Orioles Acquire Hawkins for Kline
Team Looks to Sign Catcher Hernandez

By Jorge Arangure Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2005

DALLAS, Dec. 6 -- It was not a significant move made on Tuesday by the Baltimore Orioles in acquiring San Francisco Giants reliever LaTroy Hawkins in exchange for reliever Steve Kline, but perhaps it is a start for a team whose offseason plan is taking form. On the second day of baseball's winter meetings the Orioles found a new arm for their bullpen and, according to one high-level team source, were close to signing free agent catcher Ramon Hernandez to what is believed to be a three-year deal.

The acquisition of Hernandez, which the source said could happen Wednesday, would mean Javy Lopez would split time at first base and designated hitter. Hernandez, who hit .290 with 12 home runs last season for the San Diego Padres, was perhaps the class of the free agent catchers.

The Orioles had not heavily considered signing a catcher but were encouraged when the market turned in their favor after the New York Mets traded for Paul Lo Duca. Baltimore did not stop there.

In an attempt to further improve the offense, the Orioles also met with agent Arn Tellem regarding free agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra on Tuesday, but no contract specifics were discussed, according to team vice president Mike Flanagan. Manager Sam Perlozzo also called Garciaparra to express the team's interest. Flanagan said Tellem believed Garciaparra would narrow his choices in about a couple of weeks.

One baseball source said the Orioles also spoke with Jacque Jones's representatives, though Flanagan said the team had not had any conversations about the outfielder. Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Lyle Overbay might also be an option.

Baltimore is still interested in free agent pitchers Jarrod Washburn and Kevin Millwood, but haven't met with agent Scott Boras and weren't scheduled to do so as of early Tuesday evening. The Orioles, according to one source, are interested in Kenny Rogers, also a Boras client. Another possible Orioles target, according to the source, is Minnesota Twins pitcher Kyle Lohse. One team source said the Orioles still have some interest in New York Mets pitcher Kris Benson.

For now, the Orioles will be content to add the talented but erratic Hawkins to the bullpen. Flanagan said Hawkins, who was 2-8 with a 3.83 ERA for the Giants and Chicago Cubs last season, might replace B.J. Ryan as the team's closer next year. The Orioles hope that Chris Ray, a rookie last season, can eventually take over the role.

One team source said free agent reliever Todd Jones probably won't be signed. Baltimore believes Jones could get a two-year deal worth $10 million and the Orioles aren't willing to pay that much. The source said also said he believed Jones isn't seriously considering Baltimore and is only using the Orioles for leverage.

Hawkins was a disappointment for the Cubs, who signed the right-hander to a three-year, $11 million contract before the 2004 season. Kline was 2-4 with a 4.28 ERA in his first year with the Orioles after signing a two-year, $5.5 million deal before last year. Kline did not endear himself to Orioles fans after telling a St. Louis reporter he had regretted leaving St. Louis.

Orioles legend Cal Ripken appeared on the meetings' main stage Tuesday to announce the formation of an investment group, made up of current and former players, that will seek to expand Ripken's growing collection of minor league franchises.

Ripken has had discussions about a potential role with at least two groups seeking to purchase the Washington Nationals, and a source close to Ripken said he expects those talks to intensify as MLB nears a sale of the team.

Staff writer Dave Sheinin contributed to this report.