The pick is in for the Orioles (and wow, is the MLB Draft weird on TV, seeing Bud Selig playing the role of commissioner!) and they’ve selected RHP Matt Hobgood, a high schooler from Norco High School in California.
Hobgood’s a beast, at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds and was a helluva hitter as well. He’s been compared to a young Goose Gossage by Baseball America.
He’re an excerpt from the L.A. Times:
“I’m ecstatic,” Hobgood said. “I don’t know what to say. This is about all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears. I’m so happy they pulled the trigger.”
Despite hitting 21 home runs, Hobgood said the Orioles have told him he was selected to become a pitcher. He has a 95-mph fastball and, all season, people didn’t know whether he’d be a pitcher or a hitter at the professional level.
“Somebody has figured it out,” he said. “I’ll sneak in some batting practice.”
As for how long it will take him to sign, Hobgood said, “It shouldn’t take long. I’m ready to sign.”
He also won the Gatorade High School Player of The Year. This is a picture from yesterday’s ceremony.
Via the power of youtube, we no longer have to guess as to what these formerly “anonymous” people look like:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJXDpzt9rxA[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4zGnoJPTo&feature=related[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r1L_VZ_ttE&feature=related[/youtube]
