Tony DeMacio is no longer with the Orioles, but his mark on the organization might be felt for years.
Pitcher Erik Bedard, infielder Brendan Fahey, closer Chris Ray, reliever Chris Britton and outfielder Nick Markakis are current Orioles who were among those draft picks taken during the former scouting director?s tenure from 1999 to 2004.
DeMacio said it?s rewarding to see players he drafted make it to the majors, even if he is not there to reap the rewards.
“It feels like you have helped the organization,” said DeMacio, now a national scout with the Pittsburgh Pirates. “There are so many variables that go into a draft pick, and you can?t predict certain things like injuries.”
David Stockstill, the team?s director of minor league operations, said it is important not to forget the contributions of people like his predecessor, Darryl “Doc” Rodgers, and DeMacio.
“The improvement we?ve had recently in our minor leagues did not happen overnight,” Stockstill said. “It is the product of a lot of hard work, including hard work from those who are not here anymore.”
“I?m proud of all the work my scouts did, including in 1999 when we got Erik Bedard [sixth round] and Larry Bigbie [first round], who both made the majors,” DeMacio said. “However, people always emphasize the high draft picks, because that?s where the money goes.”
