Miclat picks Baltimore bucks

Barring an unusual turn of events, Virginia shortstop Greg Miclat will land a new job title today.

Miclat, a fifth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles, is scheduled to meet with team officials today in Maryland, undergo a full physical and then expects to sign a contract, accomplishing his life-long dream of becoming a professional baseball player.

Taken with the 142nd pick overall, Miclat is expected to ink a deal with a signing bonus of $225,000, which will be the largest bonus received thus far by a fifth-round pick. He said he plans to leave Sunday to report to the Orioles’ Gulf Coast League team in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The signing bonus, while less than Miclat originally demanded, was too much to pass up.

“It wasn’t what I originally wanted, but it was too much of a gamble if I came back,” Miclat said. “It was a really hard decision. I had two great options either way. It came down to that I felt I was ready to start my professional career.”

Miclat, who turned 21 last week, would become the fifth Cavalier to sign this summer and the third with eligibility remaining. Underclassmen David Adams (New York Yankees) and Jeremy Farrell (Pittsburgh Pirates) inked deals shortly after the draft, as did senior pitchers Pat McAnaney (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Michael Schwimer (Philadelphia Philles).

Right-handed pitcher Jacob Thompson, a fifth-round pick of the Atlanta Braves, is the lone Cavalier that has not inked a contract thus far. The two parties have until Aug. 15 to agree.

During his time at Virginia, Miclat served as a poster child for the program, tying the school’s career record with 83 stolen bases and posted the single-season record in the category in 2007 with 32. The North Carolina native also ranks seventh in career runs scored (156) and 13th in career hits (209).

“Greg has always been a very unselfish team player and I know this baseball program means a lot for him,” said Virginia coach Brian O’Connor, “but at the end of the day he needs to do what is best for his future. We are truly excited for Greg to open this chapter in his career.”

Miclat met with O’Connor and associate head coach Kevin McMullan on Wednesday to relay his intentions.

“I was nervous about telling them, but they made it a lot more comfortable,” Miclat said. “The coaches at Virginia are a great group of men. There’s not anything that I can say to really describe what they have meant to me.”

Miclat said his decision was easier based on his progression towards his degree at Virginia. He will likely need to return for only one fall semester to complete the requirements.

Without Miclat back in the fold, Virginia likely take a look at a host of infielders at shortstop in the fall. Rising junior Tyler Cannon, redshirt sophomore Corey Hunt and sophomore Phil Gosselin gained collegiate experience at the spot as Miclat worked to regain arm strength after undergoing surgery with Dr. James Andrews at the end of the 2007 season.

It also remains unclear how many of the incoming recruits will sign. It is expected that the negotiations with outfielder Peter Hissey and the Boston Red Sox will land a seven-figure signing bonus and first baseman prospect Tyler Massey signed July 22 with the Colorado Rockies.

Massey, who is from Chattanooga, Tenn., signed for a $525,000 signing bonus, the largest amount given thus far to a player selected after the 10th round, according to Baseball America.