ORIOLES NOTEBOOK
Free Agent Ortiz Signs With Team
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Sunday, June 25, 2006
BALTIMORE, June 24 -- The Baltimore Orioles will soon announce the signing of free agent pitcher Russ Ortiz, recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks, to a contract for the remainder of the season worth the prorated league minimum of $327,000. Ortiz will eventually land in the rotation, but it's unsure at this point when that will be.
"A lot depends on what shape he's in," Orioles Vice President Jim Duquette said. "He hasn't thrown in awhile."
John Boggs, Ortiz's agent, said the pitcher was eager to work with Orioles pitching coach Leo Mazzone, with whom Ortiz had tremendous success in Atlanta. In two seasons with the Braves, Ortiz was 36-16 with a 3.97 ERA.
"That's why the Orioles were the front-runners from the beginning," Boggs said.
Ortiz's success in Atlanta helped him get a four-year, $33 million contract with the Diamondbacks during the 2004 offseason. But Ortiz fizzled in Arizona. He compiled a 5-16 record with a 6.99 ERA. The Diamondbacks decided to cut Ortiz on June 14 despite the fact he is still owed $22 million through the 2008 season.
The Orioles aren't responsible for any of that contract. Ortiz will become a free agent after the season.
Negotiations Stall
Duquette said the Orioles aren't close to signing first-round draft pick Billy Rowell, the ninth pick overall. The Orioles are offering a $2 million bonus. Rowell, who has committed to attend the University of Alabama, is asking for $2.1 million.
The Orioles are basing their offer on the $2 million bonus signed by Drew Stubbs, the eighth pick by the Cincinnati Reds. But seventh pick Clayton Kershaw signed a $2.3 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Based on the bonus amount suggested by the commissioner's office, Rowell slots in at the $2.1 million he is requesting.
UP NEXT Today vs. Nationals 1:35 p.m. Cabrera (4-4, 4.64) vs. Hernandez (5-8, 5.64) MASN, WDCA-20, Comcast SportsNet, WTWP-FM-107.7, WTWP-1500, WAGE-1200, WTEM-980 Tuesday vs. Phillies 7:05 p.m. Bedard (7-6, 5.09) vs. Hamels (1-3, 4.41) Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980
