July 2012 - Baltimore Orioles Wiretap

Roy Oswalt has thrown for the Phillies, Rangers, Red Sox and at least one other team this month. However, the free-agent remains unsigned as June approaches. Major League executives claim that teams have been turned off by the right-hander's asking price. The Dodgers checked in and considered the price "excessive." One source said Oswalt wants a pro-rated $7.5 million in base salary. Another said that Oswalt's desired salary is a moving target, "but always high."

Adam Jones has signed a six-year, $85.5 million contract with the Orioles, ensuring that the 26-year-old center fielder will be with the team through 2018. "I fit here in this city. I fit here on this team. I fit in Camden Yards. I don't see myself wearing another white uniform that doesn't have Orioles across the chest," Jones said. "I'm not from Baltimore. This is now my town." Jones extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a double in Sunday's loss and leads the team in home runs and RBIs.

The Orioles will announce a six-year contract extension with Adam Jones on Sunday, according to a baseball source. The center fielder's deal is for about $85.5 million, with escalators that could bring the maximum value to $91.5 million. The contract is the largest in Orioles history and makes Jones the second-highest paid at his position behind L.A.'s Matt Kemp.

The Orioles are nearing a contract extension with Adam Jones that would be the richest in franchise history. The deal is expected to be for six years and worth roughly $85 million, according to a source. Miguel Tejada (six-year, $72 million) and Nick Markakis (six-year, $66.1 million) previously received the largest contracts in Baltimore history. A source confirmed that Jones underwent a physical during the team's off-day Thursday, which is another sign that the extension talks are both serious and close. Jones, 26, can be eligible for free agency after next season.

Baltimore's Dan Duquette says there is nothing imminent regarding a contract extension for Adam Jones. There have been rumblings that an announcement could be coming, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Duquette wouldn't confirm whether he's had recent talks with the outfielder's representatives. Jones is hitting .311/.357/.601 with 14 home runs and 29 RBI in 45 games this season.

As Roy Oswalt nears a return to the Major Leagues, the Orioles have joined the Red Sox, Phillies and Rangers as teams interested in the right-hander. According to sources, Baltimore is the fourth team interested in the free-agent starter. Oswalt is believed to want to be back in the Majors around June 15.

The Orioles have agreed to a minor-league contract with left-handed reliever J.C. Romero. He will report to Triple-A Norfolk.

Dan Duquette says he is seeking ways to upgrade Baltimore's pitching staff and depth. The Orioles are 28-16 and they hold a two-game lead over the Rays in the American League East.

Kevin Hickey, a veteran of six Major League seasons as a member of the White Sox and Orioles, has died at age 56. Chicago said Hickey died Wednesday at Rush University Medical Center. He had been in intensive care following his transfer from a Dallas hospital last month. A cause of death was not disclosed. Hickey had been the White Sox's pre-game instructor since 2004.

Dontrelle Willis has agreed to drop his grievance against the Orioles after the team granted his request to pitch as a starter in the minor leagues, his agent told ESPN.com. Willis will report to extended spring training in Florida this week and try to build up his innings and work his way to Baltimore, agent Matt Sosnick said. The Orioles signed Willis in late March after he was released by the Phillies late in spring training.