Mark Hendrickson

The Orioles have officially signed LHP Mark Hendrickson.  They inked a one year deal worth $1.2 million, which also includes a $1.2 million option for the 2011 season.

Last season in review for Hendrickson:

As a starter, Mark was 6-5 with a 4.37 ERA in 11 starts.  In relief, where he was much more effective doing middle relief work, Hendrickson posted a solid 3.44 ERA in 53 innings pitched.


This is a signing that MacPhail saw as necessary this offseason.  Although the bullpen will be much more bolstered this year using possibly Koji Uehara, David Hernandez, Jason Berken, or a mix of those 3 doing relief work for the O's, Hendrickson brings a very strong left handed pitcher into the mix.  For a more extended outlook on the bullpen situation now, check out this article: Look towards the bottom of the article for the bullpen situation/scenarios

Dennis Sarfate

RHP Dennis Sarfate has officially been designated for assignment by the Orioles.  We knew someone needed to be sent down to make room for Tejada, so this is the move most were expecting.

Not a surprise at all.  Sarfate accumulated a lousy 5.09 ERA over only 20 appearances this past season.  His right hand was nagging him throughout the season with his circulatory problem.  He has shown a bit of an upside in the Winter Mexican League this offseason, though, so watch out for another team to take a risk and grab him.

Melvin Mora and a possible bullpen signing

Writer Troy Renck, of the Denver Post, says the Rockies are quite interested in Melvin Mora to be a backup infielder.  With his stats in a decline the last few seasons, it should be a cheap signing for the Rox to back up Ian Stewart at 3rd.


In terms of the bullpen, the Orioles have made an offer to LHP Will Ohman.  Ohman played for the Dodgers last season, posting an awfully high ERA of 5.84 in 21 appearances.  MacPhail must see something in him, since he did invite him to Spring Training, but it seems that the most they would have offered would probably have been a minor league deal, especially considering the bullpen and how bolstered it is this year with a bunch of starters turned relievers.

Miguel Tejada

So Miguel Tejada has signed a one-year deal with the Orioles. Waited till today to post this since the press conference was today to make it official once he passed a physical. My personal opinion is so varied. He brings a bat with some issues.

Hitting:

• Hit .313 last year with Houston, .296 his last year with the O's in '07
• Been worse in terms of slugging, only 14 HRs last season
• Only 48 Ks in 2009, down from 72 in '08 with 3 more ABs too
• Number of BBs down too as of recent, only 19 in 2009

Fielding:

• 
  
  Has only played shortstop before
  
• Is willing to make change to 3rd
• Has ability to contact Cal on advice for the matter
• Less range than past seasons
• Will not bring the explosion for big plays at 3rd that Mora had
• Has incredible arm strength
  
  
  

Other:

• Did do steroids in past, could bring media issues as it has in past
• Did pass physical though, which means he is healthy, steroid-free, and ready to go
• Did lie about age to Houston, same media issue

Overall, I like his addition. The category of 'Other' is short, but I was saving some comments for this. What is his motivation to play and bring 110 percent. He signed a one-year deal, with no option for 2011 and no performance or post-season incentives. The only motivation he has is to bring his personal stats up, seeing as it is a contract year for him and is searching for a contract for the end of his career to bring him a ring. But how does that help us. There is no more than a 1 percent chance we bring him back. So why should he spend extra time helping our young guys and doing everything he can to help the organization succeed?

Press conference notes:

• MacPhail cut in, after a question about Bell was asked, saying how the O's signed Miggi to play close to 162 games and no excuses. How is that not a huge lie? The O's are ready to bring up the farm system so soon, so I see no way Miggi plays anymore than about 100 games this year. That goes right back to the last point about if he is only going to play 100 games, what will he bring to the other 62? He has no motivation to be a leader when it doesn't help him. A guy who takes steroids and lies about his age to get more money and a better contract is obviously playing the game for himself. He may be a leader at times, but the personal motivation to be one would be to help his own situation for the future. He may be a fun teammate, but what worries me is his drive to be a team player.
• He said he would be happy anywhere in the lineup. False. He will push for a top 5 slot. Will he get it? Who knows. Trembley has so many options, and I just do not know at this point.
• Number 10 belongs to Adam Jones right now. Miggi claimed he doesn't need it, but behind the scenes I am SURE he is asking for it. Jones will get his Rolex I think. Jim Hunter made the comment that 9 and 6 are available and look to be the best options, but who knows.

Posts to come soon about more Orioles things. More about the happenings of this offseason, and every new Orioles news or happening will be discussed on here.

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