Today, the Orioles signed yet another pitcher – this time, a reliever.
They signed reliever Luis Ayala – a seven-year veteran – to a one-year deal.
From Roch’s Blog at MASN Sports: The club has reached agreement with right-hander Luis Ayala, and the deal will become official once his physical is completed and the results are known.
It’s believed to be a major league deal, which would require a corresponding 40-man roster move.
Ayala, 34, was 2-2 with a 2.09 ERA in 52 appearances with the Yankees last season. He’s 31-41 with a 3.47 ERA in seven seasons with six teams. He didn’t pitch in the majors in 2010.
Signing Ayala, who made $650,000 last season, could signal an end to the Orioles’ interest in reacquiring Koji Uehara. However, I’m not ruling out anything at this point.
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The Sun is reporting that Ayala’s deal is worth a guaranteed $925,000, including a $100,000 buyout. His 2013 club option pays $1 million.
From what I know having seen Ayala pitch in Washington and as member of the Yankees is that he is a durable, efffective pitcher – when healthy.
One would think that Ayala would be at the back end of the bullpen.
In other news, it doesn’t look like Manny Ramirez will be joining the Orioles based on another post from Roch Kubatko:
Duquette, talking to a small group of reporters at Babe’s Birthday Bash, said he doesn’t see a fit between the Orioles and Ramirez.
Duquette also said he doesn’t expect to add any more players between now and the start of camp.
I’m sure a lot of fans are happy to hear that.
Although I think Ramirez could really help out the Orioles on the offensive front, I would think that he would not be a good fit with a Showalter-managed ballclub.
Ramirez would not do much else aside from hit as a designated hitter and would think his at-bats could be used for a younger, more athletic ballplayer without the baggage.
Perhaps Ramirez isn’t just worth the headache considering his advanced age and declining skill set.
