When the World Series ends, the Orioles' exclusive 15-day negotiating window with would-be free-agent pitcher Mark Hendrickson will begin. And while that period usually comes and goes for most free agents without any serious negotiations, Hendrickson's agent is hopeful that his client's experience with the Orioles will be different.
"We won't wait just for the purpose of waiting," said Joe Urbon of CAA Sports. "They have an exclusive window to talk and try to get something done, and I would hope that they'd use it because I know that's what Mark would like.
"There have been indications and a vibe that there is an interest in the Orioles in having him back, and Mark has made it clear that he has an interest in staying. It has to work on both sides. That includes fit and role and economics. I don't see any reason that all three things can't be accomplished."
Impressed with Hendrickson's versatility and leadership on a young pitching staff, Orioles manager Dave Trembley has advocated for the return of the 35-year-old left-hander.
Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said this week that while he has not had contract talks with Urbon, he would be open to negotiations.
"We don't have an issue with starting [negotiations] at any time," MacPhail said in an e-mail to The Baltimore Sun.
Hendrickson, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal last December, went 6-5 with a 4.37 ERA in 53 games while playing several different roles for the Orioles during the 2009 season.
Hendrickson started the season in the rotation and then moved to the bullpen, where he was used as a long man and as a situational lefty. He rejoined the rotation in September and made four starts after rookie Brian Matusz was shut down.
While Hendrickson went at least six innings and allowed three earned runs or fewer in his final three starts, he was clearly more effective working out of the bullpen. He went 4-0 with a 3.44 ERA in 42 relief outings and compiled a 2-5 record with a 5.40 ERA in five starts. If the Orioles were to re-sign him, it would almost certainly be as a reliever.
"There really hasn't been a game plan in that area," Urbon said. "It's still early. We're still shaking up the effects of the season. There isn't a set schedule, but there may be an opportunity to" get something done.
O's meet with Cuban lefty
Orioles international scouting director John Stockstill met Friday with free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman and his agent, Edwin Mejia, in New York.
