USD's Brian Matusz watched the major league draft yesterday in a Mission Valley restaurant, surrounded by teammates and coaches, with televisions tuned to the event.
Matusz was focused on the big screen in front of him as the others ate lunch. Why was he waiting to order? Perhaps he was looking for just the right item on the menu.
Crab cakes seemed appropriate after Matusz was selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the fourth overall pick.
“Coming up to every pick, I still had no idea and hadn't gotten any phone calls,” said Matusz, a junior left-hander from Cave Creek, Ariz. “All the projections, I tried not to pay too much attention. But they (projections) had me going to the Orioles, so I knew I had a shot for it.
“It doesn't feel real yet. It definitely doesn't feel real. I'm excited. The Orioles have a great organization and I'm looking forward to getting out there as soon as possible and getting to the big leagues.”
Matusz was one of five college players with local ties chosen on the draft's first day, when six of 50 rounds were completed. The remaining rounds will be conducted today, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Also selected:
Wake Forest first baseman Allan Dykstra (Rancho Bernardo) went to the Padres in the first round.
UCLA left-hander Tim Murphy (Rancho Buena Vista) was chosen by the Rangers in the third round.
USD left-hander Josh Romanski was taken in the fourth round by the Brewers.
San Diego State third baseman Nick Romero (Eastlake) was drafted in the fifth round by the Twins.
Romero, a switch-hitting junior who led the Aztecs in home runs (12) and RBI (61) this season, is looking forward to the next stage of his career.
“I'm ready to get started,” said Romero. “It's a good time to get going.”
As for Matusz, cheers erupted in the restaurant when Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig read his name on television. Hugs and slaps on the back followed for the pitcher who was 12-2 this season with a 1.71 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 105 innings.
USD catcher Nick McCoy, second baseman Kevin Hansen and pitcher Matt Couch were ready with cameras to capture the moment when it came, snapping shots of Matusz's reaction while highlights of his performances this season played on TV.
Matusz heard from the Orioles shortly after he was selected, but they had to get in line to congratulate him.
“I received about 30 text messages just from friends,” said Matusz. “Because of all the messages, I couldn't get any phone calls.
“The Orioles called and congratulated me. They said they're planning on building this team around pitching and they're excited to have me in their organization.”
Matusz said he has never been to Baltimore's Camden Yards. Most high draft picks are brought in by the teams that select them, so he likely will get a look by the end of the week.
“I've heard the ballpark is unreal,” said Matusz. “I'm excited to go there and check it out.”
The pitcher then excused himself and headed out with several teammates into the Mission Valley mall to purchase Orioles caps.
Matusz is the first USD player to be drafted in the first round. Right-hander Josh Butler, Matusz's teammate two years ago, was selected by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 2006 draft.
Kirk Kenney: (619) 293-1825; kirk.kenney@uniontrib.com
