Derrek Lee talks about Baltimore and his role with the Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles will be glad they made some good moves during the winter break, given their position in the American League East last season. They have the potential to perform much better, yet, they have fallen short of making an impact in the league
on a number of occasions.
The 2010 campaign saw the O’s have a real tough time in the first half of the season. It took a new manager in Buck Showalter to make the right moves in the squad, as the club made an immediate impact in the East division. The gaffer posted better numbers
on wins to losses ratio than the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox in the second half of the season.
For former Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves first baseman, Derrek Lee, that made a good impact on his decision to move to Baltimore, this season. The 35-year-old veteran, who moved to free agency in 2010 following an average season, recently penned a one-year
deal worth $7.25 million with the O’s. The ball striker was not on top of the Orioles’ wish list, though.
Adam LaRoche, who recently moved to the Washington Nationals, was demanding a three-year deal worth $31 million. Baltimore instead, signed on Lee for the short-term period.
"Honestly, Baltimore wasn't on my radar (earlier this winter)," Lee admitted. "My agent kept bringing up Baltimore to me, kept speaking about it ... (and) I saw the guys they were signing, how they finished up, and I looked at their line up and saw what
(manager Buck Showalter) did over there. They've always had great fans. I warmed up to it, it grew on me and here I am. I'm very excited."
Lee knows his role well and that is what the O’s will be hoping he can emulate on the field when the league starts off in April. He has reliever Kevin Gregg coming in from the Toronto Blue Jays to support him in his role as well.
"You're not going to hear me yell and scream, but I will pull guys aside and let them know how the game should be played," Lee said. "(New reliever) Kevin Gregg will do that as well. You have to get guys pulling on the same rope and moving in the same direction.
With all the talent, I don't see why we can't do special things this year. "
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