Tuesday, November 28, 2006

The Baltimore Orioles, hoping to fix what was one of baseball's worst bullpens, signed relief pitcher Danys Baez to a three-year, $19 million deal yesterday. Last season Baez had a 4.53 ERA in 57 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. Baez likely will replace LaTroy Hawkins as the Orioles' primary setup man for closer Chris Ray. Hawkins had a 4.48 ERA in 60 games for Baltimore last season.

"I wanted to go to a team in the American League and on the East Coast," Baez said. "They gave me a very good deal. That was part of the decision."

Baez's contract surely will be scrutinized. Only twice in his career has Baez had an ERA below 3.00, though his career ERA is 3.79. This offseason the Orioles have spent $31 million on relievers Baez and Jamie Walker, a left-handed specialist formerly of the Detroit Tigers.

"I would say the whole market across the board has been on the high side," Orioles Executive Vice President Mike Flanagan said.

Baez has been a closer in the past, but he will not supplant Ray, nor are the Orioles looking to trade Ray, Flanagan said.

"We haven't had any other scenario than Ray as the closer and Baez as the setup man," Flanagan said.

Flanagan said the Orioles aren't done tinkering with their bullpen, though he does not expect any more signings before the start of Monday's winter meetings in Orlando. Baltimore hopes to sign at least another reliever. Former Florida Marlins reliever Joe Borowski has been one of the names mentioned.

Baltimore also hopes to add another hitter. Two of the names that have been linked with the Orioles are Cliff Floyd and Shannon Stewart.

-- Jorge Arangure Jr.