Updating Matusz
The countdown to the deadline for teams signing their draft picks is gaining momentum, and that's not good for the Orioles, who still haven't reached agreement with left-hander Brian Matusz, their first-round selection.
Scouting director Joe Jordan flew out to San Diego on Tuesday to meet with Matusz and agent Marc Algar, and he remains in California, though he's now situated in Long Beach for the annual Area Code Games - an amateur event that's a must-see for any scouting director.
Jordan plans on contacting Matusz again later today. Meanwhile, he describes negotiations as being "pretty much where they were," but quickly adds that they haven't gone backward.
"This is really, unfortunately, more normal than not, where these top guys are kind of waiting things out," Jordan said. "In the top 10, I think we've had two signings. But things will have to start happening pretty soon. It's just one of those things. It's hard to tell exactly how close things are. But I think this negotiating process is going fine. I think the next three or four days is when you'll start seeing this thing narrow up a little bit and, hopefully, things get put together. Its just hard to tell.
"We're not sitting here going back and forth over $10,000 dollars. That's not the process right now. We're just trying to figure out what we need to do to stimulate someone to get in here and get something done."
It needs to happen before Aug. 15 or Matusz can re-enter next year's draft and we'll be talking about Wade Townsend all over again. And not fondly.
"Everything's fine," Jordan said. "Hopefully, in the next 72 hours we can see some movement one way or the other. I think the kid's anxious to go out and play, and I know I'm anxious for him to do that. Hopefully, that in the end wins out and we get something done."
In the meantime, Jordan has made an offer to high school left-hander Keith Landers (18th round) and is preparing one for another prep lefty, Jarret Martin (19th). He's also made offers to Gaithersburg pitcher Kevin Brady (44th).
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko |
Townsend has a 6.56 ERA this year and was demoted from AA to high-A, where he's still getting killed. Good no-sign. Bad pick, but good no-sign.
I would trade the Ravens for the Orioles to be good every year like they were in the 70's and 80's.I was 2 the last time the O's won the title.My father always talks about those days as the good days.But you still will always find the O's game on in our house.Anyway thats how most O's fans in Baltimore feel.So if Matusz & Towsends & Miguels dont wont to be here.WE dont want or need theam here. Sorry raven fans