July 2006 - Baltimore Orioles Wiretap

At about 2 a.m. on Saturday morning, the Orioles agreed in principle on a three-year, $20 million deal with free agent Aubrey Huff, several industry sources confirmed. Huff, a 30-year-old who can play first and third base and both corner outfield spots though is primarily valued for his bat, is expected to take a physical in Baltimore this week, possibly Wednesday. The deal will be finalized and announced if he passes his physical. "All that is left is a physical and dotting the I's and crossing the T's," said one source familiar with the negotiations.

The Orioles have made a contract offer to Aubrey Huff, one of the most accomplished players left on the free-agent market. Exact details of the contract offer are unknown, but one industry source said the Orioles proposed a three-year deal to Huff, worth in the neighborhood of $6 million per season.

Shannon Stewart battled foot injuries in 2006 and so he is likely to sign an incentive-laden contract for 2007. Baltimore is hoping that it is with them.

The Orioles agreed to the city's terms for a renovated stadium, ending speculation that the team might move its spring home. At a special meeting, city commissioners approved an agreement Friday calling for the team to renovate Fort Lauderdale Stadium and to replace the adjacent Lockhart Stadium with practice diamonds and soccer fields. "We've been in Florida since 1996 and been working since that time for a long-term plan to stay there," Orioles spokesman Bill Stetka said. "This gets us that much closer."

Cliff Floyd has apparently narrowed his choices to the Cubs and Orioles. While playing in his native Chicago would be preferable, the Cubs' willingness to sign him may be contingent upon trading another corner outfielder.

The Orioles have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with utility man Chris Gomez, who will return for his third season in Baltimore. "It's nice to be in a place for a few years," said Gomez, who received a modest raise from the $850,000 he made last year. "I was bouncing around for a few years, and I didn't like that a whole lot. Being in a place for three years is very appealing."

The Orioles filled their vacancy in left field Monday, when veteran Jay Payton agreed to a two-year contract reportedly worth more than $9 million. Payton, a strong defender in all three outfield slots, immediately becomes Baltimore's only right-handed-hitting outfielder. The 34-year-old hit .296 last year and has a .284 career average. Payton played at least 45 games in each outfield position for Oakland last season, but he'll be confined mostly to left and center field in Baltimore. He hit .296 against both lefties and righties last season, but his ability against southpaws will enable center fielder Corey Patterson and right fielder Nick Markakis to take turns on the bench.

The Orioles have acquired Freddie Bynum from the Cubs for a player to be named later.

The Orioles have reached out to Jeff Bagwell about becoming their designated hitter. His agent, Barry Axelrod, says he will remain retired.

The Baltimore Orioles on Saturday re-signed free agent first baseman-outfielder Kevin Millar to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.