12 replies to this topic

[SportsGuy]

#Orioles take Ryan Ripken, 1B, Gilman School, Md., son of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, in the 20th round

I doubt he signs.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Link to previous discussion on R. Ripken: http://baltimorespor....php?f=17&t=500

[Chris B]

I think he'll still go to South Carolina but good for him getting drafted.

[LanceRinker]

It's merely a courtesy selection, IMO. He's one of these prospects that would greatly benefit from playing college ball. He'll be draft eligible again in two seasons, which he'll probably go in the top ten rounds (if he fixes his swing), and whatever team drafts him would have a decent prospect in him at that point.

Not sure he develops into much without college ball though. Just my two cents.

[Why Not?]

I don't know what Ripken will do. But I don't know why he would really care if he's drafted in Round 20 or whether he can lift his status and become a top pick two years from now. Money is never going to be an issue for him or his family. Maybe he wants to experience college, maybe not.

[RichardZ]

As someone else said, this is just PR. He's going to school.

[Oriole85]

Has there ever been a more hyped 3rd day pick?

[BSLChrisStoner]

Has there ever been a more hyped 3rd day pick?

Discussed or hyped?

[Oriole85]

Has there ever been a more hyped 3rd day pick?

Discussed or hyped?

Discussed, bad choice of words on my part.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Discussed, bad choice of words on my part.

That is what I thought you meant. Yep, lots of coverage on Ripken today. For him, probably like every other day of his life where along with privileges that come with the name; he has to deal with the other side as well. Hope he got to enjoy the thrill of being drafted.

Like everyone else, I assume he will go to College, but I would not say that is definitive. Will be interesting to see what he does, and how he develops no matter what his decision is.

[Oriole85]

Discussed, bad choice of words on my part.

That is what I thought you meant. Yep, lots of coverage on Ripken today. For him, probably like every other day of his life where along with privileges that come with the name; he has to deal with the other side as well. Hope he got to enjoy the thrill of being drafted.

Like everyone else, I assume he will go to College, but I would not say that is definitive. Will be interesting to see what he does, and how he develops no matter what his decision is.

It's no real surprise they picked him, Orioles also pick John Russell's kid. And I recall the Tigers picked Leyland's kid and the Giants picked Bochy's kid. And in the White Sox case both, Guillen and Kenny Williams sons. But of course the Ripken brand is as big in Baltimore as any last name in their respective baseball circles, so naturally it's going to be a bigger deal.

Honestly, I hope he goes to college and gets picked by another team. The comparisons and pressure will be pretty big here. Of course, it would be cool for him to play at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.

Pretty sure he'll go to college, but you never know.

[Chris B]

Brittany Ghiroli ‏@Britt_Ghiroli

Orioles expect Ryan Ripken to go to South Carolina, but Duq said drafting him was the "right thing to do".

[Chris B]

From The Sun:

“I am excited and honored to have been drafted by the Orioles,” Ripken said in a statement released by a family spokesman. “As everyone knows, the Orioles are tied so closely to my family through my grandfather, uncle [Billy Ripken] and my dad. They have been my team for as long as I can remember so that makes this moment that much more special. Right now I am enjoying the moment with my mom, dad and sister as I prepare to graduate from Gilman this weekend.”

"[My wife] Kelly and I are very happy for Ryan and proud of him,” he said. “This is an exciting day for him and one that he has earned through his hard work. Being drafted is a great thrill for any young ballplayer and Ryan is no different. The fact that he was selected by his hometown team is special and memorable."