The Orioles signed their first-round draft choice, outfielder Rick Elder, of Marietta, Ga., for $950,000 yesterday, leaving them with 30 unsigned picks.

Elder, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound left-handed hitter, will report to the Gulf Coast League team in Sarasota, Fla., tomorrow.

As a senior, he batted .516 (48-for-93) with 14 homers and 36 RBIs, and was rated the third-best high school power hitter by Baseball America.

"Rick is a big, strong kid with tremendous power potential," said scouting director Gary Nickels. "He is an outstanding athlete who we believe will adjust well to playing in the professional ranks."

Pub Date: 7/11/98