2. They will try Klein as a starter first, but he has more than enough stuff to become a closer if starting fails.

3. They would have the #4 selection in the 2011 draft.

2. Is it possible for Dan Klein to be the closer of the future or just a nice reliever in the Majors?

3. If the Orioles are unable to sign Manny Machado (I fully expect him to sign), do the Orioles get a compensator pick at the same position in next years draft?

You here the comments about him and you think he is damaged goods mechanics wise and erratic that is distend for the bullpen. Nope, I am not buying that Kool-Aid at all. BA thinks he is too active and too much movement pre-delivery. I can care less if the guy stands on his head during the pre-loading phase as it has more to do mental than any physical. I have seen some of the strangest deliveries from Fernando and Satchel, but both of those guys had flawless mechanics that led to extremely long and successful careers.

Once he wraps up his pre-loading phase, he is a bit up right in his stance. It is not the end of the world, but it is not a cause for his erratic strike zone issues entirely. I would live with it because it seems that it allows him to do the two following things.

1. He rocks his shoulders back, but both arms and elbows are below the shoulder girdle at all times. It looks as though his non throwing lead arm is above him, but it is just false reality. The angle of his shoulders never falls out of synchronization with his arms and he places little stress on is throwing shoulder and elbow.

2. It seems that rock shoulder allows him to get movement forward and downhill.

His arm slot is slightly behind him and pointing at about somewhere between 12 and1 o’clock, which is okay, but I would rather like to see 11 o’clock angle from a right handed pitcher to take away more pressure on the entire arm. His plant is directly in line and never crosses his body to throw.

The issue for his erratic strike zone discipline is most likely attributed to his follow through. If you look at the 12 second mark of the back stop angle, you will see that his hand is around his left knee and his back is about a 45 degree angle. He whips his back leg around and pushed towards first base a bit too much.

If I were his coach, I would want to see his right arm push closer to his foot and have it mid-shin. His back would be flatter and it could force the leg to lunge forward a bit more. The end result would be a consistent release point and curb control issues. It could increase velocity as well.

Overall, he is a very good prospect that has the foundation for quality stuff. There is nothing showing me at this point that bullpen is his future. He has the makeup, size, power, and drive for a sustainable innings eater. He just needs some very minor changes IMO.

First round picks will go down to the wire. I feel the same slot in next years class will be alot better than 2010. Outside of Harper, Machado, and Tallion, there is 5-10 players in 2011 better than the fourth best prospects (Drew Pomeranz). I even think there are two picks better than anyone in the 2010 class, Purke and Rendon.

1. Machado – We knew the negotiations were going to go down to the wire.

3. Dan Klein – I believe Joe Jordan said the negotiations are going much slower than expected. But he should sign soon.

4. Trent Mummey – We knew he’d sign quickly.

5. Connor Narron – We knew this was going to be a tough, but it should happen soon.

6. Dixon Anderson – Sophomore, so he can still go back to college. We’ll probably sign him, but close to the deadline, which was expected.

7. Matt Bywater – Was expected to sign quickly, and I honestly can’t tell you why he hasn’t signed yet, I’m shocked.

8. Wynston Sawyer – We also knew this was going to be a tough sign, and he’ll probably get an overslot bonus. HS teammate told me he expects Sawyer to sign, though.

9. Parker Bridwell – High upside. If I had to pick any top 10 draftee to go unsigned, I’d go with Bridwell.

10. Clayton Schrader – We signed him today.

Overall, I think our negotiations with Klein and Bywater have gone much, much slower than we expected. But as for the others, some sort of delay is normal.

Thanks for the responses.

The Rays leave all of their top pitching prospects in AAA for 40+ starts, not many bust. When they come to the majors they are ready to help out right away. I still don’t understand why other teams haven’t learned from them .