O's, Hendrickson agree on contract terms

O's, Hendrickson agree on contract terms

Looking to increase their pitching depth, the Orioles have agreed to terms with free-agent left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who will take a physical this week to finalize the deal, according to team sources. Terms of the deal aren't known. Orioles president Andy MacPhail declined to comment on the status of the negotiations last night, but the deal was essentially finalized last week, according to sources. Hendrickson, 34, has a 50-63 record and a 5.07 ERA over parts of seven seasons. He went 7-8 last season with a 5.45 ERA in 36games (19 starts) for the Florida Marlins. The Orioles, who are looking to add at least two starters, value Hendrickson's versatility and like him best as a long reliever and spot starter. However, the 6-foot-9 Hendrickson could get an opportunity to win a spot in the rotation behind Jeremy Guthrie if the Orioles are unable to land a couple of starters. Hendrickson, who has also pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers, has made 215 career appearances, including 154 starts. In addition, the York, Pa., resident was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and played 114 games in the NBA. JEFF ZREBIEC