The Orioles have made their selection, and it is Matt Hobgood, a RHP from Norco High School. He has a good fastball and very reliable offspeed pitches with a good attitude for pitching. He has some control issues according to the MLB Scouting Report on him. Harold Reynolds of the MLB Network compared him to a Joba Chamberlain-type pitcher. He is currently committed to Cal-State Fullerton.A bit of an eyeopener, considering some had Hobgood going much lower in the first round. Some may have expected Zach Wheeler or Tyler Matzuk at this spot. But the fact is that taking a high schooler in the first round is a risk in itself, and MacPhail probably took Hobgood due to the solid offspeed pitches. A player that will likely sign instead of heading to college and one that could be a good starter some day.
Although this is not the biggest need for the team, this is a good decision. The Orioles went for a solid pitcher in a pitching heavy draft and did not reach down for a need. The farm system gets another young arm, and Hobgood will be a project. He will probably start in the rookie leagues and perhaps we will see him by the mid-2010s.
Baltimore's next pick is the 54th selection.
(Photo credit: Stan Lim, the Press Enterprise)
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