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06-12-2003, 05:21 PM
The O's have signed Markakis!!! :thumbsup: Boy! That was quick! I'm really pleased about this!
And Rick Dempsey is a Bobblehead! :D
O's sign top pick Markakis
By David Ginsburg
The Associated Press
Originally published June 11, 2003, 7:45 PM EDT
The Baltimore Orioles needed almost 12 months to sign pitcher Adam Loewen, the team's top pick in the 2002 first-year player draft.
They required only eight days to agree to terms with their first choice in 2003, outfielder Nick Markakis.
Markakis agreed to terms with the Orioles on Wednesday and took batting practice at Camden Yards. He was also introduced on the field during Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs.
"I'm excited to get out there and get ready to play," said Markakis, the seventh overall selection.
Markakis hit .429 with 21 home runs, 92 RBIs and 19 stolen bases for Young Harris Junior College in Georgia. He was ranked as the second-best junior college prospect in the draft by Baseball America behind Loewen, who signed 15 minutes before a midnight deadline May 26.
Had Loewen not signed, he would have re-entered the draft.
Scouting director Tony DeMacio said the Orioles never factored how easily they could sign a pick into their choice of Markakis.
"It was based on his ability, not signability," DeMacio said. "We took Nick because he was the guy we wanted."
Before being introduced to the media, the left-handed hitter pulled on jersey No. 36, grabbed a couple of bats and a glove and took pregame batting practice. He found the short right-field porch at Camden Yards to his liking.
"I enjoy hitting at this park. It's a nice atmosphere," said Markakis, a 19-year-old from Woodstock, Ga.
Despite also going 12-0 with a save, 160 strikeouts and a 1.68 ERA in 15 games as a pitcher last season, Markakis is projected to be a corner outfielder. DeMacio said Markakis would begin his career at Class A Aberdeen, the New York-Penn League affiliate owned by former Oriole Cal Ripken.
"I watched him take some swings today and he looks fit and he looks athletic," said Orioles manager Mike Hargrove.
Markakis was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in 2001 and 2002, but did not sign. He is eager to start his career in the Orioles organization.
"I probably couldn't ask for a better club than Baltimore right now," he said.
BOBBLEHEAD
The model for the Rick Dempsey bobblehead doll appreciates the gesture, but isn't too impressed with the finished product.
"It doesn't look a whole lot like me," said Dempsey, Baltimore's first base coach.
One reason for the vague likeness is that the bobblehead is designed to depict Dempsey 20 years ago. The bobblehead will given away Wednesday night as part of the Orioles' celebration of the 20th anniversary of their 1983 World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, in which Dempsey was the MVP.
It's a talking bobblehead, and its repertoire includes Dempsey singing "Old Time Rock and Roll."
"I'm going to get a lot of crap in the clubhouse because of that," Dempsey said.
Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press
And Rick Dempsey is a Bobblehead! :D
O's sign top pick Markakis
By David Ginsburg
The Associated Press
Originally published June 11, 2003, 7:45 PM EDT
The Baltimore Orioles needed almost 12 months to sign pitcher Adam Loewen, the team's top pick in the 2002 first-year player draft.
They required only eight days to agree to terms with their first choice in 2003, outfielder Nick Markakis.
Markakis agreed to terms with the Orioles on Wednesday and took batting practice at Camden Yards. He was also introduced on the field during Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs.
"I'm excited to get out there and get ready to play," said Markakis, the seventh overall selection.
Markakis hit .429 with 21 home runs, 92 RBIs and 19 stolen bases for Young Harris Junior College in Georgia. He was ranked as the second-best junior college prospect in the draft by Baseball America behind Loewen, who signed 15 minutes before a midnight deadline May 26.
Had Loewen not signed, he would have re-entered the draft.
Scouting director Tony DeMacio said the Orioles never factored how easily they could sign a pick into their choice of Markakis.
"It was based on his ability, not signability," DeMacio said. "We took Nick because he was the guy we wanted."
Before being introduced to the media, the left-handed hitter pulled on jersey No. 36, grabbed a couple of bats and a glove and took pregame batting practice. He found the short right-field porch at Camden Yards to his liking.
"I enjoy hitting at this park. It's a nice atmosphere," said Markakis, a 19-year-old from Woodstock, Ga.
Despite also going 12-0 with a save, 160 strikeouts and a 1.68 ERA in 15 games as a pitcher last season, Markakis is projected to be a corner outfielder. DeMacio said Markakis would begin his career at Class A Aberdeen, the New York-Penn League affiliate owned by former Oriole Cal Ripken.
"I watched him take some swings today and he looks fit and he looks athletic," said Orioles manager Mike Hargrove.
Markakis was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in 2001 and 2002, but did not sign. He is eager to start his career in the Orioles organization.
"I probably couldn't ask for a better club than Baltimore right now," he said.
BOBBLEHEAD
The model for the Rick Dempsey bobblehead doll appreciates the gesture, but isn't too impressed with the finished product.
"It doesn't look a whole lot like me," said Dempsey, Baltimore's first base coach.
One reason for the vague likeness is that the bobblehead is designed to depict Dempsey 20 years ago. The bobblehead will given away Wednesday night as part of the Orioles' celebration of the 20th anniversary of their 1983 World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, in which Dempsey was the MVP.
It's a talking bobblehead, and its repertoire includes Dempsey singing "Old Time Rock and Roll."
"I'm going to get a lot of crap in the clubhouse because of that," Dempsey said.
Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press