BaseballGuru.com Home PageClubhouse!

Baseball Analysis  The Baseball Guru Archives


[Previous entry: "Blue Jays Sign Catalanotto"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Japanese Baseball News: Nakamura to Apologize to Mets; Oh's Wife's Ashes Stolen"]

01/03/2003 Archived Entry: "Today's MLB News: O's Sign Daal"

Today's MLB News by Eric Gartman

Orioles Sign Daal-The Baltimore Orioles, in need of a left-handed starter, signed Omar Daal to a two-year 7.5 million contract. Daal is the first lefty to start for the O's since Jimmy Key in 1998.

Some of you may think that 7.5 million is too much for Daal. After all, he did lose 19 games in 2000. Since then, however, he has rebounded, posting solid seasons, and he did pitch well in Arizona in 1998-99. More importantly, however, is the fact that the O's need an experienced lefty, and have the money to spend. The Orioles started the offseason in search of a starting pitcher and a power hitter. They were unable to sign Ivan Rodriguez, although he may still end up in Baltimore. So the O's, who have a payroll that is much lower than they can actually afford, decided to spend the money on Daal. Having Daal also gives them flexibility to trade for a hitter, which they desperately need. Was signing Daal an gamble? Yes, but its one that the O's can afford to take.

HomeGuru's Baseball Book StoreLink to UsBraintrust & Mailing ListsEmail the GuruContact InfoBaseball Analysis Home