Orioles look to pop out of cellar

The Baltimore Orioles, in the wake of a disastrous season, signed first baseman Derek Lee out of free agency. According to mlb.com, Lee was considered the best of the remaining free agents. The deal is not yet official, but they have agreed to a verbal contract and if Lee passes a physical exam, he will be in. Derek Lee broke into the big leagues with San Diego in 1997, where he only played 22 games. The next season, he joined the Florida Marlins, where he stayed just long enough to help them beat the Yankees in the World Series. From 2004 on, he was a big part of Chicago Cub culture, staying through 2009 and into 2010. Midway through the season, he was traded to Atlanta, where he completed the season before being dumped into free agency. Lee will turn 36 on September 6, when he will be in Baltimore. Lee could provide just the spark the O's need, a passable .282 hitter.


Trivia
Lee bats .292 in the postseason overall.
Baltimore will be the first American League team Lee has played for.