O's sign Gibbons to 1 year deal...

[AJWatson3]

I really would have liked to see us lock him up for 4-5 seasons. he's gonna be a great #5 hitter in our new lineup, and he just keeps on getting better. he can be a .300-35-100 guy before too long.


from ESPN Insider:

"Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles avoided the dreaded salary arbitration process this offseason by signing their fifth and final candidate yesterday. Jay Gibbons agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million contract. Gibbons was the team's MVP last season but will not be relied upon to that extent in 2004, given that the club has signed Javy Lopez, Miguel Tejada and Rafael Palmeiro to juice up their lineup."

[TheDoyler23]

Gibbons is my Favorite Oriole...he went from rule 5 draftee to MONSTER. Being hurt for most of last year with that wrist injury helped him become a more patient and level hitter; learing to pull the ball in the air and slap it to all sides on a line drive (no Baines or barry bonds shift, here)

I'm thinking he'll bat .285 30 hr and 95 rbi. Imagine how good he'll be when people will have to actually PITCH to him?!?

[bulldog]

Gibbons will end up at first base for the O's as he matures. Being around true pros like Palmeiro and Tejada will only help him.

[TheDoyler23]

It sure will. He may become the best 'rule 5' player ever.