Well, today is officially the day the Orioles can call up Matt Wieters without starting his 2009 service clock, meaning they’ll buy themselves another year of having Wieters under their control.
In case it sounds like a shady way to do business, the Tampa Bay Rays did it with Evan Longoria last year. Oh and Scott Boras is Wieters’ agent, so all's fair in love and war.
But the question remains: when will the Orioles call up Matt Wieters?
It doesn’t look to be any time this weekend, even though the Orioles could use his bat in a 4-game series in Boston.
The earliest call-up could be this Tuesday, when the Orioles come home to play the White Sox. The O’s will probably want to take advantage of the PR that comes with Wieters beginning his career before Oriole fans. Waiting until Tuesday may also help ease Wieters into the major leagues instead of throwing him into the Fenway fire.
One thing is for sure, however, and that is Wieters is ready to play the majors. He’ll improve the line-up instantly and by the end of the season, should become the middle-of-the-order power bat that the Orioles have lacked for years.
It’s just a matter of whether or not Andy MacPhail wants to continue his ultra-conservative approach of not rushing players, or whether MacPhail believes Wieters is ready for the big show.
But he’ll be here soon, it’s just a matter of when.
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