Orioles Sign Brian Matusz

In contrast to the Nats situation with Crow, I believe giving a ML deal to Matusz would not be a mistake. Matusz is expected to move extremely fast through the minors, and could very well start at AA-ball. A ML deal would give him 2 seasons at both AA and AAA - more than enough development time. If Matusz isn't ML ready by that time, he is probably considered a bust anyway. Matusz, by all reports, is already extremely polished, so I believe giving him a ML deal would be a great idea, and a show of good faith.

Ugh last time the O's gave a ML contract to a top pitcher it was Loewen. And that didn't go well.

Just so I have this straight: a major league deal doesn't effect a player's service time clock, does it? I mean...if we give Matusz the big league deal he's looking for, would he become arbitration eligible (and, thus, free agency eligible) sooner? I can't imagine it would work like that, since no one would agree to such a provision, but I just want to make sure. Also, if that IS NOT the case, I can't figure out why these kids want the MLB deal SOOOOO bad that they'd be willing to walk away from the table. It doesn't seem to offer anything of real value. What is it that's so alluring? Getting to tell people you're on the 40 man roster? Getting the league minimum (after you got a $4 mil bonus)? Getting rushed to the majors before you're ready in some cases? I agree that this wouldn't be much of a concern with Matusz (as opposed to someone like Crow, for instance) due to his expected time line and polish, but it's a matter of principle.

Strikes me as a pretty stupid thing to hold out for...on both sides (but particularly the player's).

milehigh78,

It's far from stupid to hold out for. An MLB deal puts the player on the 40 man and makes him an MLB player. As such, he is represented by the MLB players union and also receives the MLB health care and pension plans. Yes those might be considered mild in some regards, but there are plenty of ancillary benefits that go along with it as well.

A player wants a ML deal because they want to play i the MLB. If they sign a normal deal and are a bust, they could be in the minors for a long time and might never pitch in the MLB. If you sign a ML deal, tou almost definatley will make it to the MLB. A lot quicker, too.

Couple other things...

USCtrojans- hadn't thought of it that way. Don't think it changes my opinion ENTIRELY- I still don't think it should mean the difference between a kid signing or not- but you DO make a very interesting point and I appreciate the insight.

Also, I agree with dorfmac... It's not such a big deal with Matusz, given his polish and poise. The funny thing is, I wasn't really that psyched about this pick when we first made it (I had been holding out hope for Alvarez or Hosmer until the last second and even after they were gone, I wasn't sold on Matusz over Smoak), but now I love it. I have a very good feeling this kid is going to be special; particularly if he adds a few ticks, as mentioned. There something about the way he carries himself and the way he just seems to exude success. You never know, but I'm feeling very good about this signing (which actually seems pretty reasonable/cheap- maybe I'm just thrown off by Wieters' deal and the numbers being thrown around by some of the other unsigned guys). And I'm not just saying that because of my sneaking suspicion that USCtrojans is actually Brian Matusz (or someone closely related to him; California...very insightful about the motivations for wanting an MLB deal...? Think about it).

Finally, like I said, I'm never satisfied. To that end, I really hope we turn our attention toward/work something out with Keith Landers, Jarrett Martin, and Kevin Brady. If we get those three signed, it'll be an excellent draft, I think (though it's looking pretty good now, to be honest). Has anyone heard anything?

Landers is exciting given his projection and I know Martin had a falling out with the coaching staff of the college team he was going to sign with. Don't know much about Brady, but apparently he throws hard and has looked awesome this summer. Let's keep the good news coming!!! Go O's!!!!