Andy MacPhail hit the draft gold mine in 1989.
The then-general manager of the Minnesota Twins snagged second baseman Chuck Knoblauch in the first round, Denny Neagle in the third, Scott Erickson in the fourth and Marty Cordova in the 10th. Two years later, with Knoblauch and Erickson in the starting lineup, the Twins won the World Series.
“We drafted two rookies of the year and two 20-game winners in one haul,” MacPhail said. “That?s pretty good.”
And a lot better than who the Orioles chose that year. With the first pick overall, the Orioles drafted pitcher Ben McDonald, who turned out to be a major disappointment. The Orioles best pick that year was in the 17th round, when they took catcher Gregg Zaun.
The Orioles? botched draft in 1989 has been replayed countless times, as the franchise has failed to consistently pick players who thrive in the major leagues.
But that could change today.
MacPhail, who will oversee his 23rd draft as a general manager/club president today and Friday, knows that not every year can be 1989, but his track record speaks for itself.
Of his 22 first-round picks, 13 have played in the major leagues.
“I generally look for the best player overall and try not to be too obtrusive to our scouting director and our amateur scouts,” MacPhail said. “You have to rely on those guys who have been out at the parks all summer and spring. I think based on the past few drafts we?ve had here, we?re comfortable and optimistic we?ll continue to do well.”
The Orioles have the fourth pick in today?s draft ? and don?t expect them to use it on a player to fill a specific need. They?ll take the best player possible, regardless of position.
Joe Jordan, the Orioles? director of scouting, has overseen the past three drafts, which have been highlighted by the selections of first baseman Brandon Snyder, third base Billy Rowell, catcher Matt Wieters and pitcher Garrett Olson.
Today, the Orioles likely will pounce on Georgia high school shortstop Tim Beckham if he?s available, as he?s listed as the fourth-best overall prospect on their draft board.
“For me, the bottom line is we?re going to have a good option,” Jordan said. “We?re going to be choosing between at least two pretty good players that we really like. I?m really not worried about it.”
MacPhail has taken a pitcher in 15 of the 21 first rounds in which he has drafted, including the first four drafts he oversaw with Minnesota and the Chicago Cubs.
If MacPhail elects to go with a pitcher today, expect the Orioles to take Brian Matusz (pronounced MATT-iss), a 6-foot-5, 200-pounder left-hander from San Diego University who is considered the top pitcher in the draft.
“[Andy MacPhail is] not going to worry about the things that make you change your pick,” Baseball America analyst Nathan Rode said. “He?s going to take the best player onthe board and someone who will make an impact. Whatever?s there, he?s going to take it.”
