Unless you’ve been on Planet Zog over the last few days, you’ll be well aware that the top Minor League prospect in baseball is about to graduate to the Majors.

Matt Wieter’s scheduled debut tonight has gained a great deal of publicity, which tells you a lot about just how talented a player he is.  Expectations are sky-high and the catcher will need to go 5-for-5 with a couple of homers against the Tigers to not be seen as a disappointment by some. 

Clearly we need to rein in our enthusiasm a little bit.  Regardless of his talent, the Majors will be a steep learning curve for Wieters and we shouldn’t expect too much too soon.  Yet he has been wowing scouts for so long that you wouldn’t be too shocked if he took to the Big Leagues with ease.  That’s a scary thought.

The best thing about the hoopla for me is that it’s a rare moment in the sun for the Orioles.  Their fans haven’t had much to get excited about in recent years.  Those Orioles fans heading to Camden Yards today will have a spring in their step, bursting with excitement about the most eagerly anticipated game played by Baltimore for a while. 

What’s more, this won’t just be a one-night-stand.  Wieters looks like a star in the making, a player who will symbolize the organization for years to come.  With the likes of Nick Markakis and Adam Jones already playing in the Majors and some young pitching talent also making its way to The Show quickly, tonight could be the start of a great era of baseball in Baltimore. 

First pitch in tonight’s game is scheduled for 07.05pm Eastern Time, which makes for a five past midnight start here in Britain.  I’m sure I won’t be the only Brit staying up to watch it.

No pressure Matt!