The Orioles went to the wire in negotiating a deal with Kevin Gausman, their fourth overall pick during the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. By Friday evening, Gausman was officially an Oriole. The team confirmed it had agreed to terms with Gausman, but did not immediately reveal the details of the deal.

Gausman, a former standout at Louisiana State University who took a physical with the club earlier today, tweeted: "Happy to be the newest member of the Baltimore Orioles organization!!! Living my dream!! #GoBirds!"

The Orioles will hold a press conference, with Gausman, at 6 p.m. July 13.

Gausman, 21, is a 6-foot-4, 185-pound sophomore from Colorado. He went 11-1 with a 2.72 ERA in 115.2 innings and gave up 35 earned runs for LSU during the 2012 season. Gausman struck out 128 batters, walked 27 and had two complete games during 16 starts for the Tigers.

His growth and maturation when compared with the previous season was clear. He was 5-6 with a 3.51 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 89.2 innings in 2011.

After Gausman finished high school, the Los Angeles Dodgers picked him during the sixth round of the 2010 draft. He was a two-time All-State selection, two-time Perfect Game High School All-American, 2009 Under Armour All-American, 2009 AFLAC All-American and gold medal winner with the USA Baseball Junior National Team.

The Orioles have now signed three first-round picks out of LSU, including Mike Fontenot in 2001 and Ben McDonald in 1989.

Posted July 13, 2012