Well, the Orioles made another move at the Winter Meetings, as they signed outfielder Nate McLouth back on a one-year deal.
From ESPN.com: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that free agent outfielder Nate McLouth has rejoined the Baltimore Orioles with a one-year contract worth $2 million.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because there was no official announcement.
The 31-year-old McLouth revived his career with the Orioles last season. An NL All-Star in 2008, McLouth was cut by Pittsburgh in late May after hitting just .140 with two RBIs in 34 games.
Baltimore signed McLouth to a minor league deal in early June and promoted him to the majors two months later. He hit .268 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs, and helped spark the Orioles to an AL wild-card spot.
McLouth made $1.75 million last season. His new contract provides performance bonuses of $50,000 each for 300 and 350 plate appearances, and $100,000 each for 400, 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances.
It looks like both sides wanted to come to an agreement. McLouth, after sending some time with the Norfolk Tides in Triple-A had career resurgence in Baltimore. He’s another line of players in the organization who fit the ‘cast-away’ role and succeeded under Buck Showalter.
We all know McLouth fit in well with the lineup when Nick Markakis out was, played a solid outfield (he has a Gold Glove to his resume), filled in nicely in the leadoff spot and was one of the few Birds to hit in the playoffs.
Today’s signing was a win-win for everyone, and the club isn’t tied to McLouth except for 2012.
Then again, based on McLouth's recent history – until he came to Baltimore – he was a player who is in purgatory. Could he repeat what was done last year?
Maybe not, but who knows…
