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01/21/2005 6:50 PM
ET
O's sign
sidearm reliever Reed
Right-hander
inks one-year deal to fill Grimsley's role
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By Gary
Washburn / MLB.com |
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An
original member of the Rockies, Reed
has appeared in at least 70 games
four times in his career. (David
Zalubowski/AP) |
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BALTIMORE -- The Orioles solidified their
bullpen and filled their need for a right-handed
specialist by signing sidearmer Steve Reed to a
one-year, $1.05 million contract with an option for
a second year.
Reed, 39, was 3-8 with
a 3.68 ERA last season for Colorado. He pitched for
the Rockies in seven of his 12 Major League seasons.
He has also pitched for San Francisco, Cleveland,
Atlanta, San Diego and the New York Mets.
Reed will fill the
role vacated by Jason Grimsley, who is expected to
miss the 2005 season after undergoing Tommy John
surgery. With his twisting delivery, Reed is
especially tough against right-handed hitters,
allowing a .223 average over his career.
After having some
potential offers from West Coast clubs fall through,
Reed was intrigued by the situation in Baltimore.
"It looks like
we've got a great lineup," he said. "The bullpen
looks great. I am excited to be part of it. And it's
good to know that if we are competitive and need
another key guy down the stretch, we can get [a
trade] done. And who could dispute the tradition of
the Orioles?"
An original member
of the Rockies, Reed tied Lee Smith's record for
consecutive seasons (12) with at least 50
appearances. He has appeared in at least 70 games
four times in his career.
The Orioles had been
searching for a dependable right-handed set-up man
after Grimsley revealed he had torn an elbow
ligament during the season. Todd Williams, Rick
Bauer and Eddy Rodriguez likely will compete for a
long-relief role. But the Orioles' bullpen appears
cemented with Reed, lefty Steve Kline, Jorge Julio
and B.J. Ryan to shut down opponents in the late
innings.
"He is a veteran,
and he's been pretty consistent," executive vice
president Jim Beattie said. "He's can pitch later in
ballgames, make our bullpen stronger and give it
some more depth. He's had a lot of success outside
of Coors Field."
In 12 years, Reed is
48-42 with a 3.51 ERA, which is an impressive
statistic considering his years in homer-happy Coors
Field.
"I don't
piddle-paddle around," he said. "I am going to go
right at you. I am just going to be aggressive. I am
going to give you every thing I've got. If I make my
pitch, I think I can get anybody out. With the way
the back end of our bullpen goes, we can match up
with anybody."
Reed has a $1.25
million option for 2006 and a $150,000 buyout.
Meanwhile, the club
added Chris Gomez to the 40-man roster, improving
his chances of making the team as a reserve
infielder. Gomez signed a minor league deal Dec. 8,
2004, was chosen by the Philadelphia Phillies in the
Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 13, 2004, and was sold back to
the Orioles eight days later.
Gomez spent last
season with the Toronto Blue Jays, hitting .282 with
three homers and 37 RBIs. He will earn $825,000 with
$175,000 in potential performance bonuses.
To make room for
Gomez and create another roster spot, the Orioles
designated pitchers Dave Borkowski and Brian
Forystek for assignment. Borkowski was called up
from Triple-A Ottawa in July and was 3-4 with a 5.14
ERA in 17 games.
Forystek, 26, was
the team's 14th-round pick in 2000 and split the
2004 season between Ottawa and Double-A Bowie,
finishing a combined 8-10 with a 5.67 ERA in 27
starts.
Gary Washburn
is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not
subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or
its clubs. |
