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Wow - do you think Matt Wieters could actually be the #1 pick in next year's draft? This guy thinks so:
This year’s baseball draft is over, but what about next year’s? Yes, the Royals once again look as if they’re in great shape to nab the No. 1 pick.
It’s anyone’s guess who might be that No. 1 pick next June, but keep an eye on Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters.
This kid appears to be the real deal. He’s 6 feet 6, 230 pounds, with good power and a great arm. He also switch-hits. You can watch him at the upcoming College World Series in Omaha.
How good is Wieters? During his first four tournament games, he went 10 for 13 with four homers and eight RBIs.
And here’s the kicker: He has incredible patience at the plate. He already has drawn seven walks in the tourney and drew a team-high 56 walks this
season.
“You have to wait for the one you like,” Wieters said recently. (Hmmm. You listening, Angel Berroa?) Wieters was 20th nationally in drawing walks, averaging 0.83 a game. And Wieters does some damage when he gets his pitch. He’s hitting .355 overall with 20 doubles, 14 homers and 69 RBIs.
One more thing: Wieters also doubles as the team’s closer. He has seven saves this season with a 2.67 ERA. He also only walked six hitters in over 30 innings.
The Royals are on the clock, and Wieters may be waiting.Another name to keep an eye on next season is North Carolina State right-hander Andrew Brackman, who is 6 feet 10 and can hit the upper 90s on the radar gun. His season this year was cut short by a stress fracture in his hip.
Kansas City Star 06/14/2006 Royals should watch Georgia Tech catcher