masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWith the fourth pick in tonight’s draft the Orioles went for a college left-hander and took Bethesda, Maryland’s Danny Hultzen from the University of Virginia.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is a two-time ACC pitcher of the year and three-time All-ACC first team pick.

This year so far he is 11-3 with an ERA of 1.57 in 15 starts. Over 103 1/3 innings, he has allowed 69 hits, just three homers, with 17 walks and 148 strikeouts. His batting average against is .189.

Hultzen has pitched four…With the fourth pick in tonight’s draft the Orioles went for a college left-hander and took Bethesda, Maryland’s Danny Hultzen from the University of Virginia.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is a two-time ACC pitcher of the year and three-time All-ACC first team pick.

This year so far he is 11-3 with an ERA of 1.57 in 15 starts. Over 103 1/3 innings, he has allowed 69 hits, just three homers, with 17 walks and 148 strikeouts. His batting average against is .189.

Hultzen has pitched four shutouts this year and is one of three finalists in the country for the Golden Spikes award, which goes to the college game’s top player.

Out of St. Alban’s High in Washington, Hultzen, some say, could move fast through the minors and get to the majors pretty quickly. His fastball is said to be 90-93 and tops out at 95 and 96. His changeup is called his best secondary pitch. His command is considered above average.

Hultzen also has been a force at the plate and has seen more at bats this season. He is batting .336 with 34 runs batted in. He owns 10 doubles, two triples and a home run in 2011.

He is the first Virginia baseball player to earn first-team All-ACC honors three times in a career. Hultzen also is a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and stands on the watch list for the John Olerud Two-Way Player Award. Hultzen has been strong in the classroom as well and was named a 2011 Capital One First Team Academic All-American.

What is your take on the pick of Hultzen?