Free-agent reliever Danys Baez and the Baltimore Orioles reached a preliminary agreement on a $19 million, three-year contract Sunday night, a move that further solidifies a bullpen that finished with the second-worst ERA in the major leagues last season.
Baez went 5-6 with nine saves and a 4.53 ERA for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers this year. The right-hander made the All-Star team in 2005 for Tampa Bay, going 5-4 with 41 saves and a 2.86 ERA.
Baltimore last week signed Jamie Walker, a left-handed reliever. The Orioles entered the offseason intent upon overhauling an erratic bullpen that was 19-25 with a 5.25 ERA and 35 saves in 56 opportunities.
Baez also was pursued by the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Indians, Genske said. The pitcher made $4 million in 2006.
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