--RF Nick Markakis was signed to a six-year, $66.1 million contract. A limited no-trade clause, an option and incentives could make the entire package worth more than $91 million. Markakis' contract should go a long way toward convincing second baseman and impending free agent Brian Roberts to consider a long term contract extension. The Orioles and Roberts, their 31-year-old leadoff hitter, have been far apart on figures for most of the offseason, according to most reports.
--OF Adam Jones might be on the verge of a breakout season. After hitting nine home runs in his first full big-league season, Jones has put on 25 pounds of sheer muscle this winter, though he plans to trim down by five to 10 pounds by spring training. Jones' right-handed bat would be a much-needed boost to the middle of the lineup. --RHP David Pauley, acquired from Boston for RHP Randor Bierd, could win a spot in the rotation with a strong spring. Pauley, who is out of minor league options, went 14-4 with the Red Sox's Class AAA affiliate last season.
--RHP Radhames Liz will get an extended look as a starter in spring training; Orioles president Andy MacPhail has suggested the club's former prospects will be given every opportunity to prove the club's previous executives right. Liz, 25, could be used in the bullpen if he falters as a starter.
--OF Luke Scott and the Orioles avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract, worth $2.4 million, according to the Baltimore Sun. Scott, 30, belted 23 home runs last season and will get most of his at-bats as designated hitter this summer.
--1B Oscar Salazar was designated for assignment when the Orioles signed C Gregg Zaun. The right-handed hitter was a valued hitter to the club but had no established defensive position. The Orioles would like to bring him back on a minor league contract.
BY THE NUMBERS: 8 -- Teams Nick Markakis can list each season in his no-trade clause, part of the six-year, $66.1 million contract he signed recently.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It was a fairly easy decision. Believe it or not, I do read the papers. I do like to keep up with the team and see what's going on. That had a lot to do with my decision. The money is definitely good and it's security. But you want to see the direction of where the team is going, and since (Orioles president Andy MacPhail) has been handling this, since he's been here, I don't think I can complain with one move or one decision he's made." -- RF Nick Markakis, on what factors led to him choosing to extend his stay in Baltimore with a six-year, $66.1 million contract.
