Quick Hits - O's Related

Washington Post's Orioles beat writer, Jorge Arangure Jr. has an article up on the website which covered the Aubrey Huff press conference & a few other bits O's business. The main themes are bulleted and pointed out.

• As well know, the O's signed Aubrey Huff and he says he's glad to play for the Orioles & quoted, ""It's a nice chapter for me in my life joining such a storied franchise,". It was conveyed that Huff will be an everyday player, most likely in left field which would make Jay Payton a 4th outfielder. He's may also play other positions in the field as needed, as he can play right field and third/first base.
  
  
• In the same article, the Orioles front office have started negotiations with second baseman Brian Roberts on a contract contract extension. He is eligible for arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2008 season.
  
  
• Meantime, the Orioles still are listening to offers for pitcher Rodrigo Lopez, but as of now, no deal is eminent.

Yet more on Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Sun. And one more piece from Roch Kutabko. Ok, a little overkill now on my part with Mr. Huff.

The Orioles.com website have an article up now about the catching situation, titled Around the Horn: Catchers. Much of the article talks about Ramon Hernandez along with the contributions and numbers he had last year for the O's, but it also goes into the catching acquisitions made this winter for '07.

Catching up with an Old Friend: Sidney Ponson has signed with the Twins. A once-promising pitcher for the O's, his career got derailed by alcohol abuse. He pitched in 2006 with mediocre results for the Cardinals and Yankees, thus getting released by both teams.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Ponson's deal that could be worth as much as $3 million. Ponson would get a one-year, $1 million contract if he's added to the 40-man roster and could earn $2 million more in performance bonuses.