O's Sign Draft Pick Matusz

Brian Matusz is the newest member of the Oriole organization, and signed on Friday with about six to nine hours to spare.

The skinny from the Baltimore Sun: For the second consecutive year, the Orioles negotiated with their top draft pick until the final day before eventually getting their man.

Shortly after 3p.m., the Orioles agreed to terms with University of San Diego left-hander Brian Matusz on a four-year, majorleague contract that included a $3.2million bonus and will be worth, at the minimum, $3.47million.

Matusz, 21, the fourth overall pick in June's draft, immediately joins the Orioles' 40-man roster and shoots toward the top of their prospect list.

"I'm excited. It's been a long summer, a lot of talks going on these last few weeks," said Matusz, the 2008 West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year after he won 12 games, struck out 141 batters and posted a 1.71ERA.

For all the concern, perhaps the delay might have just come to simply seeing what his peers got -- or perhaps, there might have been a deal in place, but it was going to be announced at the particular time.

I'm obviously not privy to all of this, but nevertheless, it's wonderful he got signed. If Matusz can become an impact player in the minors that Wieters has been, the future could be very bright in Baltimore.