July 2011 - Baltimore Orioles Wiretap

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts missed a second straight day of spring training workouts because of a stiff neck. Roberts woke up Wednesday morning with neck stiffness, but X-rays came back negative. The injury forced him to forgo practice Wednesday, and he also skipped Thursday's session.

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts left spring training camp Wednesday morning after waking up with a sore neck, and he immediately underwent X-rays to determine the extent of the injury. He returned in the afternoon and downplayed the issue. "Just a stiff neck," Roberts said. "We've probably all had a stiff neck at some point in our life, right? I'm not overly concerned." Roberts did not participate in the team's third full-squad workout.

New Orioles first baseman Derrek Lee says he'll be ready to hit sooner than expected. He's still recovering from surgery on his right thumb and has been restricted to hitting soft toss in the indoor cages. "It's hard to sit and watch," Lee said, "but [hitting coach] Jim [Presley] and [manager] Buck [Showalter] keep telling me to be smart, so I'll be smart."

The Orioles have officially signed slugger Vladimir Guerrero and the team introduced him on Friday. He agreed to terms Feb. 4 on a deal that was contingent upon him passing his physical.

The Orioles and right-hander Jeremy Guthrie have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. Guthrie, 31, was seeking $6.5 million and the club offered $5 million. He went 11-14 with a 3.83 ERA last season. He lead the Orioles in wins and starts (32).

The Orioles have avoided arbitration with outfielder Luke Scott by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $6.4 million. Scott wanted $6.85 million, while Baltimore countered with $5.7 earlier this offseason. The two sides briefly flirted with the idea of a longer deal before settling on a one-year contract. He earned $4.05 million in 2010, while hitting a career-high 27 home runs and totaled 72 RBIs in 131 games last season.

Justin Duchscherer is excited to have a fresh start with the Orioles this season. Duchscherer, who is coming off his second hip surgery, can earn up to $4.5 million under the one-year deal if he stays healthy and productive. "I feel as good as I have in probably five years," Duchscherer said. "So I'm looking forward to finally being healthy." He was deciding between the Orioles and Nationals. "I'm super-excited to be part of the organization," said Duchscherer. "I'm excited for a change of scenery."

Vladimir Guerrero has agreed to a one-year deal with the Orioles worth $8 million. Luke Scott, who led the Orioles with 27 homers last season, most likely will be moved from designated hitter to left field.

Mark Hendrickson and Randy Winn have agreed to minor league deals with the Orioles. The deal gives Hendrickson, a left-hander, a chance to rejoin Baltimore's staff after the team declined its option on his contract in November.

Orioles reliever Alfredo Simon was denied bail Tuesday and will remain in jail on an involuntary manslaughter charge. Simon, 29, is expected to stay in jail while officials investigate a fatal shooting on New Year's Eve. The pitcher's lawyer has said he was firing celebratory shots in the air. A bullet killed 25-year-old Michel Castillo.