The Orioles avoided potential arbitration hearings with four more eligible players yesterday by signing them to 2005 contracts.
B.J. Ryan, who could become the full-time closer this season, agreed to a $2.6 million contract that includes another $200,000 in incentives based on games finished. He earned $1.275 million last year.
Jerry Hairston signed for $1.8 million and can obtain another $350,000 based on plate appearances ranging from 400 to 600. He made $1.65 million last year.
Rodrigo Lopez, who led the Orioles with 14 wins and a 3.59 ERA in 170 2/3 innings, signed for $2.375 million. He can earn an additional $200,000 in incentives based on innings pitched, ranging from 175 to 205.
Luis Matos, who made $975,000 last year, signed for $1.025 million and can earn $50,000 bonuses for 450, 500, 550 and 600 plate appearances.
The Orioles exchanged salary figures yesterday with pitchers Jorge Julio and John Parrish, and they are attempting to reach agreements before the arbitration hearing dates that will be determined in a few days. They've already re-signed Jay Gibbons and Bruce Chen.
Julio submitted a figure of $2.9 million, and the Orioles countered at $2.35 million. Parrish submitted $825,000, and the Orioles are offering $575,000.
Ed Kenney, director of baseball administration, said it's "too soon" to know whether the Orioles can avoid arbitration hearings with Julio, who made $385,000 last year, and Parrish, who earned $320,000. "We've exchanged numbers," Kenney said, "and we'll continue to talk to their agents."
Julio stands to gain a significant raise after accumulating 83 saves over the past three seasons. He turns 26 on March 3, and his numbers are comparable to many closers at the same stage of their careers.
Three of Julio's four blown saves came against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He pitched a career-high 69 innings.
The Orioles haven't given Julio any assurances he'll be the closer. They might have to pay him like one, however, making it more likely he'll be traded.
The Chicago Cubs are among the interested teams, though Orioles officials continue to shoot down rumors of a proposed deal involving outfielder Sammy Sosa.
Ryan ended the 2004 season as the closer and could stay in that role. An executive with another team said he was told that Ryan is untouchable after the left-hander went 4-6 with a 2.28 ERA in 76 games. He held opponents to a .200 average.
Delgado update
Carlos Delgado's agent, David Sloane, spoke with Orioles executive vice president Jim Beattie yesterday before having another meeting with the Florida Marlins that he later described as "productive."
The Marlins offered Delgado $35 million over three years after bringing him to Miami on Saturday.
"We will be talking with the Marlins again very soon in an effort to further clarify our areas of mutual concern," Sloane said.
As for his contact with Beattie, Sloane said: "I would hesitate to characterize the conversation beyond confirming that it took place."
Beattie and vice president Mike Flanagan didn't return calls to The Sun yesterday.
Minor league signings
The Orioles signed another batch of veterans to minor league contracts yesterday.
Outfielder Midre Cummings, infielder Enrique Wilson, pitcher Jay Witasick (C. Milton Wright, UMBC) and catcher Keith McDonald have been invited to spring training. Wilson will compete with Chris Gomez and Chris Stynes for the utility job.
Meanwhile, pitcher Tony Saunders (Glen Burnie) will take his physical in Baltimore today, and if everything checks out, he'll sign a minor league contract and be invited to spring training. Saunders hasn't pitched since breaking his left arm for the second time in 2000.
M. Delgado added
No matter what happens in their negotiations with Sloane, the Orioles managed to acquire one Delgado.
The Orioles purchased the contract of first baseman Mario Delgado, who was named the Player of the Year of the independent Northern League last year. He will report to the team's minor league camp in Sarasota, Fla., and most likely will begin the season at Single-A Frederick.
Delgado, 25, put together the best season in Schaumburg Flyers history, when he batted .318 with 23 homers and a league-record 104 RBIs.
