Urban hopeful he'll be an Oriole

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

August 16, 2010, 10:30am

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As of a little after two o'clock this afternoon, there is no announcement of any additional signings of O's draft picks. But there is a long way to go before the midnight deadline. One player the O's still could sign is right-handed pitcher Austin Urban from Richland High in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Urban was taken in the 27th round and told me a few moments ago that he hopes this day ends with his agreeing to terms with the Orioles. He has a college commitment to Penn State, but said his goal is to join the O's and begin his pro career. "It is for sure. I think it's a good organization with some good young players and I'd like to be a part of it," Urban said. I asked him if he felt the negotiations had a reached a point that the sides were not that far apart. "I think so. Some things are just dragging out right now." It's possible that the O's could be working on deals with players drafted higher than Urban this afternoon and that they will try to finalize a deal with him later today. He says he is clearly open to that. The 18-year-old Urban has a fastball that scouting reports list from 89-93 with an impressive slider. He also played second base and shortstop in high school.