Oriolesfan44

The Orioles and free agent Aubrey Huff, who split time with the Devil Rays and Astros last season, have agreed to terms on a three-year contract, according to news reports.
The Baltimore Sun reported on Saturday that "industry sources" put the deal at $20 million, adding that, "All that is left is a physical and dotting the I's and crossing the T's."

The contract would put the 30-year-old in a crowded outfield currently featuring offseason signing Jay Payton in left field, Corey Patterson in center and Nick Markakis in right. But being a valuable left-handed bat, Huff would likely be utilized at multiple spots, including at first and third base, at designated hitter and in left field.

The signing would mean a culmination of the Orioles' search for more power in the lineup, after overtures to Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee, as well as trade talks with the Atlanta Braves about first baseman Adam LaRoche, led to dead ends.

The Rangers, Angels and Pirates were also believed to be in the hunt for Huff. In the end, Huff's good career numbers -- a .297 average, 20 home runs and 63 RBIs -- at Camden Yards, the O's home ballpark, could have been a factor. Additionally, Huff is familiar with the division, having spent his whole career before being traded to the Astros last season with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Huff totaled a .267 average with 21 homers and 66 RBIs in 454 at-bats with the Rays and Astros in 2006

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Cal Ripken HOF 2007