Many factors came into play that led right-hander Pedro Beato to the Orioles on Tuesday with the 32nd overall pick in the amateur draft.
Beato was a 17th-round selection out of Xaverian High (N.Y.) by the New York Mets last season. However, he was just a year removed from Tommy John surgery at that time and believed he would be a higher pick with another quality season.
The Orioles are glad he did just that as they selected the right-handed Beato with the supplemental pick they received as compensation after closer B.J. Ryan signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. Baltimore gets a pitcher who was 6-3 with a 2.75 ERA, 80 strikeouts and 23 walks for St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College.
“We liked him out of high school and know his background,” Orioles Director of Scouting Joe Jordan said. “The Tommy John surgery is 24 months out and behind us now.”
The first overall pick of the draft went to the Royals, who took former University of Tennessee pitcher Luke Hochevar.
Beato, who had until May 29 to sign with New York, gives the Orioles a prospect that can reach the mid-90s with his fastball. He also has the ability to throw a slider, curveball and changeup, but still needs to work on his control.
“I initially wanted to sign with the Mets, but negotiations didn?t go where we had hoped,” Beato, a Queens, N.Y. native, told The Examiner on Tuesday. “I?m happy to be drafted by the Orioles which allows me to be closer to home than I am now in Florida. Having the surgery was a setback for me, but I feel like I?ve worked hard and have come back stronger than I was before.”
St. Petersburg coach Dave Pano said the Orioles are getting a pitcher that is not even close to reaching his potential.
“Pedro?s better years are ahead of him,” Pano said. “He?s the rare kid who brings the total package of talent, character and intelligence. He?s a bright kid who is going to be a number one or two starter in the majors one day.
“(Pedro) has a great make-up and has the ability to pitch out of jams. The Orioles are very fortunate to get Pedro where they did.”
2006 ORIOLES DRAFT PICKS (Day 1)
9. Bill Rowell (3B) ? Bishop Eustace (N.J.) Prep
32. Pedro Beato (RHP) ? St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College
58. Ryan Adams (3B) ? Jesuit (La.) High School
85. Zachary Britton (LHP) ? Weatherford (Tx.) High School
115. Blake Davis (SS) ? Cal St. Fullerton
145. Bobby Henson (SS) ? Tuttle (Okla.) High School
205. Joshua Tamba (RHP) ? Cypress (Calif.) College
235. Jedidiah Stephen (SS) ? Ohio State
265. Brett Bordes (LHP) ? Arizona State
295. Emeel Salem (CF) ? Ala. Tuscaloosa
325. Anthony Martinez (1B) ? Louisburg College
