Ty Wiggington Signs With Baltimore Orioles

Ty Wiggington, the Houston Astros' former third baseman that carried the team in the last third of the season, signed with the Baltimore Orioles with a two year, $6 million deal. Prior to the economic collapse it would have not been a surprise to see the Astros pay Wiggington $6 million for one year to avoid arbitration.

As an Astros fan, it is hard for me to understand why the Astros didn't do this deal with Wiggington themselves, but I suppose the Astros needed to use the 3B position for cost savings. I think the Orioles got a steal.

Uehara Signs with Baltimore Orioles

Right-hander Koji Uehara finalized a $10 million, two-year contract with Baltimore, making him the first Japanese-born player in franchise history. The 33-year-old Uehara, who agreed to terms last week, gets $5 million a year and could make more in incentives. Reportedly if Uehara makes 34 starts and pitches 200 innings in each season, he would earn $16 million.

Braves Nearing Deal with Kenshin Kamakawi

The Atlanta Braves, clearing becoming a little more active after John Smoltz took the deal with the Boston Red Sox, are reportedly nearing a deal with 33 year old Kenshin Kamakawi from Japan to be a starter in their rotation. No rumors yet on the size of the deal (although original reports that the demand was in the 3 year, $30 million plus range). Previously the Mets, Orioles, Angels, Cardinals and Twins had been rumored to have been previously interested in Kamakawi's services. Kamakawi's fastball is supposed to be clocked around 92 with a nasty splitter, 2 seam fastball and curve that keeps batters off guard. He also, apparently, can handle a bat, which is definitely helpful in the National League.

Nationals Sign Daniel Cabrera

The Washington Nationals signed free agent Daniel Cabrera, RHP, to a $2.6 million deal for the 2009 season. Cabrera was 8-10 with a 5.25 ERA for Baltimore in 2008 and was shut down last year due to elbow pain. The contract is actually less than Cabrera made last year, despite logging 30 starts before the injury surfaced. The Nats required an MRI before making it official, but apparently he passed inspection.

Orioles sign LHP Mark Hendrickson

Mark Hendrickson, former NBA player and LHP for the Florida Marlins, signed a one year deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Hendrickson was 7-8 and an ERA above 5 and was demoted to reliever last year. I would have expected a minor league deal for Hendrickson, but the way the Orioles have been going, perhaps that's exactly what the Orioles are going to be this year...

Angels say "Uncle" to Teixeira

A report on Foxnews.com is stating that the Anaheim Angels have pulled out of the race for signing Mark Teixeira, meaning likely that he will not return to the Halos next year. With the Red Sox previously stating that they were being outbid, it looks like Teixeira will go closer to where he grew up (in Baltimore), with the Nats and Orioles still apparently bidding, but recent word is that the Yankees are considering tendering an offer. Nothing like Boras negotiations to keep the Hot Stove warm.

Red Sox say they are out of Teixeira Sweepstakes

After a meeting with Mark Teixeira and his agent, Scott Boras, the Red Sox, through their principal owner John Henry has stated, "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Henry said in an e-mail time-stamped 10:45 p.m. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."  This basically puts the Orioles back in the spotlight, given Teixeira is a Baltimore native and owner Peter Angelos has indicated he is interesting in signing Teixeira, who hit .308 with 33 home runs and 121 RBIs, and 97 walks last season.  Given Boras is his agent, I would not count out the fact that this may all be a plan by the Sox to really see what Boras has on the table, and to see if a split with Boras might be in Teixeira's future.

Nats and O's offer Texeira big deals; Sox, Halos, Yanks also interested

According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, via a major league source, the Washington Nationals have offered the switch-hitting first baseman an eight-year, $160 million contract that would pay Teixeira an average of $20 million per season. The Nationals would not confirm the dollar figures.

The Angels, Orioles, Red Sox and Yankees are also in the mix. A published report said that the Orioles offered Teixeira a seven-year, $150 million contract.

Reds trade Freel to O's, get needed backstop

The Cincinnati Reds got the backstop they were looking for, acquiring catcher Ramon Hernandez from the Baltimore Orioles for utilityman Ryan Freel and two minor leaguers Tuesday. The move cleared the way for uber catching prospect Matt Wieters to take over the postion for the O's next year.