masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLeft-hander Rich Hill expects to sign a contract today or tomorrow, and he hasn’t formally eliminated the Orioles from consideration after they offered him a minor league deal.

“Not yet,” he said.

However, Hill indicated that one team might be willing to give him a major league contract. If that’s the case, you can cross the Orioles off his list.

“I’ve talked with a number of teams,” he said, “and I think there are some good opportunities out there. That’s where it’s at right…Left-hander Rich Hill expects to sign a contract today or tomorrow, and he hasn’t formally eliminated the Orioles from consideration after they offered him a minor league deal.

“Not yet,” he said.

However, Hill indicated that one team might be willing to give him a major league contract. If that’s the case, you can cross the Orioles off his list.

“I’ve talked with a number of teams,” he said, “and I think there are some good opportunities out there. That’s where it’s at right now.”

Hill, who’s coming off labrum surgery and has been throwing at home, wouldn’t identify the club that might put him on its 40-man roster.

“I want to wait until everything is done and go from there,” he said.

Understood.

Hill’s command issues made it unlikely that the Orioles could trust him in a relief role, and he figured to be a long shot to win a starting job, especially if they sign another pitcher. But he could be another low-risk investment for a team that hopes to catch lightning in a bottle.

If anyone out there has actually caught lightning in a bottle, I’d like to see it. And insects don’t count.