Oriolesfan44

BALTIMORE -- Aubrey Huff and the Orioles have finalized a three-year contract reportedly worth $20 million, and will announce the deal Wednesday at a 4:30 p.m. ET press conference. Huff spent the early portion of the day taking a physical examination and will spend the latter part of the day meeting the local media.
Huff, who has hit at least 20 homers in five straight seasons, is expected to bat in the heart of the lineup and float between several positions. The veteran can play both corner spots in the infield and outfield and should also see time at designated hitter. Huff will likely spend most of his time in left field, supplementing Jay Payton.

The Orioles haven't had two hitters with 30 home runs since 1996, and in 2006, they didn't have anyone hit more than 25. Shortstop Miguel Tejada was the team leader with 24 homers, and Huff will likely bat behind him in 2007. Baltimore had previously pursued big-ticket free agents Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee for that slot.

Huff has spent most of his career in the American League East, with all but a half-season for the Astros coming with the Devil Rays. The 30-year-old is a career .288 hitter with a .350 on-base percentage and a .498 slugging mark against right-handed pitchers, but all three of those numbers dip against lefties.

Left field was a true sinkhole for the Orioles last year -- especially after they traded veteran Jeff Conine in August. Baltimore sent utilityman Brandon Fahey out for regular duty in the outfield, and he was clearly overmatched. The O's also tried Fernando Tatis out there briefly. Huff's presence, in theory, should prevent further experiments.

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Cal Ripken HOF 2007