Press Release on First Round Draft Pick From The Orioles...

The Orioles today selected LHP BRIAN MATUSZ with their first-round selection in the 2008 First Year Player Draft, taking the college junior with the 4th overall pick in the draft.

Matusz, 21, is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound left handed pitcher from Cave Creek, AZ. A three-year starter at the University of San Diego, he has gone 12-2 this season with a 1.71 ERA (105.0IP, 20ER) and 141 strikeouts.

In his three seasons with the Toreros, he is 26-8 with a 2.94 ERA (317.0IP, 101ER) in 48 games (45 starts) with 397 strikeouts. In 2007, Matusz was named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation's best collegiate player. He was also named to the Wallace Award Watch list for the best collegiate player in the nation and the Roger Clemens Award Watch list, vying for the nation's best collegiate pitcher.

Matusz is a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, where he earned two varsity letters and was named Arizona Player of the Year award along with a Baseball America All-America distinction. Area scout Mark Ralston was responsible for his election.


The draft will continue until approximately 9 p.m. tonight before resuming tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. and will last up to 50 rounds. A full list of the Orioles selections will be available tomorrow night, following the conclusion of the draft.

Here's a video of Brian: