H/W: 6-5 230 lb. B/T: B/R DOB: 5/21/86
Matt Wieters had a special 2008 season earning the honor of Baseball America's MInor League Player of the Year. Wieters decimated pitching at both High-A Frederick and AA Bowie, hitting .355 with 27 HR 91 RBI and 89 runs scored in 130 games. Wieters has prolific power from both sides of the plate and his plate discipline (82 BB/76 K) is impeccable. Defensively, many scouts have said that he possesses the best package of skills in baseball. His leadership and game calling instincts are unparalleled as well. If there is any chink in Wieter's catching gear it is his lack of speed and the inherent injury risks attributed to over sized catchers (a la Joe Mauer). To Wieters' credit, his speed will not be a detrimental factor and he has had a clean bill of health throughout his baseball career.
2009 Projection: Wieters is ready to take over full time catching duties in Baltimore, but don't be surprised to see the Orioles send him to AAA Rochester to start the season. Ramon Hernandez is not a formidable roadblock for Wieters and he may be dealt at some point in '09. The O's would be prudent to wait until June to bring Wieters up, as this would ensure that they would not lose a year of free agent eligibility. Whether it is sooner or later, Wieters will be the most remarkable young catcher of this generation.
2009 Update: As predicted, Wieters began the season at AAA Norfolk and is slated to earn his promotion to Baltimore on May 30th. During his stint at Norfolk, the switch-hitting Wieters hit .305 with 5 HR and 30 RBI. With the emergence of Adam Jones and Nolan Reimold and the consistently fine production of Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, and Aubrey Huff, the Orioles have several talented offensive players to serve as protection for the Georgia Tech alum. This is a team that is poised to make a strong second half showing in the A.L. East and Wieters will be one of the young stars leading the charge.
Key Matt Wieters Baseball Cards
- 2005 Upper Deck Team USA Matt Wieters Auto #/475
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Matt Wieters Auto #/799
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Matt Wieters Collegiate Patch Auto #/250
2005 UD USA Matt Wieters Auto/Jersey Rookie #133/350
$70.00
2007 TRI-STAR MATT WIETERS MINOR LEAGUE ORIOLES
$3.95
Orioles Matt Wieters 2011 MLB 8x10 Action Photo
$3.99
Orioles Matt Wieters 2011 MLB 8x10 Action Photo 2
$3.99
Orioles Matt Wieters 2011 MLB 8x10 Action Photo 4
$3.99
2008 08 RAZOR CHROME METAL BLUE MATT WIETERS RC ORIOLES
$19.99
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