The Baltimore Orioles are hoping that Rich Hill can regain his masterful curve ball and fix his control issues after a terrible 2008 season with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs and Orioles worked out a trade for Hill that will give Hill the chance to crack the starting rotation in Baltimore. The Orioles will be sending the Cubs a player to be named later in exchange for Hill.

I like this move the Orioles as it gives them a cheap starting pitcher without giving up too much. I think the change of scenery will do wonders for a kid like Hill. What’s everyone’s opinion on this deal?

The Baltimore Orioles have signed their shortstop for the next couple of seasons as they have agreed on a two year deal with Cesar Izturis. The 28 year old Izturis batted .263 in 135 games with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008. He ranked third in the NL with a .980 fielding percentage as well.

Don’t expect Izturis to put up high numbers at the plate, this is more of a defensive signing more then anything. He can provide a little bit of leadership for the younger players as well.

Orioles Blog

The Baltimore Orioles have shipped catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for three players. The most notable player that is coming to the Orioles is outfielder Ryan Freel. Freel is a balls to the wall player who gives it his all on every play. He has been injured because of his play, but he will bring some excitement to the team.

The other two players the O’s will be getting are infielders Justin Turner and Brandon Waring.

The Orioles will also be eating part of Hernandez’s contract as he is due $8.5 million this next season.

Orioles Baseball

Erik Bedard is no long a member of the Baltimore Orioles as he has been traded to the Seattle Mariners Friday afternoon.  Bedard has passed his physical so everything is done and over with after about a month of rumors.

In return for Bedard, the Orioles will be getting Adam Jones, George Sherrill, Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio and Tony Butler.  Great young players that can step in and help out the Orioles.  I have a feeling that this trade is going to look really good in 2-3 years once these young guys get some more experience behind them.

Good trade for the Orioles I think.  I really doubt they could have signed Bedard to a long term contract, so might as well get something out of him now.  Great deal!

Orioles Blog

Daniel Cabrera has signed a new one year contract with the Baltimore Orioles that is worth just shy of $3 million dollars.  Cabrera will receive around $1 million more then he did last year.

Hopefully for Cabrera and the Orioles he will have a better year in 2008.  He has the stuff to be a good starting pitcher, he just needs to find his role and dominate like he is capable of.

Orioles Blog

It has been pretty quite lately for the Baltimore Orioles but on Wednesday they have announced they have signed five players to one year contracts.  RHP Dennis Sarfate, INF-OF Freddie Bynum, RHP Jim Johnson, RHP Bob McCrory, INF Scott Moore were all signed to one year deals while RHP Lance Cormier signed a minor league contract that invites him to spring training.

Nothing big, but a few players like Sarfate, Bynum, and Johnson could all see time with the big league club this year.

Orioles Blog

Starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed on a one year contract worth $770,000.  Guthrie will probably me the #3 starting pitcher in the Orioles rotation to begin the season.  That is if Bedard doesn’t end up getting traded.

Guthrie is a nice cheap solution for the Orioles who don’t have a ton of money to spend right now.  They really needed some pitching depth and I think they will get that with Guthrie.  Guthrie did go 7-5 last season so he is capable of helping this team out in 2008.

Orioles Blog

Welcome to all Baltimore Orioles fans out there!  If you are coming to Orioleshomeplate for your first time, I would like to say hello!  Orioleshomeplate is a brand new blog where we will be blogging about everything about the Baltimore Orioles!  We will be writing game reviews talking about possible trades and rumors, and giving you great info on some great deals for Orioles tickets and Orioles merchandise!

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