July 2016 - Baltimore Orioles Wiretap

Over the last several years, the Orioles often celebrated victories with center fielder Adam Jones smashing a pie in the hero's face.

But the team has decided to end the practice for safety reasons, according to an ESPN.com report.

Dexter Fowler signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, a few days after seemingly agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

A few hours after Fowler appeared with the Cubs, the outfielder's agent, Casey Close, issued a statement criticizing both the Orioles and the media for premature reports about a contract agreement.

Close said in the statement that he had never "witnessed such irresponsible behavior on so many fronts."

"Both the Orioles front office and members of the media were so busy recklessly spreading rumors that they forgot or simply chose not to concern themselves with the truth," Close's statement read. "Dexter Fowler never reached agreement with the Orioles and did not come close to signing with the club; any suggestion otherwise is only a continuation of an already disturbing trend."

In response, Dan Duquette admitted that Baltimore didn't have an official agreement in place.

"I'm not sure what that statement is about," Duquette said. "Because his job is to represent his player. If a player chooses to take less money to go to another team, that's their choice."

The Orioles needed Fowler to pass a physical and sign paperwork, but they still believed he would join the club. Adam Jones said Wednesday he had spoken to Fowler, and Fowler was "excited" and "should be on his way" to Florida.

Dexter Fowler surprised many on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.

The outfielder's contract includes a mutual option for 2017.

ESPN and multiple reports indicated earlier this week that Fowler had agreed to a three-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, pending a physical.

The Baltimore Orioles have signed Yovani Gallardo to a restructured two-year contract.

The deal is worth $22 million, according to a league source, and could end up being worth $33 million over three years.

The Orioles can buy out Gallardo for $2 million after two years, or pick up a club option for 2018 worth $13 million.

Gallardo and Baltimore had reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year contract worth $35 million on Saturday, but the deal stalled after the Orioles reviewed the right-hander's pre-signing physical.

The possible snag in the agreement between the Baltimore Orioles and Yovani Gallardo is over the right-hander's shoulder, according to a report.

Gallardo doesn't have a history of shoulder problems, but it's rare that a 30-year-old pitcher's shoulder would look completely clean.

Baltimore could attempt to restructure the three-year agreement reached with Gallardo.

Dexter Fowler has agreed to a three-year, $35 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, according to multiple reports.

The deal will be finalized after Fowler undergoes a physical with Baltimore.

The Orioles will surrender a pick in this year's draft to the Chicago Cubs as compensation for signing Fowler, who declined Chicago's $15.8 million qualifying offer in November.

The Baltimore Orioles have some concerns about Yovani Gallardo's medical records, according to a report.

It is unclear how the concerns could change the status of the pending three-year agreement between the Orioles and the right-hander.

Baltimore is notoriously tough with their physical process, having nixed deals with Grant Balfour and Nick Markakis over health concerns in recent years.

Free-agent right-hander Yovani Gallardo and the Orioles have reached agreement on a three-year, $35 million contract, according to ESPN and media reports. 

Sources told ESPN that there's a fourth-year option for $13 million as part of the deal.

The Baltimore Orioles continue to make progress in negotiations with Dexter Fowler and Yovani Gallardo, according to sources.

The club is confident they'll sign both free agents.

Fowler is discussing a multiyear deal with the Orioles in the range of $12 million to $13 million annually.

Gallardo is expected to get a three-year deal with Baltimore, perhaps in the range of $40 million to $45 million in total.

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to add a hitter and are considering a variety of different options.

Baltimore has interest in trading with the Cincinnati Reds for Jay Bruce, while Dexter Fowler and Pedro Alvarez may be free agent targets.