The Baltimore Orioles have received good news regarding their infield as well as their front office. They avoided arbitration with one of their starting pitchers and utility players, while their general manager appears to be staying with the team.
According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles have agreed to a one-year, $8.8 million contract with starting pitcher Bud Norris. The right-hander filed for a $10.25 million salary in his final year of arbitration eligibility and the Orioles countered with $7.5 million, but it appears they decided to meet halfway.
Norris had his best season as a starter in 2014 after posting a 15-8 record with a 3.65 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 28 starts with the team. He was also 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in the postseason in two starts against the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals. The 29-year-old is slated to hit free agency after the 2015 season.
The team also agreed to a one-year deal with infielder Ryan Flaherty, according to Jamal Collier of MLB.com. The 28-year-old will earn $1.075 million after he filed for a $1.5 million salary and Baltimore countered with $900K. The deal also includes incentives for making 400 plate appearances ($25K), making the All-Star team, winning a Gold Glove or being named MVP in the LCS or World Series (all $50K).
Flaherty logged 102 games in 2014 at third base, second base, shortstop, first base and every outfield position. He slashed .221/.288/.356 with 33 runs scored, seven home runs and 32 RBIs.
But perhaps the best news comes from the front office. According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca, the Toronto Blue Jays could not agree on a compensation package for Orioles' general manager Dan Duquette. It's been speculated for quite a while that Duquette would leave Baltimore to become the CEO of the Blue Jays amidst talks that Toronto is planning to part ways with current CEO Paul Beeston. However, it appears Duquette will remain with the Orioles.
"Because of the Orioles' demands, the Blue Jays have ended their negotiations for Duquette, according to a report published Sunday by Sportsnet.ca," writes Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. "But that doesn't necessarily end the long-lingering situation. One club source said this isn't the first time the Blue Jays have pulled away from compensation talks, and the belief is that Orioles ownership isn't budging from its demands."
Baltimore asked for Toronto's 2014 first round pick Jeff Hoffman as well as two other top prospects. We'll see if the two sides decide to re-enter negotiations in the near future.
