Adam Loewen Now Part of The Blue Jays...

I seriously thought that Adam Loewen would resign with Baltimore; however, things have changed as he was put on waivers a few days ago.

Now he's part of the Toronto Blue Jays.

TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two of the top four picks in the 2002 draft on Friday, signing converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league contract and claiming right-hander Bryan Bullington off waivers.

Bullington was selected by Pittsburgh with the top overall selection and Loewen was taken fourth by the Baltimore Orioles. Neither player has panned out so far professionally.

Baltimore released Loewen on Monday, but had hoped to re-sign him to a minor league deal. Loewen, a native of Surrey, British Columbia, acknowledged leaving the Orioles was "extremely difficult," but said the chance to join Toronto was too good to pass up.

"I grew up watching the Blue Jays and was a huge fan all my life," he said. "This is a great opportunity. I'm really excited to get going."

Loewen's pitching career ended in July because of recurring stress fractures in his left elbow. Loewen worked with Baltimore batting coach Terry Crowley in September before joining the Orioles' instructional league team. He went 8-8 with a 5.38 ERA in three years as a pitcher.

Loewen, who will attempt to reach the majors as a first baseman/outfielder, said he has no regrets about giving up pitching.

"If you gave me a brand new left arm and I was able to do what I used to, I don't think I'd take it," he said.

Too bad. That's just the risk the Orioles took releasing him and not putting him on the 40-man roster.