Orioles Sign Delino DeShields

The Baltimore Orioles Friday plugged a hole in the middle of their infield by agreeing to a $12.5 million, three-year contract with free agent second baseman Delino DeShields, The Associated Press learned.

DeShields, who hit .290 with the St. Louis Cardinals this season, will fill the void left by the departure of free agent Roberto Alomar, who signed with the Cleveland Indians last month.

Deshields, 29, likely will fill the leadoff spot in the batting order vacated by Alomar. DeShields had a .371 on-base percentage, getting 122 hits and 56 walks, and led the Cardinals with eight triples.

There was no immediate announcement by the Orioles but the agreement was confirmed by a source who spoke on the condition he not be identified.

DeShields, who made $3 million this year, gets a $500,000 signing bonus, $3,666,667 next season and $4,166,667 in each of the final two years.

The addition of DeShields means the Orioles already have filled three starting positions this week. Baltimore signed free agent left fielder Albert Belle and traded for catcher Charles Johnson on Tuesday.

Baltimore also is close to re-signing outfielder B.J. Surhoff to a $17 million, four-year contract.

The Orioles and Cardinals were the leading contenders to sign DeShields, who stole 26 bases in 36 tries last season. Although he isn't known for his power, he did manae to hit seven homers and drive in 44 runs.

DeShields made nine errors this year.

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