O's Sign World Champion

Because there weren't already enough pitchers in camp (even with some of the injuries), the Orioles have signed recently released (by the Phillies) right-handed pitcher Adam Eaton to a minor-league deal. Even if he makes the club, Eaton would only get $0.4 M, so this is a no-risk, low-reward type move.

Some quick Eaton stats: 68-63, 5.80 ERA last year (4.80 career), 5.29 FIP (4.70), 6.04 tRA (that's a 73 tRA+), 4.8 K/9 in 2008 (6.53 career), 3.7 BB/9 (3.35), 1.26 HR/9 (1.25).

His velocity has fallen almost a full mph two years in a row, and I think it's pretty safe to say that he has #5 starter upside for the O's. Considering the build-up of pitchers at Double-A and Triple-A, I don't know that Eaton even provides that much minor-league depth - but hey, the price was definitely right.

I won't rag on Eaton too much, as he was part of one of the more lop-sided trades in recent years (and guess which side he was on?). The Rangers acquired Eaton along with reliever Akinori Otsuka from San Diego in return for 6'10" right-hander Chris Young and former-top-prospect-turned-all-around-very-good first-baseman Adrian Gonzalez (and Terrmel Sledge, who has a cool name but hasn't done much in the majors). Not one of Jon Daniels' best moments, though he's largely made up for it since then.

So welcome to Adam Eaton - you're probably not the worst guy trying to make the team. Maybe.