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Baseball Free Agency Rumors... (2 Viewers)

Millwood Accepts Arbitration with Phillies

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1690150

PHILADELPHIA -- Kevin Millwood accepted the Philadelphia Phillies' offer of salary arbitration on Friday.

Millwood, who made $9.9 million in his first season with the Phillies, had been seeking a five-year contract worth about $15 million per season. By accepting the offer, he is considered to be a signed player under baseball's rules.

The Phillies offered the right-hander a three-year deal believed to be worth $30 million with an option for a fourth year. Millwood rejected the offer, which the Phillies withdrew when they acquired former All-Star Eric Milton from Minnesota earlier this month.

It was a surprise when the Phillies made the arbitration offer Dec. 7, but general manager Ed Wade said the team was willing to take on Millwood's salary for one year, even though it would put them "significantly over budget."

Millwood figures to earn about $11 million next season. He had until midnight Friday to accept arbitration.

The Phillies already have added All-Star closer Billy Wagner, who will make $8 million in 2004, and Milton, due to make $9 million in the final year of his contract.

Millwood will anchor a rotation that could be one of the best in baseball. Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla, Milton and Millwood have been All-Stars, and Brett Myers could even be better.

Phillies manager Larry Bowa already has said that Millwood will start on opening day for the second consecutive season.

Millwood went 14-12 with a 4.01 ERA for the Phillies last year, and pitched a no-hitter against San Francisco on April 27.

He had a poor finish, going 0-3 with two no-decisions in his last five starts, including two disappointing outings against eventual World Series winner Florida with the wild card at stake. In his last start, he left the field at Veterans Stadium in a strange moment, throwing his glove and hat into the stands as many fans booed.

Millwood was acquired from Atlanta for catcher Johnny Estrada a year ago in a cost-cutting move by the Braves. The Phillies had hoped to sign Millwood to a contract extension, but talks broke off early last season.

Millwood, who turns 29 on Dec. 24, is 89-58 with a 3.78 ERA. He won 17 games in his first full season in 1998 and twice has won 18 games.

The Phillies won 86 games last season, but finished 15 games behind Atlanta and five behind Florida. They had a half-game lead over the Marlins with eight games left, but were eliminated after losing the next six games.

Philadelphia has spent a lot of money the last two years, beginning with the signings of free agents Jim Thome ($85 million over six years) and David Bell ($17 million over four seasons) last year.

The Phillies are moving into a new ballpark in April and expect to generate more revenue. They could enter spring training as the favorite to win the NL East.

 
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Orioles Reach Agreement With Javy Lopez

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12222003/v3988.html

BALTIMORE (AP) - Javy Lopez agreed to a $22.5 million, three-year deal with Baltimore on Monday, giving the Orioles a big hitter and another addition to their rebuilding program.

The deal for the All-Star catcher is contingent on the free agent passing a team physical.

"Javy Lopez provides us with a solid catcher and another explosive bat for our lineup," Orioles vice president of baseball operations Mike Flanagan said in a statement.

A news conference was scheduled for later in the day. Lopez's agent, Chuck Berry, was not immediately available for comment.

Lopez, 33, hit .328 last season for the Atlanta Braves, with 43 homers and 109 RBIs, both career highs. It was his best year since 1998, when he hit .284 with 34 homers and 106 RBIs.

But the cost-cutting Braves decided not to re-sign him and didn't offer salary arbitration Dec. 7, meaning he couldn't re-sign with them until May 1.

Baltimore already has added shortstop Miguel Tejada. The 2002 AL Most Valuable Player agreed a week ago to a $72 million, six-year contract.

Team officials have also been speaking with the agent of outfielder Vladimir Guerrero. Before reaching the deal with Lopez, there had also been negotiations with prominent free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Flanagan said Lopez is a "veteran presence" who "played a big part in creating and maintaining Atlanta's winning environment over the last decade."

Baltimore has finished fourth in the AL East for six consecutive seasons behind the New York Yankees, Boston and Toronto.

Lopez gets a $1.5 million signing bonus, $5.5 million in 2004, $7 million in 2005 and $8.5 million in 2006. He can earn an additional $350,000 per year in performance bonuses: $100,000 each for 450 and 500 plate appearances, and $150,000 for 550 plate appearances.

 
The Red Sox are holding a 3 PM press conference.I was on SoSH and Gerigh38(Curt Schilling) said that himself.I wonder what it could be about.......

 
Marlins sign Benitez, non-tender Looper

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/base...es.r/index.html

MIAMI (Ticker) -- While saying goodbye to two closers from their world championship team, the Florida Marlins will be welcoming one of the best statistically over the past six years.

With Ugueth Urbina already out of the picture via free agency, the Marlins on Saturday non-tendered Braden Looper and signed fellow righthander Armando Benitez to a one-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed on the deal, which becomes official after Benitez completes a physical.

Looper recorded 28 saves last season but lost his closer's job down the stretch to Urbina, who posted six saves after being acquired from Texas in July.

Urbina, who also had three wins and a 1.41 ERA in 33 games, held the job in the postseason, going 1-0 with four saves, two in the World Series.

Benitez posted a 4-4 record with 21 saves and a 2.96 ERA in 69 games with the New York Mets, New York Yankees and Seattle last season. The 31-year-old, who was the Mets' lone All-Star representative before being traded across town in July, appeared in just nine games with the Yankees before being shipped to the Mariners.

With 182 saves since becoming Baltimore's closer in 1998, Benitez ranks sixth in the major leagues. The Dominican native has a career save success mark of 84.9 percent, which is ninth-best all-time.

In 564 career games, Benitez is 30-31 with 197 saves and a 3.03 ERA.

The Marlins also agreed to terms with shortstop Alex Gonzalez on a two-year contract and righthander A.J. Burnett on a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The light-hitting Gonzalez enjoyed a breakout season in 2003, batting .256 with 18 home runs and 77 RBI, both career highs. He struggled in the postseason before belting the game-winning homer in the 12th inning of Game Four of the World Series, igniting a three-game winning streak for the Marlins.

In 607 career games, the 26-year-old Gonzalez owns a .244 average with 53 homers and 251 RBI.

Burnett, 26, made just four starts for Florida last season, going 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA. He underwent "Tommy John" surgery in late April and was shelved for the remainder of the year.

Drafted by the Mets in 1995, Burnett is 30-32 with nine complete games, six shutouts and a 3.86 ERA in 82 games, including two relief appearances.

In addition to Looper, the Marlins elected to non-tender relievers Armando Almanza and Toby Borland.

The 31-year-old Almanza appeared in 51 games in 2003, going 4-5 with a 6.08 ERA. The lefthander is 13-12 with two saves and a 4.79 ERA in 235 career games.

Borland, 34, posted a 1.86 ERA in seven games with the Marlins last season. In 189 major league games with Philadelphia, Boston, the Mets, Anaheim and Florida, he is 10-8 with eight saves and a 4.08 ERA.

 
Don't remember seeing this here, but ESPN published the complete non-tender list:ANAHEIM (1) -- Shawn Wooten, c-inf.BALTIMORE (2) -- Jason Johnson, rhp; Damian Moss, lhp.BOSTON (6) -- Edwin Almonte, rhp; Damian Jackson, inf; Gabe Kapler, of; Lou Merloni, inf; Scott Sauerbeck, lhp; Jason Shiell, rhp.CLEVELAND (2) -- Danys Baez, rhp; Carl Sadler, lhp.DETROIT (2) -- Ben Petrick, c-inf; Andy Van Hekken, lhp.KANSAS CITY (1) -- Kris Wilson, rhp.MINNESOTA (1) -- Augie Ojeda, inf.NEW YORK (2) -- David Dellucci, of; Karim Garcia, of.OAKLAND (3) -- Jeremy Fikac, rhp; Frank Menechino, inf; Mark Redman, lhp (signed with the A's).TAMPA BAY (3) -- Marlon Anderson, 2b; Gerardo Garcia, rhp; Jared Sandberg, inf.TEXAS (1) -- Jason Tyner, of.TORONTO (2) -- Trever Miller, lhp; Cliff Politte, rhp.ARIZONA (1) -- Rod Barajas, c.CHICAGO (3) -- Michael Barrett, c; Scott Chiasson, rhp; Randall Simon, 1b.CINCINNATI (3) -- Russell Branyan, inf; Ruben Mateo, of; Reggie Taylor, of.COLORADO (4) -- Scott Elarton, rhp; Matt Miller, rhp; Jay Payton, of; Kit Pellow, inf.FLORIDA (3) -- Armando Almanza, lhp; Toby Borland, rhp; Braden Looper, rhp.HOUSTON (1) -- Nate Bland, lhp.LOS ANGELES (3) -- Michael Brohawn, lhp ; Alfredo Gonzalez, rhp; Derek Thompson, lhp.MILWAUKEE (1) -- Jayson Durocher, rhp.MONTREAL (3) -- Hector Almonte, rhp; Orlando Hernandez, rhp; Britt Reames, rhp.NEW YORK (3) -- Pedro Feliciano, lhp; Jeremy Hill, rhp; Scott Strickland, rhp.PHILADELPHIA (2) -- Travis Chapman, 3b; Valerio De Los Santos, lhp.PITTSBURGH (1) -- Mike Lincoln, rhp.ST. LOUIS (1) -- Gene Stechschulte, rhp.SAN DIEGO (3) -- Mike Matthews, lhp; Miguel Ojeda, c; Todd Sears, inf.____________The only names that jump out at me are Jay Payton, Brandon Looper and Mike Lincoln. I see El Duque is back on the block. He might be interesting in a Mets uniform.

 
Tigers Sign Jason Johnson to Bolster Rotation

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12302003/v3460.html

DETROIT (AP) - Jason Johnson likes the changes going on in Detroit, so he decided to join the Tigers.

The right-hander who pitched the five previous seasons with Baltimore agreed to a $7 million, two-year contract with the Tigers on Tuesday.

In recent weeks, the Tigers also added second baseman Fernando Vina and outfielder Rondell White.

"I'm pretty excited about Detroit," Johnson said Tuesday from his home in Florida. "They went out and got some good players. I think I can really contribute and make a big difference. The front office and team made me feel really important."

Johnson, 30, was the Orioles' second-winningest starter behind Sidney Ponson last season, going 10-10 with a 4.18 ERA in 189 2-3 innings. His victories matched a career high, set in 2001.

The Tigers, coming off one of the worst seasons in major league history, set out this offseason to sign a second baseman, an outfielder, a pitcher and a shortstop.

Consider them 75 percent to their goal.

"Jason Johnson is a veteran starter we were looking to sign this winter," said Dave Dombrowski, Detroit's president and general manager. "He is a pitcher that will give us a lot of quality innings."

Shortly after Vina agreed to a $6 million, two-year contract earlier this month, White accepted a deal for the same money and reliever Al Levine agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees him $925,000, a deal that includes a team option for 2005.

Vina helped the Tigers sign White, and both players attracted Levine.

All of those signings appear to have helped them land Johnson.

Johnson, who became a free agent when Baltimore failed to offer a contract by the Dec. 20 deadline, has started 133 major league games. He is 36-58 with a 4.91 ERA over seven seasons with the Orioles, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay.

He gets $3 million next season and $4 million in 2005. Johnson can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses over the two seasons.

"They believe in me, and I'm prepared to prove them right," said Johnson, who is looking forward to pitching in spacious Comerica Park.

"It's a really nice field. It's really big. You hear about that from pitchers and batters alike."

To make room on the 40-man roster, Detroit designated right-handed pitcher John Ennis for assignment.

 
I'm liking what the Tigers are doing a lot. They aren't going for the big name player, and they aren't panicing and getting crap. They are getting good solid players that should work well with the young nucleus of the team. If they keep this up they should be a winning franchise in 2 or 3 years.And, once again, the stupidity of teams like the Rangers is clear. Johnson is by no means Roger Clemens but he is decent arm, and someone that Texas could use. But no, they are so busy on stupid stuff that they let John Thompson get away and it looks like they didn't even make a play for Johnson. Do they understand that they need pitching?I doubt it.Good moves by the Tigers. Solid all around.

 
In other baseball news:The Orioles signed RP Mike DeJean. My guess is that they hope he can perform well enough to take on the closer role, because Julio is awful. Solid signing, but nothing flashy. He won't be Mariano, but he might be able to get them 25 saves.Brian Daubach is back with the Red Sox. Nothing special there.Rangers signed David Dellucci. I have no idea why - another waste of time and money by one of the worst run organizations is professional sports.Devil Rays signed C Brook Fordyce. Good move here. A veteran guy that can teach Toby Hall and back him up. A solid move as Pinella works to build that franchise into a good one.The Reds signed SP Cory Lidle. Another 30 year old pitcher that the Rangers seemed to not be interested in. Good signing by the Reds, but to be honest, if I'm a pitcher, I take less money to play anywhere but Colorado and Cincinnati. Infield pop ups go 400 feet in those parks. I'd stay away from Lidle in any fantasy league.The Expos signed Tony Batista to play 3rd. A good signing by them.Brian Jordan goes to the Rangers. Someone needs to explain to me just what in the hell the Rangers are doing. A blind monkey on crack could run this team better.I think those are update moves. It's been an interesting offseason.

 
Someone needs to explain to me just what in the hell the Rangers are doing. A blind monkey on crack could run this team better.
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I think you're insulting blind monkeys on crack. Texas just does not have a clue. They need to admit the Arod contract was a mistake and make whatever deal necessary to get someone to take him. Then rebuild from the ground up. They actually have some decent young players.My league uses OBP instead of BA, so Batista would be a real drag on my team average. Ane there seem to be more good 3B than in the recent past.
 
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Devil Rays signed C Brook Fordyce. Good move here. A veteran guy that can teach Toby Hall and back him up. A solid move as Pinella works to build that franchise into a good one.
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Yeah, I'm sorry to see Fordyce leave Camden Yards. I guess they are going to let Geronimo Gil back up Javy Lopez but I'd rather have Fordyce who is a class act all around. You know that two years ago he almost died of some weird blood thing that he suffered in spring training.Losing Batista and Jason Johnson don't bother me, but who's gonna play 3rd? And I sure wish Vlad would poop or get off the pot. :thumbdown:
 
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padres are going to sign WellslinkI believe this leaves the yanks with no left handed starters....
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I'd still rather have Brown than Pettite
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brown won't come close to thirty innings again..lucky if he pitches half of that..always injured
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I'll bet you 100 bucks he gets 30 innings. He's had arm problems the last couple years, but before that he was considered a rubber armed freak. I'd take 25 brown starts over 30 Pettite starts, you are looking at about half the ERA.
 
I'll bet you 100 bucks he gets 30 innings. He's had arm problems the last couple years, but before that he was considered a rubber armed freak. I'd take 25 brown starts over 30 Pettite starts, you are looking at about half the ERA.
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As Casey Stengel said, "you can look it up."1998 SD 257 IP1999 LA 252 IP2000 LA 230 IP2001 LA 116 IP2002 LA 64 IP 2003 LA 211So except for the last part of 2001 and 2002, he's pitched his share of innings. He's 39, so eventually he's got to fade, but I don't think he's a big an injury risk as people think.
 
David Wells:SD Padres::Emmitt Smith:Arizona Cardinals
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Not really, Emmitt was a lifetime Cowboy and all-time great.This is Wells' 6th team, he was a Bluejay for twice as long as he was a Yankee, and he is an all-time pretty good.

Editted: It's his 7th team.

 
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Rays sign Danys Baez:

http://rays.tbo.com/rays/MGAHBZDX1PD.html

I like this move a lot.

Rays will probably take him to camp and give him a shot at the rotation (lacking a #5), but if that doesn't go well, shuffle him into the closers role.

The Rays moved Carter in and out of the closer spot a little during the summer...he broke down in June and wasn't exactly reliable as the season wore on.

Nice move, I like it a lot...if they were in the AL Central, I think they could compete.

But they aren't. :( :wall:

 
I heard Roberto Alomar was about to sign with the Dodgers.
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Here's the info and the link.LINKPHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a contract with 12-time All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar, his agent confirmed Tuesday.A team source told The Associated Press on Monday night that a deal was imminent.Alomar, 35, has been working out in the Phoenix area for several weeks. Adding Alomar would cement an infield that includes Shea Hillenbrand at third, newly acquired Richie Sexson at first and Alex Cintron at shortstop.The addition of Alomar would free Matt Kata -- a rookie last season -- to move into the utility role previously occupied by Craig Counsell, because Kata can play second, shortstop or third.Alomar, entering his 17th big-league season, became a free agent when the Chicago White Sox declined to offer him arbitration.Alomar had a disappointing stint with the New York Mets before being traded to Chicago on July 1.Alomar earned $8 million in the final year of his contract last season, but reportedly was willing to take less from the financially strapped Diamondbacks, despite more lucrative offers elsewhere.After two sub-par seasons, he would come to Arizona motivated to return to the form that he showed through most of a career that could land him in the Hall of Fame.Alomar came to New York in an eight-player trade with Cleveland after batting .336 with 20 home runs and 100 RBI for the Indians in 2001.A 10-time Gold Glove winner, he hit just .266 in 2002, matching a career-low he set in his rookie season in 1988. Alomar was batting just .262 when the trade to Chicago was made, and batted .253 for the White Sox.Alomar began his major league career in San Diego, then played for Toronto, Baltimore, Cleveland, the Mets and the White Sox.He would be the second significant acquisition by the Diamondbacks, who sent Counsell, Junior Spivey and four other players to Milwaukee for Sexson on Dec. 1.
 
The Mets are once again teasing me and making me look like a fool as I get unnecessarily excited by this Vlad hype hitting Queens. :wall:

 
This Vlad thing is really picking up steam here in NYC today. Finally figured out the Mets offer:Base of 3 years for $30 million (the least he could make)Two year option at the same salaryIncentives: $4 million a year for 400 at bats a year.So if Vlad plays for the three years plus the two optional years and gets400 at bats each of those years he can make $70 million. Orioles offer: 5 years for $65 million guaranteedTorture. :wall:

 
This Vlad thing is really picking up steam here in NYC today. Finally figured out the Mets offer:Base of 3 years for $30 million (the least he could make)Two year option at the same salaryIncentives: $4 million a year for 400 at bats a year.So if Vlad plays for the three years plus the two optional years and gets400 at bats each of those years he can make $70 million. Orioles offer: 5 years for $65 million guaranteedTorture. :wall:
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So it's basically $30 M w/a chance to make $70 M vs $65 M guaranteed.I know what I'd do, and it wouldn't include playing at Shea.
 
This Vlad thing is really picking up steam here in NYC today. Finally figured out the Mets offer:Base of 3 years for $30 million (the least he could make)Two year option at the same salaryIncentives: $4 million a year for 400 at bats a year.So if Vlad plays for the three years plus the two optional years and gets400 at bats each of those years he can make $70 million. Orioles offer: 5 years for $65 million guaranteedTorture. :wall:
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So it's basically $30 M w/a chance to make $70 M vs $65 M guaranteed.I know what I'd do, and it wouldn't include playing at Shea.
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Hey it's a good offer by the Mets and a smart one. The incentives are easy to reach if his back is OK, which he insists it is. If he plays 100 games a year the contract is worth $14 million a year. Plus he has an out after 3 years if he thinks he can make more elsewhere or if things are going bad at Shea. He wants to stay in the NL and with him and Reyes Shea will be the headquarters for the Dominican Day Parade. Or he can go to Balt. and fight it out for 3rd place in the AL East for the next 5 years. :rotflmao:
 
I would REALLY like to see Vlad leave the NL East.
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I think fans of the AL East would prefer Vlad stays in the NL East.However, the odds are extremely high he goes to Balt. 5 million over 5 years is not that big of a deal.Besides, mosts of the fans in the AL East would prefer they sign Vlad to a huge deal instead of some top notch pitcher.
 
I think fans of the AL East would prefer Vlad stays in the NL East.
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That guy has been killing Phillies pitching since he came into the league. I know, I know, he kills EVERYBODY's pitching, but he always seems to have 3 or 4 hits and at least 1 HR against Philly.
 
Besides, mosts of the fans in the AL East would prefer they sign Vlad to a huge deal instead of some top notch pitcher.
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Supposedly a deal is almost in place to bring Sir Sidney Ponson back to Charm City. Also Rafe Palmerio is set to return too.
 
Or he can go to Balt. and fight it out for 3rd place in the AL East for the next 5 years. :rotflmao:
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Like playing for the Mets is synonymous with winning? At least the Orioles could think about contending for a wildcard spot. What can the Mets offer more than the Expos did or the O's would?
 
Like playing for the Mets is synonymous with winning? At least the Orioles could think about contending for a wildcard spot. What can the Mets offer more than the Expos did or the O's would?
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The Mets sucked in 1996 and made the playoffs 3 years later and then WS. The Orioles have been in 4th place for 6 straight years I believe? And the NL East doesn't haev teams called the Yankees and Red Sox. The Mutts may be sad but at least there is a chance. The Orioles are fighting for 3rd in that division for the till 2010.
 
The Mets sucked in 1996 and made the playoffs 3 years later and then WS. The Orioles have been in 4th place for 6 straight years I believe? And the NL East doesn't haev teams called the Yankees and Red Sox. The Mutts may be sad but at least there is a chance. The Orioles are fighting for 3rd in that division for the till 2010.
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I think if they sign all these guys, they are fighting for 2nd. Even if they end up 3rd, they are going to win a hell of a lot more games than the Mets will. Its not like the Mets are a player or 6 away either.
 
Rafael Palmeiro signs with Baltimore Orioles

http://sports.iwon.com/news/01102004/v7142.html

BALTIMORE (AP) - Rafael Palmeiro is returning to Baltimore, where he enjoyed five outstanding seasons before his acrimonious departure in 1998.

Palmeiro, 39, agreed to terms with the Orioles on Saturday, accepting a one-year contract with a club option for 2005. The first baseman-designated hitter became a free agent after spending the past five seasons with the Texas Rangers.

Palmeiro hit .260 with 38 homers and 112 RBIs last year. During an outstanding career that began in 1986 with the Chicago Cubs, he's hit .291 with 2,780 hits and 528 home runs.

"Raffy is one of the steadiest, most consistent hitters in the game. He's a former team MVP and helped us to the postseason twice," said Mike Flanagan, Orioles vice president for baseball operations.

After the strike-shortened 1994 season, Palmeiro averaged 40 home runs and 119 RBIs in his final four years with Baltimore. He helped the Orioles reach the playoffs in 1996 and 1997, and made the All-Star team in 1998.

But Baltimore moved slowly in negotiating a new deal after the 1998 season, and Palmeiro ultimately rejected a five-year, $50 million offer from the Orioles and signed a five-year, $45 million contract with Texas.

At the time, Palmeiro said the deciding factor was that he wanted to play close to home. The Orioles privately accused him of prolonging negotiations to drive up the Rangers' offer.

And now, the Orioles and Palmeiro are united again with the same goal: to reach the playoffs.

"It brings another powerful hitter to the middle of our lineup," Flanagan said.

Coming off a team-record sixth straight losing season, Baltimore has undergone a dramatic facelift this offseason in an effort to challenge Boston and the New York Yankees in the AL East.

After hiring Lee Mazzilli as their new manager, the Orioles raided the free agent market and nabbed Palmeiro, shortstop Miguel Tejada and catcher Javy Lopez - all three of whom are represented by the same agents, Fernando Cuza and Diego Benz.

The Orioles still hope to add standout outfielder Vladimir Guerrero and pitcher Sidney Ponson, another former Oriole, by next week.

Palmeiro has played in at least 154 games every year since 1995, although recently most of his playing time has been as a DH. He probably will split time at first base with Jay Gibbons, David Segui and B.J. Surhoff.

Palmeiro could reach 600 home runs and 3,000 hits before the end of the 2005 season. He has hit at least 38 homers in each of the last nine years.

 
[QUOTE=']Rafael Palmeiro signs with Baltimore Orioles

http://sports.iwon.com/news/01102004/v7142.html

BALTIMORE (AP) - Rafael Palmeiro is returning to Baltimore, where he enjoyed five outstanding seasons before his acrimonious departure in 1998.

Palmeiro, 39, agreed to terms with the Orioles on Saturday, accepting a one-year contract with a club option for 2005. The first baseman-designated hitter became a free agent after spending the past five seasons with the Texas Rangers.

Palmeiro hit .260 with 38 homers and 112 RBIs last year. During an outstanding career that began in 1986 with the Chicago Cubs, he's hit .291 with 2,780 hits and 528 home runs.

"Raffy is one of the steadiest, most consistent hitters in the game. He's a former team MVP and helped us to the postseason twice," said Mike Flanagan, Orioles vice president for baseball operations.

After the strike-shortened 1994 season, Palmeiro averaged 40 home runs and 119 RBIs in his final four years with Baltimore. He helped the Orioles reach the playoffs in 1996 and 1997, and made the All-Star team in 1998.

But Baltimore moved slowly in negotiating a new deal after the 1998 season, and Palmeiro ultimately rejected a five-year, $50 million offer from the Orioles and signed a five-year, $45 million contract with Texas.

At the time, Palmeiro said the deciding factor was that he wanted to play close to home. The Orioles privately accused him of prolonging negotiations to drive up the Rangers' offer.

And now, the Orioles and Palmeiro are united again with the same goal: to reach the playoffs.

"It brings another powerful hitter to the middle of our lineup," Flanagan said.

Coming off a team-record sixth straight losing season, Baltimore has undergone a dramatic facelift this offseason in an effort to challenge Boston and the New York Yankees in the AL East.

After hiring Lee Mazzilli as their new manager, the Orioles raided the free agent market and nabbed Palmeiro, shortstop Miguel Tejada and catcher Javy Lopez - all three of whom are represented by the same agents, Fernando Cuza and Diego Benz.

The Orioles still hope to add standout outfielder Vladimir Guerrero and pitcher Sidney Ponson, another former Oriole, by next week.

Palmeiro has played in at least 154 games every year since 1995, although recently most of his playing time has been as a DH. He probably will split time at first base with Jay Gibbons, David Segui and B.J. Surhoff.

Palmeiro could reach 600 home runs and 3,000 hits before the end of the 2005 season. He has hit at least 38 homers in each of the last nine years.
[/QUOTE]Now they need Vlad, Schilling, and Prior and they're playoff contenders.
 
He must be convinced that the O's have no shot of making the playoffs if he signed with them. What a putz. :thumbdown:

 
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