Two baseball sources with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed that Brian Roberts and the Orioles are "very close" on what would be a two-year extension worth between $13 million and $14 million. With Roberts, 29, already locked in for a $4.2 million salary for 2007 after he avoided arbitration last month, the deal - in the works for about six weeks - would essentially mean the Orioles were buying out one of Roberts' free-agent years. At this point, he isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2008 season.