Wieters' success is only a surprise in degree. He played exceptionally from the first day he laced his spikes at Georgia Tech, a traditional contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His power from both sides of the plate, strong throwing arm and quiet leadership prompted comparisons to former Yellow Jacket Jason Varitek.
Wieters even pitched out of the bullpen, maintaining the legacy of his dad, Richard, a former minor league pitcher.
Agent Scott Boras touted Wieters as a once-in-a-generation talent before the Orioles selected him fifth overall. (He probably would have gone higher if not for concerns about his price tag.)
Though he signed too late to play last season, Wieters was anointed the organization's best prospect and one of the top 20 in the game before this season.
"The lack of pro experience didn't bother me," says Jim Callis, executive editor of Baseball America. "Because we're looking at what he's going to be down the road: a switch-hitting catcher with a lot of power and a good approach at the plate. He also has a rocket arm, and while he's big for a catcher, he's good behind the dish."
Wieters started spring training with the Orioles in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
"I think it was a huge benefit to me," he says. "Just to see how those guys prepare for the day-to-day grind."
Wieters professes no specific goal dates for advancing to Double-A Bowie or Baltimore.
But Thompson knows his brush with the catcher isn't likely to last more than half a season.
"There are things about him you can't teach," the manager says. "The way he carries himself and the way other guys feed off him. He's got gifts."
childs.walker@baltsun.com
