Three Birds Granted Free Agency, Links...

It looks like the Orioles are already making personnel decisions when it comes to the roster.

Three Orioles refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk and instead elected to file for free agency on Tuesday.

Left-hander Rich Hill, outfielder Jeff Fiorentino and catcher Guillermo Rodriguez all filed paperwork with Major League Baseball and have informed the O's that they will become free agents, a team spokesman confirmed.

Right-hander Alfredo Simon, limited to just two starts this year and coming off Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery, accepted his assignment.

All four players were taken off the 40-man roster last week.

Hill, Fiorentino and Rodriguez could all re-sign with the O's this offseason, but the filing allows them to talk to other organizations, as well.

Really, neither of the three agents are the 'future' of the team. I was looking for a lot more from Rich Hill, as he had promise with the Chicago Cubs, but struggled mightily in Baltimore. Hill showed some skill, especially with his curveball, but never seemed to hit a stride in Baltimore and more often than not was shelled on the mound.

>>> Read More