The Orioles signed RHP Jeremy Guthrie to a one year contract worth $3 million, avoiding arbitration.

Grade: C

I predicted this when it was announced that the club had avoided arbitration with Luke Scott on a one year deal. It only made too much sense. The Orioles offered $2.3 million after Guthrie proposed a $3.625 salary, so they basically just split the difference. The pitcher should be slotted second or third in the rotation for the coming season and I think the contract is fair for both sides. Guthrie should benefit from not having to be away from camp to pitch for the USA team in the World Baseball Classic. I think that was a big reason for his struggles last season, especially at the start of the season. I’m looking for him to bounce back a bit with an ERA in the mid 4′s. Maybe he’ll be a trade candidate around mid-season but it would be nice for him to get off to a quick start either way. Now that Guthrie is under contract for 2010 theres nothing else to do before spring training. We’re only 3 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting and I can’t wait for the season to get under way.

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