Mike Gonzalez signed a 2-year/$12 million with the Baltimore Orioles.  I kind of look at this as a selfish move because the Orioles aren’t going anywhere within the next 2 years but Mike Gonzalez wanted to close and that is what he will do on the Orioles.  Gonzalez will earn $6 million each year with a possible $500,000 in incentives this year and a $500,000 buyout after the 2nd year of the deal.  If the Orioles are looking to revamp their bullpen Gonzalez was a good choice for them; $6 million for a closer isn’t too much.  For his career he holds opponents to a .209 BA and last year struck out 90 batters in 74 innings of work.  Gonzalez also has a K/9 ratio at over 10.

Grade for Orioles: B; Gonzalez is a huge upgrade to their closing situation last year after George Sherill left.  Jim Johnson was 10-16 in save opportunites last year.

In addition to signing Gonzalez the Orioles also sign Garrett Atkins to a 1-year/$5 million deal to start at 3rd base.  Melvin Mora left this year to be a free agent and Atkins was trying to find a team to start on.  Atkins was one of the best hitting 3rd basemen for about 3 years in Colorado but he peaked in 2006 when he batted .329-.409-.556 while hitting 29 HRs and driving in 120 runs.  The following year he hit 25 HRs with 111 RBI and in 2008 hit 21 HRs and 99 RBI and his average slipped to .286 with a .328 OBP.  In ’09 he hit rock bottom and lost his starting job to Ian Stewart; Atkins batted .226 with 9 HRs and 48 RBI with a .308 OBP.  This is a pretty good signing for the Orioles.  You know Atkins has the potential and if he can bust that out in Baltimore he will compliment Roberts and Markakis nicely.  I was actually very disappointed when he signed with the Orioles because I was hoping the Twins would snag him for that same $5 million to play 3rd base. 

Grade for the Orioles: B; For $5 million this is a low risk, high reward signing here.  In Camden Yards he would definitely hit 25-30 HRs.  If need be, Atkins could also play 1st base or DH.  This is a very good signing in my opinion.