According to Dan Connoly of The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles have offered left handed relief pitcher Joe Beimel a minor league contract. The O’s are one of five teams in the hunt for Biemel, one of the others happens to be the Boston Red Sox.
The Orioles, who are seeking a second lefty to join Michael Gonzalez in the bullpen, have made a minor-league offer to Beimel that includes an invitation to spring training. Although the spot is not guaranteed, it would be highly surprising if the 33-year-old Beimel didn’t make the Orioles out of spring training if he chooses the club.
As MLBTradeRumors.com points out, Beimel has a tendancy to of signing late in the offseason and he was particularly effective against left handed hitters in Colorado last season.
Additionally, the Orioles signed left handed reliever Clay Rapada to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. The 29 year old pitched just nine games for the Rangers last season, but held lefties to just one hit in 21 at bats.
Beimel is a nice pice at the minor league price. He's capable of being effective and if he proves not to be he is easily disposable.
Middle relievers are like disposable diapers- try them on for awhile, crap in them and than discard them. The O's bull pen already got better now that Fat Albers is gone.