masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgKevin Gregg, talking to reporters earlier today on a conference call, discussed the negotiating process that eventually brought him to Baltimore.

“It was one of those things where it’s nice to see interest early, know what’s going on,” he said. “Fortunately for me, I had a lot of interest all over board. They see you as closer, they see you as setup guy. A lot of different angles and contracts to be presented, and I think that time frame was just going through stuff and trying to find the…Kevin Gregg, talking to reporters earlier today on a conference call, discussed the negotiating process that eventually brought him to Baltimore.

“It was one of those things where it’s nice to see interest early, know what’s going on,” he said. “Fortunately for me, I had a lot of interest all over board. They see you as closer, they see you as setup guy. A lot of different angles and contracts to be presented, and I think that time frame was just going through stuff and trying to find the right fit for myself.

“It took time on the team’s part to see what they wanted to do, what they wanted to commit. Eventually, we came to terms and I think both sides are happy.”

Gregg signed a two-year, $10 million contract that includes a vesting option for 2013.

“Everybody wants to get multi years,” he said, “It’s one of those things you try to get once you’re a free agent. Two years isn’t really a long time, I don’t think, but it’s settling for me and my family to know where you’re going to be for at least the next two years, and maybe three. So that’s comforting.”

Orioles manager Buck Showalter, also part of the conference call, wouldn’t commit to Gregg as his closer. Gregg is most likely the favorite, but Showalter praised Koji Uehara and expressed hope that the right-hander will stay healthy and further strengthen the bullpen. He also noted how many relievers on the team have experience closing games.

“We all know Kevin’s background and his success rate over a long period of time in the American League East,” Showalter said. “That’s one thing that intrigued me.”