Baltimore hasn't been quite as active as the Blue Jays, but they've still made several moves. Shortly after the end of the World Series, the Orioles reached an agreement with Pat Hentgen. Baltimore held a $6M option on Hentgen for 2003, but since he's still only recently returned from Tommy John surgery, they didn't intend to pay full price. Consequently, they bought him out of the option for $600,000 and negotiated a new contract with a base salary of $1.2M for 2003. The deal also reportedly includes incentives that could bring its value up to $4M and a $4M option for 2004 with a $300,000 buyout.

Evidently, the Orioles were sold on bringing Hentgen back based upon his dedication to a quick rehab and the fact that he hit 91 mph on the radar gun in his last start. I have some reservations, since Hentgen wasn't a strikeout pitcher before the surgery, and the 34-year-old also didn't display extraordinary skill in avoiding walks. Additionally, the Orioles don't really need extra rotation help even if they trade Sidney Ponson this off-season. As a result, I don't think they should have bothered even with an incentive based deal.

In addition to Hentgen, the Orioles have signed a number of players to minor league deals, including LHP Rigo Beltran, RHP Mike Drumright, RHP Fernando Rijo, 1B/OF Luis Jimenez, and C/1B Carlos Mendez. Baltimore also reportedly signed a third baseman named Brian Ramos, but I have been unable to find any other information on him.

After five years as a AAAA lefty reliever, Beltran headed to Japan in 2002. Unfortunately, he did not find the success that players look for when they head over seas. Beltran posted a 9.15 ERA on a 20:4 K:BB with 33 H and 5 HR allowed in 19.2 IP. The K:BB is nice, but the hits allowed display an definite problem. Luckily Baltimore has no need of Beltran in the majors with Buddy Groom and B.J. Ryan coving the south side of the pen. His history indicates that Beltran, who'll turn 33 on Wednesday, will struggle at AAA in 2003.

Another disappointing first round (11th overall in 1995) pick of the Tigers, Drumright split a decent season between AAA Pawtucket and AAA Rochester, which used to be the Orioles affiliate. He compiled a 109:50 K:BB with 156 H and 10 HR allowed in 150.1 IP for a 4.01 ERA over 24 starts in 30 appearances. Drumright's primarily struggled with control problems in the past, but the 28-year-old appears to have made considerable progress in that area in 2002. Considering Baltimore's already full rotation, I doubt he'll receive an opportunity to pitch in the majors in 2003, but he could be a decent spot starter if needed and probably would pitch as well as Hentgen for a much lower price.

Rijo is escaping the Dodger franchise for the first time since LA signed him out of the Dominican Republic as a nondrafted free agent in 1995. Texas actually signed him to a minor league deal last off-season, but the Dodgers took him back in the minor league Rule 5 draft. Rijo spent last season starting for LA's AA franchise at Jacksonville in the Southern League. While he displayed acceptable dominance, his control needs work and he needs at least a season at AAA before he'll be able to even spot start in the majors, but he'll only turn 25 on Thursday, so he might make it up for a few games at some point in his career. A move to relief could increase his chances of earning a more regular big league position. Of course, LA might snatch him back again this season.

Oakland signed Jimenez out of Venezuela as a nondrafted free agent in 1999. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League, but the A's released him after one year in the Rookie-level Arizona League. Baltimore signed him prior to 2002 and is now re-signing him. In a season with their Rookie-level Appalachian League team, he hit .375 with a .474 OBP and .597 SLG on 66 H, 13 2B, 1 3B, and 8 HR with a 33:33 BB:K and 9/10 SB% in 176 AB. Reportedly Jimenez is only 20, so even though he's still a long way from the majors, he has good upside. I hope the Orioles give him a shot at full-season ball in 2003.

Mendez spent last season with Oakland's AAA affiliate at Sacramento, splitting his time between catching and playing first. He's shown good power and maintained a strong batting average throughout his dozen years in the minors, but his BA is unsupported by his plate discipline and he's reportedly weak defensively. If the 28-year-old can improve his defense in the next year or two, he might be able to grab a job as an injury replacement, however he's likely reached the end of his professional road in AAA.

Baltimore plans to move Sid Thrift away from the General Manager's position and into another role in the organization as soon as they can find a replacement. Cal Ripken considered the position, but he has decided he's not ready for the job at this time. Former Anaheim GM Bill Bavasi turned down an interview to stay with his current position as Director of Player Personnel for the Dodgers. Current candidates include former Detroit Assistant GM Al Avila, former Montreal GM Jim Beattie, Arizona Assistant GM Sandy Johnson, Seattle VP of Scouting and Player Development Roger Jongewaard, and White Sox GM Ron Schueler. Baltimore is also considering Oakland Assistant GM Paul DePodesta, but they will need permission to interview him. Thrift isn't happy about the situation, but even though he remains in control for now, I don't think the Orioles have to worry about any possible sabotage; if Thrift tried to hurt the team, he'd probably make a better move than when he tries to help.