Baltimore Orioles' Future Looking Bright: Matt Wieters

After years of disappointment and frustration, Baltimore Oriole fans may have a great future ahead of them.  The Orioles have been rebuilding for the past few seasons and with prospects lying in wait, the future looks to be very bright. 

I have researched some of the prospects in the Orioles farm system.  These young men carry the future of the Baltimore Orioles, giving us fans something to look forward to in the next few seasons.

Matt Wieters

Matt Wieters is a switch-hitting catcher who may find his way in the heart of the Orioles' lineup very soon.  Scouting reports declare Matt has a great eye, and demonstrates power to all sides of the field.

This 6'5" former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket put up some great collegiate numbers.  In 184 starts, Matt hit .359 with 35 home runs and 198 RBI in three seasons. 

Matt has also won some prestigious awards at Georgia Tech.  He was voted Rookie of the Year in 2005 and named first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference.  In 2006, he was named second team All-ACC and he made first team All-ACC in his final year in 2007. 

He was also one of three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award, an award open to any catcher playing at the collegiate level.

Besides playing the catcher role at Georgia Tech, Matt was also asked to pitch his first two seasons.  He eventually landed the closer job his first two seasons, with the Yellow Jackets, recording a total of 16 saves.

Drafted by the Orioles No. 5 overall in 2007, Matt was given a $6 million signing bonus.  Due to the fact that Matt signed late to an Orioles contract, he is currently playing in the Hawaiian Winter League where scouts are still awed by this young man’s power and agility. 

If the numbers he is putting up now continue in the spring, Oriole fans may get to see this powerhouse in their lineup by the end of next summer.

Check back for more up-and-coming prospects in the Baltimore Orioles farm system.