Quick Hits: O's and MLB Stuff

O's Stuff:

* The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec has a great article on Adam Loewen and how he transitioned from on his meteoric rise from the minors to the majors.

* Washington Post’s Jorge Arangure writes on improvements the Orioles have made to their bullpen.

MLB Stuffage:

* Joe Mauer’s Contract: Minnesota Twins catcher and AL batting champion Joe Mauer avoided salary arbitration and agreed to a four-year contract on Sunday with the Twins on a four-year contract worth at least $33 million. Good move by the Twins to lock up a young player, a hometown hero and perhaps one of the great catchers in the game today.

* Josh Paul Loses in Arbitration: The Devil Rays won the first arbitration decision of the year Saturday as Josh Paul didn’t get what he wanted – the raise he wanted. Paul sought a raise from $475,000 to $940,000 at Friday’s hearing. The team countered with $625,000 & the arbitrators found it a fair offer.

* Joe Beimel Loses in Arbitration: The Dodgers also won an arbitration case. Joe Beimel lost his case as he settled with the Dodger for $912,500 this year. Beimel asked for a raise from $425,000 to $1.25 million at Friday’s hearing. The Dodgers countered at $912,500, and in turn won.