Second-round pick suprised it was the O's
Mychal Givens doesn't want anyone to misunderstand. He's not unhappy at all.
But he does admit, when the baseball First-Year Player Draft began on June 9th, he was surprised twice. First, that he was not drafted in round one and second that he was drafted by the Orioles.
Givens, a 6'1", 185 pound shortstop and right-handed pitcher, had not heard much from the O's in weeks leading up to the draft. But they called his name in round two, with the 54th overall selection.
"It was a little suprising it was the Orioles," Givens said. "But I'm glad they took me and one day I want to help them win the World Series.
"I was disappointed I fell (out of the first round). It is how it is."
The 19-year-old Givens is a right-handed hitter from Plant High School in Tampa, Florida.
"I'm an energetic, fun kid that has a real love and passion for the game. I work real hard at it," Givens said.
He credits his great grandfather, Pedro Paidlla, for instilling that passion in him. He watched games with him when he was growing up and they often talked about different players and teams.
"He passed away when I was 11. He was the one that got me started. He taught me to have fun playing the game."
Now comes the business part of the game, signing his first professional contract. Givens said that part could take some time.
"Right now we are taking it day by day. It's a slow process right now. We've just begun negotiating."
He has a verbal commitment to play college ball at Oklahoma State and said he has not completely ruled out playing at college.
"There is still a decision to make. It's not set 100 percent. I want to help my family financially. It looks like it may take some of the summer (to finish negotiations)."
"We knew going in it might take some time to sign Mychal," O's scouting director Joe Jordan said. "It's taking some time, unfortunately. We hope we can sign him in time to get him to a team this summer, but we'll see.
"He can do himself a lot of good by signing. Lot at how Avery and Hoes did as high school players last year and where they are now," Jordan said.
Some scouts feel Givens defense and athleticism is solid, but question how much he will hit as a pro.
"Playing over the summer vs. top competition like Tyler Matzek, I held my own and gained confidence. I feel like I can make it with my bat and get to the big leagues in four or five years."
Givens tried switch-hitting last fall, but said basketball practices took away his time to work at it and he returned to hitting only from the right side.
He said he grew up rooting for the Seattle Mariners and really enjoyed it when their roster included Randy Johnson, Jay Buhner, A-Rod and Ken Griffey Jr., his favorite player.
If he signs that O's contract, he'll begin his minor league career close to home in the Gulf Coast League.
"That would be great, it's only about 45 minutes from Tampa. It will be nice to be in Florida and still see my family."
Givens, who has pitched in the mid 90's at times, said he expects to get a long look at shortstop in the pros. But he would not rule out one day going back to pitching if he wasn't progressing well enough as a position player.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
I wonder if players attempt to squeeze more money from teams that they don't view as good organizations? Hopefully, the Orioles aren't viewed that way from the prospect level, like free agents. Reading between the lines, you can see he was hoping to go to a team in the lower part of the first round. Hopefully, he signs soon and develops well. Thanks for the update Steve.
Steve,
Is his grandfather's name Pedro Paidlla or Padilla?
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He told me the first one was correct. - Steve