masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLogistical issues and some follow-up testing have caused a delay in Mark Hendrickson’s new contract becoming official. We probably won’t get an announcement before Monday, but it’s coming.

The Orioles haven’t dismissed the idea of signing another starting pitcher before spring training, but they’re focused only on non-roster deals at the moment. Unless something comes up unexpectedly that makes sense, they won’t be offering a major league contract to a starter or reliever.

The Orioles…Logistical issues and some follow-up testing have caused a delay in Mark Hendrickson’s new contract becoming official. We probably won’t get an announcement before Monday, but it’s coming.

The Orioles haven’t dismissed the idea of signing another starting pitcher before spring training, but they’re focused only on non-roster deals at the moment. Unless something comes up unexpectedly that makes sense, they won’t be offering a major league contract to a starter or reliever.

The Orioles made a one-year offer to Erik Bedard and later came back with a revision that put them in line with the Mariners’ reported proposal, but the left-hander apparently prefers to stay in Seattle.

Speculated reasons among industry types include a bigger ballpark, competing in the AL West and pitching for a team with a better chance to contend in 2010. Advantage: Seattle.

I don’t have any more details, but it appears that both teams declined to include an option. It sounds like the money was about the same with incentives factored into the deals, and the Orioles were given serious consideration.

Team officials remain confident that they can reach a settlement with pitcher Jeremy Guthrie on a new contract and avoid going to arbitration later this month.

If you’re still interested in attending the “Babe’s Birthday Bash” at Sports Legends Museum, it’s been postponed until next Friday, Feb. 12, because of the pending inclement weather. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 9 p.m.

Anyone who is unable to attend the event on the new date is encouraged to contact the museum at 410-727-1539.

Also, the museum has moved activities from the Babe Ruth Birthplace to Feb. 13. Rare Babe Ruth movies will be shown from noon until closing. Admission will be $3, in honor of Ruth’s playing number.

Admission for the Albert Belle tribute will cost a lot more.