The Baltimore Orioles Agree to Deal with Derrek Lee

The Baltimore Orioles have ended their search for a first baseman, at least for this year. The Orioles have agreed to a one year deal with Derrek Lee which can earn him up to $10 million.

The Orioles were looking into Adam LaRoche but decided to go with Lee, who is a consistent hitter with decent power and a great glove in the field.

In 2010 Lee spent time with the Chicago Cubs before being traded to the Atlanta Braves during their playoff push. On the season, Lee hit .260 (well below his career average of .282) with 19 home runs and 80 runs batted in. Lee has spent time with the San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins as well as the Cubs and Braves. The three time gold glove winner also has over 300 career home runs (312 for those keeping count at home). In 2009, Lee put together a great season, hitting .306 with 35 home runs and 111 RBI.

Lee will be a nice addition in the Orioles' lineup, which has gotten some more pop this season with the additions of the free swinging Mark Reynolds and shortstop J.J. Hardy.

With a healthy Brian Roberts leading off, Adam Jones hitting in the second spot (where he should be) and Nick Markakis hitting third, the Orioles lineup has the table setters they need for the power of Lee, Reynolds, and Luke Scott.

What can Orioles fans expect from Lee? Reaching that 35 home run total of 2009 might be a stretch, but 20-25 home runs is definitely within his power to go along with an average around .280 - .290. Giving them a solid glove in the field is also an added bonus for the Orioles, who have had Ty Wigginton and Aubrey Huff at first over the last few years (let's just say the word 'routine' hasn't been used that much when it came to first base).

Lee had his finest season in 2005, his second with the Cubs, when he hit .335 and smacked 46 home runs with 107 RBI. Lee also ripped 50 doubles and scored 120 runs en route to finishing third in the National League MVP voting.

Those numbers most likely won't be seen again from the 35 year old slugger, but he can still play both sides of the ball, giving Baltimore something they haven't seen in a few years.