Which Way Do They Go?: Options For Orioles' No. 5 Pick Abound

Only 36 shopping days left until the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.

And, inevitably, only 36 days until the Nationals make the pick they've been waiting 364 days for, tabbing Stephen Strasburg as the baseball's first $50 million man—assuming Scott Boras gets his way.

More importantly, only five weeks until the Orioles add another weapon to their arsenal.

I figured since I know very little about who's going after Strasburg, I would posit a few thoughts for, not only my own benefit, but fellow O's fans as well. 

For your reading pleasure, I've listed each player and ranked them in terms of the odds the O's will take each one of them at No. 5.

Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State

Quite possibly the best pitching prospect in baseball history.

Not only does he own a 100 mph fastball, but he also has at least two other above average pitches.

Not only does he have a 23 strikeout game under his belt, but he is also averaging over two strikeouts per inning this season.

Not only was he the only collegian to play on the USA team at the Olympics, but he could be one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues...right now!

Chances of the Orioles retaining Mr. Strasburg's 102 mph fastball: ZERO!!!!

Dustin Ackley, 1B/CF, North Carolina

No doubt the O's would love to have Ackley.

A consummate professional with the skill set to play centerfield with the power and hitting acumen of a veteran first baseman, Ackley is about as complete a player as you can find coming out of college.

His swing is equal parts Ichiro and Raffy Palmeiro, and generates tons of line drives—some of which should translate to home runs at the next level.

He's a very skilled base runner and will definitely hit for average, as evidenced by two (soon to be three) seasons with an average of better than .400.

He just returned from TJ surgery, hence the first baseman duties, but he should go back to his home in center in the minors. He should go in the top five and will probably be gone when the O's pick at five.

On the season, Ackley is hitting .384 with 13 home runs and 40 RBI.

Chances of the Orioles drafting their centerfielder of the future (post Adam Jones era): five to one.

Grant Green, SS, USC

I know what you're thinking...

The Orioles need a shortstop, Green is one. Voila!

Not so fast.

Yeah, the O's need someone to fill the position they've been lacking in since Ripken vacated for the hot corner, but Green hasn't had a banner year.

He started the year injured and, when he did get back on the field, he wasn't 100 percent and it showed.

He's started to come around as of late and his stock is back on the rise after falling out of the top 10.

Here's the skinny on Green: he's got an impact bat and plays very good defense at a premium position.

He hits for average (.356), can pop one out every now and again, and can run the bases (13 steals).

He has the size and athletic ability to stay at short, something the O's would definitely consider if taking Green.

The O's had pretty good luck with the last college shortstop they drafted (Blake Davis), and Green could make his way to Baltimore by 2011 with his advanced bat and fill that spot for years.

On the season, Green is hitting .356 with 19 extra base hits and 13 steals.

Chances of the Orioles taking anti-Cesar Izturis/Luis Hernandez/Jolbert Cabrera: five to two.

Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS

Taking another lefty with a top five pick would mean two things: 1) that Dustin Ackley is gone, and 2) the Orioles would have the meanest lefty lefty tandem in the minors with Matusz to pair with the California southpaw.

Matzek has been lighting up the high school circuit since late last year, establishing himself as the top HS arm in the draft.

He already throws in the low 90's, but could stand to add some weight which could push him into the mid 90's.

His other pitches all grade out as average to above average, including a curveball, slider, and changeup.

He also gets kudos for his business like approach on the mound and when he's on...he is filthy.

On the season, Matzek is 5-1 with a 1.64 ERA.

Chances of the Orioles teaming Matzek with Matusz: four to two.

And just for kicks, I'm gonna throw in my guy...the one I hope the O's take, although I'd be happy with Green, Matzek, or Ackley—Mike Leake from Arizona State.

Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona State

The more I hear about Leake, the more I'm falling in love.

The way his stock is rising, he may not even be there for the Orioles at five, but if he is, I'm seriously considering taking him. In any other non-Strasburg year, Leake is the best pitcher in college baseball.

His stats back that up: 10-1 1.54 ERA 90 strikeouts 16 walks in 81.2 innings.

Opponents are hitting .182 against him, the same number that hitters are "teeing" off of the $50 million man.

His skill set is pretty outrageous too...dare I say Matusz-esque?

He feature's a low 90's fastball (Matusz-esque), which he can crank up to the mid-to-lower area.

His other three pitches, a changeup, slider and cutter are all above average (sound familiar).

That gives Leake four quality pitches, and he generally throws each regardless of the count or hitter.

He prides himself in keeping hitters off balance and, after seeing a little more of him, I would love to see him in that Tillman-Matusz-Arrieta-Erbe rotation of 2012.

Chances of the Orioles taking the right handed Brian Matusz: 20:1