Posted November 27, 200618 yr 'Pen mightier: O's reach agreement with reliever Baez Associated Press BALTIMORE -- Free-agent reliever Danys Baez and the Baltimore Orioles reached a preliminary agreement on a $19 million, three-year contract Sunday night, a move that further solidifies a bullpen that finished with the second-worst ERA in the major leagues last season. The deal is subject to Baez passing a physical, which was likely to be administered Monday, according to the pitcher's agent. Baez went 5-6 with nine saves and a 4.53 ERA for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers this year. The right-hander made the All-Star team in 2005 for Tampa Bay, going 5-4 with 41 saves and a 2.86 ERA. "Danny is extremely excited about going back to the AL East," said Baez's agent, Greg Genske. "He's happy to be going back to the East Coast and playing in Baltimore." The 29-year-old Baez was a closer with the Cleveland Indians in 2003 and Tampa Bay in 2004 and 2005. He will be a set-up man with the Orioles, who are committed to Chris Ray as their stopper. Baltimore last week signed Jamie Walker, a left-handed reliever. The Orioles entered the offseason intent upon overhauling an erratic bullpen that was 19-25 with a 5.25 ERA and 35 saves in 56 opportunities. Baez also was pursued by the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Indians, Genske said. The pitcher made $4 million in 2006. Baez struggled this season after the Dodgers got him in a trade with Tampa Bay. He had nine saves in 16 tries with Los Angeles before being traded to the Braves in late July. He went 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 11 games with the Braves before his season ended on Aug. 26 after an emergency appendectomy. The agreement was first reported on The (Baltimore) Sun's Web site. Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press source
November 27, 200618 yr yeah way too much....... still a solid pickup. I didn't know this but the O's had the 2nd worst bullpen ERA in the AL. At least it's good to know that they're adressing their bullpen problems by getting baez and walker.
November 27, 200618 yr I guess the O's plan to hope pitching prevails this year, their offence needs another big bat.
November 28, 200618 yr geez that's a lot of money for a reliever...but this is what happens when there is little supply and a high demand
November 28, 200618 yr Author geez that's a lot of money for a reliever...but this is what happens when there is little supply and a high demand A lot? Try way too much.
November 28, 200618 yr They never should have traded Britton who was perhaps their best RP for an expensive, washed up starting pitcher who does not improve their starting rotation. That I agree with 100%. It doesn't improve thier rotation. I really want to see some young guys log some innings, or if they're gonna make a trade or signing pick up an ace, which they obviously can't do. I really liked Chris Britton. I met him when he was playing at Frederick (O's high A) and he was a great guy. I wish him the best of luck pitching for the Yankees.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.