No matter which names appear on the Orioles' draft board as they prepare to make today's selections, none is bigger than agent Scott Boras, who represents some of the top-rated prospects in amateur baseball.
That includes Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters, who is believed to sit atop the list of potential picks for the Orioles at No. 5. He'll be given serious consideration if he's available, according to multiple sources, even with Boras in the mix.
ESPN.com's Keith Law projected earlier this week that Wieters could slip to 18th as baseball's version of former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn because teams fear the money the switch-hitter will command under Boras. Baseball America also has Wieters going 18th to the St. Louis Cardinals despite being "the best position player in the draft."
An Orioles official joked that the dollar figures make him uneasy as well, but Wieters remains a favorite within the front office. The official said he would expect the Washington Nationals to grab Wieters with the sixth pick if the Orioles pass on him.
"The draft is a little harder to predict this year than most, because MLB is determined to keep bonuses down, but most of the top players are looking to exceed MLB recommendations," said Jim Callis, Baseball America executive editor. "If the Orioles aren't worried about price tag, I think they take Wieters. He'd be a nice value for the No. 5 pick, but he's also represented by Boras, so he won't come cheap."
Good luck avoiding Boras, who also represents right-hander Rick Porcello, widely regarded as the top prep pitcher in the draft, high school shortstop-third baseman Mike Moustakas, North Carolina State pitcher Andrew Brackman, high school pitcher Matt Harvey, Tennessee outfielder Julio Borbon and Florida first baseman Matt LaPorta - all potential top 20 selections.
"He's a major factor in this draft," Orioles vice president Jim Duquette said.
As for the cost of signing Wieters, one official said the team still was trying to determine which past selections Boras deems comparable to the catcher. The Orioles hoped to have a better understanding by last night.
Wieters and Canadian right-hander Phillippe Aumont appear to be the top names on the Orioles' board, though they'll also strongly consider Missouri State left-hander Ross Detwiler, who could be taken by the Kansas City Royals with the second pick.
"You can never have enough left-handed pitching," Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan said.
