Ex-Tiger Walker to join O's bullpen

From:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.orioles16nov16,0,10...60.stor

Last night, the Orioles agreed in principle to a three-year deal with
Detroit Tigers left-handed reliever Jamie Walker, according to two
club sources. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, the Orioles
will pay Walker, possibly the best left-handed reliever on the
free-agent market, approximately $11.5 million over three seasons.

<snip>

.....Walker, 35, ...... had a 2.81 ERA in 56 games last season .....

<snip>

Walker has been with Detroit since 2002, with last season being his
best statistically. He allowed just 15 earned runs and held
left-handed hitters to a .238 batting average. Over his career, Walker
is 15-16 with five saves and a 3.95 ERA. In seven big league seasons,
lefties are hitting .229 against him while right-handed hitters are
batting .282.

<snip>

The Orioles also have made offers to San Francisco Giants left-hander
Mike Stanton, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Justin Speier and Atlanta
Braves right-hander Danys Baez, according to sources. Speier, one of
the most coveted players on the free-agent market, received a
three-year offer in the neighborhood of $12 million, though it could
take more to land B.J. Ryan's setup man.

<snip>

For the third straight day, club officials met with the agents for
Texas Rangers free-agent outfielder Carlos Lee, one of the top
offensive players on the market.

Club officials maintain that there has been no contract offer made as
they have gotten assurances that Lee, who has hit 30 or more homers
four straight seasons, won't make a decision anytime soon. However,
the amount of time Orioles officials are spending with Lee's
representation suggests that the club is serious about its intention
to be heavily involved in the bidding for the 30-year-old.

<snip>

GLS wrote:
> From:
> http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.orioles16nov16,0,10...60.stor
>
> Last night, the Orioles agreed in principle to a three-year deal with
> Detroit Tigers left-handed reliever Jamie Walker, according to two
> club sources. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, the Orioles
> will pay Walker, possibly the best left-handed reliever on the
> free-agent market, approximately $11.5 million over three seasons.
>
> <snip>
>
> ....Walker, 35, ...... had a 2.81 ERA in 56 games last season .....
>
> <snip>
>
> Walker has been with Detroit since 2002, with last season being his
> best statistically. He allowed just 15 earned runs and held
> left-handed hitters to a .238 batting average. Over his career, Walker
> is 15-16 with five saves and a 3.95 ERA. In seven big league seasons,
> lefties are hitting .229 against him while right-handed hitters are
> batting .282.
>
> <snip>
>
> The Orioles also have made offers to San Francisco Giants left-hander
> Mike Stanton, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Justin Speier and Atlanta
> Braves right-hander Danys Baez, according to sources. Speier, one of
> the most coveted players on the free-agent market, received a
> three-year offer in the neighborhood of $12 million, though it could
> take more to land B.J. Ryan's setup man.
>
> <snip>
>
> For the third straight day, club officials met with the agents for
> Texas Rangers free-agent outfielder Carlos Lee, one of the top
> offensive players on the market.
>
> Club officials maintain that there has been no contract offer made as
> they have gotten assurances that Lee, who has hit 30 or more homers
> four straight seasons, won't make a decision anytime soon. However,
> the amount of time Orioles officials are spending with Lee's
> representation suggests that the club is serious about its intention
> to be heavily involved in the bidding for the 30-year-old.
>
> <snip>


I think that this is a move in the right direction for the Orioles. The
bullpen needs to be rebuilt and this should help the situation. You have
to admit, any improvement is better then last years bullpen performances.

I feel that Walker's role will expand so that he will be used in 1 or 2
inning situations in the up coming season.

-------------------------
Jamie Walker (2006)
-------------------------
Record : 0-1
Saves : 0
IP : 48.0
ERA : 2.81
WHIP : 1.15
K/9 : 6.94
K/BB : 4.63