Catcher Matt Wieters‘ eyes and mind are fixated on the future.  And why shouldn’t they be.

The Baltimore Orioles’ prize prospect was named Baseball America’s 2008 Minor League Player of the Year following his first full professional season, a campaign that saw him bat .345 with 15 home runs for Class A Frederick and .365 with 12 homers for Double-A Bowie.

Related Links:
>> Matt Wieters Bio
>> Orioles Current Depth Chart

But while Weiters’ appears to be the O’s future behind the plate, his ticket for Orioles Park at Camden Yards hasn’t been punched just yet.

According to a published report by MLB.com, Andy MacPhail, Baltimore’s president of baseball operations, has gone on record as saying that he’d prefer that Wieters begin the season at Triple-A Norfolk and receive the Call-Up to the Majors sometime before the All-Star break.

Taking a cautious approach, the Orioles are trying to set Weiters up for success.  The team evacuated Ramon Hernandez via trade to clear a path for the emerging star and signed free-agent verteran stopper Gregg Zaun to serve as mentor.  

“I understand my role, because the Orioles made that role very clear, and I have no problem with it,” says Zaun in an interview with MLB.com. “I’m just happy to be back with the Baltimore organization, because this is where I had my start.”

Zaun added: “I’m here to make myself available and I want Matt to be inquisitive. I’m here to answer questions and give guidance. I’m not a coach yet, but I’m going to do everything I possibly can to prepare Matt.”

Son of a former Minor League Pitcher, Richard, the younger Weiters has a clear perspective on his priorities as a player.  

“Being a catcher, it’s a whole lot more important what you do behind the plate than at the plate.  Every base hit and extra base hit you get is a bonus.”

“He’s the real deal,” says Zaun.

Quotes courtesy of MLB.com