Steve Melewski informs us that the Orioles are getting closer to signing first-round pick Matt Hobgood. Hobgood will travel to Baltimore this week to take a physical, and could have a press conference and be introduced at Camden Yards as soon as next Saturday.
Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan has said that Hobgood will likely pitch in the Gulf Coast League when he signs, and could possibly move up later in the summer.
The O's aren't close to signing second-rounder Mychal Givens, but are expected to sign sixth-round pick Justin Dallas and 23rd rounder Michael Mooney soon.
