and that he can get a great start on his development.

He'll automatically have the head start on the rest of those 1st tier prep arms from this draft.....Ill be itnerested to see who emerges as the best of the preps once they all get a taste of the pro ball experience. Good chance 1 or 2 dont sign

[Mark Carver]

There's no braces in baseball...

[byrdz]

There's no braces in baseball...

Fixed that for ya.

[wickedwitch]

Why did his mother need to sign? He's already 18.

[BringBackMagic]

Why did his mother need to sign? He's already 18.

The caption in the slideshow says that MLB requires all under 21 to have a parent or guardian's signature. Guess it's just the league being extra careful for some reason.