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BALTIMORE - The Orioles took another step Monday toward rebuilding a team that has finished fourth in the AL East for six consecutive seasons, agreeing to a $22.5-million, three-year deal with Javy Lopez. It is contingent on the All-Star catcher passing a physical today.
"Javy was the targeted guy that we were looking at in the process, and he's thrilled to be aboard," Orioles vice president Mike Flanagan said.
Previously, the Orioles signed shortstop Miguel Tejada, the 2002 AL Most Valuable Player.
Flanagan said negotiations will continue through the holidays with the agent of outfielder Vladimir Guerrero. Flanagan called Guerrero "an important piece we want to consider."
Lopez, 33, hit .328 last season for Atlanta with 43 homers and 109 RBIs, both career highs.
No movement on big dealARLINGTON, Texas - A day before the deadline set by Texas to complete a trade of MVP shortstop Alex Rodriguez, Boston stood by its statement that the deal is "dead."
Red Sox owner John Henry did not alter that position in response to an e-mail asking if his club would contact the Rangers before the deadline.
Rangers owner Tom Hicks set a deadline of 5 p.m. today for the deal, which would send outfielder Manny Ramirez to Texas.
A'S: A $9.2-million, three-year deal with Arthur Rhodes was finalized. Oakland plans to make him its closer, replacing Keith Foulke, who signed with Boston. Rhodes, whose career high is four saves, served mostly in a setup role for Seattle last season.
BREWERS: Ex-Rays outfielder Ben Grieve agreed to a $700,000, one-year deal.
CARDINALS: Right-hander Jason Marquis agreed to a $525,000, one-year deal. He was part of the deal that sent J.D. Drew to Atlanta.
DODGERS: Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, said a meeting between the ownership committee and proposed buyer Frank McCourt was "very productive." A vote on the sale could take place during an owners meeting Jan. 14-15.
METS: Reliever Scott Strickland, coming off reconstructive surgery on his right elbow, signed a one-year, $650,000 deal.
RANGERS: Ex-Rays outfielder Jason Tyner agreed to a minor-league deal.
REDS: Former Milwaukee general manager Dean Taylor was hired as an assistant GM.
RED SOX: Gabe Kapler agreed to a $750,000, one-year deal.
ROCKIES: Catcher Todd Greene agreed to a $550,000, one-year deal.
YANKEES: New York's Court of Appeals declined to hear an appeal by clubhouse worker Paul Priore, who sued the team and relievers Mariano Rivera and Jeff Nelson and former reliever Bob Wickman, accusing them of gay bashing, physical abuse and playing cruel practical jokes. Priore, who sought $50-million from each, also said he was fired in August 1997 because he was HIV-positive. The team said Priore was fired because it believed he stole equipment.