Dan Connolly

O’s first-rounder Sedlock can’t wait to pitch again — or get a crabcake

By Dan Connolly

Posted on June 17, 2016

The Orioles didn’t take long to wrap up their first pick of the draft, announcing Friday that they had agreed to terms with University of Illinois right-hander Cody Sedlock, who was taken 27th overall last Thursday.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder signed for the suggested slot bonus of $2,097,200, according to an industry source.

“Everything was open and on the table right away and there were really no questions about it. It was just a matter of paying a little attention to the details, if you will,” said Orioles scouting director Gary Rajsich at Friday’s news conference to introduce Sedlock. “We are happy to have him. We were anxious to sign him and he was ready to sign, so it just kind of came together really fast.”

The 20-year-old will report to the organization’s minor league complex in Sarasota, Fla., to be evaluated and throw several bullpens – and maybe an inning or two in the Gulf Coast League – but he likely will be pitching at Short-A Aberdeen fairly shortly.

And that’s great for Sedlock, who said he hasn’t pitched in a month and a day – not that he is counting – since his Illini squad’s season ended.

“Ever since then I just want to get back on the mound as quick as possible and get into the system,” he said.

Rajsich said Sedlock is the first of several high picks whose signings will be announced within the next week.

“We are very close on several others,” Rajsich said. “I can’t announce any signings at this time, but hopefully by next week we will have several more in the nest.”

The Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and a Baseball America All-American, Sedlock has an arsenal of four pitches, including a mid-90s fastball, an above-average slider, a changeup and, as Rajsich called it, a “hammer” curve.

Attending the news conference with his parents, Sedlock said he’s spend the last couple days in Baltimore – all draftees have to go through a team physical before signing — and has been thoroughly impressed by the passion of the fans.

“One thing I noticed is that if you are driving down the street, and you see anyone, everyone is wearing Orioles stuff,” said Sedlock, who attended high school in Rock Island, Illinois. “Everyone you meet, they are big Orioles fans and it just seems like the fans in this city, and the outside areas, are the best in the country. They’re so welcoming to me.”

He also likely endeared himself to Baltimore-area fans with this nugget: “I can’t wait to get myself some crabcakes, I haven’t gotten any of those yet.”