Draft Dope: Orioles

June 6, 2007

Draft History (Click the year to view the picks)
Year	Top Pick
1992	Jeffrey Hammonds
1993	Jay Powell
1994	Tommy Davis
1995	Alvie Shepherd
1996	Brian Falkenborg
1997	Jayson Werth
1998	Rick Elder
1999	Mike Paradis
2000	Beau Hale
2001	Chris Smith
2002	Adam Loewen
2003	Nick Markakis
2004	*Wade Townsend
2005	Brandon Synder
2006	Bill Rowell
* did not sign

Scouting Director: Joe Jordan (first year: 2005)
Order in 2007 Rotation: 5th
Extra Picks: None
Lost Picks: Second round (70th, for signing Type A free agent Danys Baez from Braves), Third round (100th, for signing Type A free agent Chad Bradford from Mets).
Trend: As they did under former scouting director Tony DeMacio, the Orioles covet lefthanders. This is the third draft for Jordan, and he has mixed prep and college players well. Baltimore has scored going against the consensus with such players as Nick Markakis, and has missed when owner Peter Angelos gets involved (Chris Smith, Wade Townsend).
This Year's Outlook: The Orioles have to decide whether to enter the bidding for high-dollar Scott Boras clients in play at No. 5 overall. They might be more likely to do so this year, after backing away from Boras clients in the past, because after picking fifth, the Orioles don't pick again until 130th overall. Angelos' level of involvement has dwindled under Jordan.