One-Year Deal ties the Baltimore Orioles with Derrek Lee
It had to happen and the fans will be glad it did sooner than ever. Baltimore Orioles paved the way for a better future when they tied down Derrek Lee to a one-year deal and secured his services before the end of the 2010. The
team that has been on the way to restructuring its roster, this offseason, has the right power to contest for a good position in the American League East in 2011. Facing tough competition from 4 teams, the likelihood of Orioles topping the league is impossible
in most respects. Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays will be out for blood when they come across ‘The O’s’ on the field.
However, with Buck Showalter in the management seat, the Orioles are not out of the mix yet. If there is one thing people do not believe in, it has to call out a league before the tenure starts in April. The game can lead any team
to the World Series and Baltimore’s future does not look bleak. The stakes may be eased on the team, in terms of experience and strength, but the real victory in the game comes from teamwork and focus. It can only be said that Lee will add another dimension
to the roster.
However, the good question would be, how well do the existing players link up with the new crop of ball stars in the side? Buck Showalter, surprisingly, may be one of the toughest managers acquired by the Orioles last season, but
his main concern will be obvious. He will be looking for a good link between the squad stars when the spring training session starts in February.
The team will be looking to capitalize on its weak performance last season. Due to Buck’s arrival, the club managed to make a good stride in the second half of the 2010 season. They generated more wins than any other competing
team in the region when Showalter made his entry into the club.
Derrek Lee has 13 years of experience to back him up in his first baseman position. The player who had split his time between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves last season posted a batting average of .260. He generated 19
home runs and drove in 80 runs for the clubs. His slugging percentage touched .428 while his on base percentage peaked at .347.
The 35-year-old will be looking to cement himself in the club and his extend his stay beyond the one-year contract. There are no confirmed figures on the deal value but it is believed Lee will avail $8 to $10 million in 2011.
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