A little more on minor league signings

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

December 16, 2011, 4:45pm

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I tweeted this earlier today, but I'll mention it in the blog, as well. The Orioles have agreed to terms with outfielders Antoan Richardson and Lee Cruz on minor league deals. They also agreed to terms with reliever Jon Link, as they continue to seek depth for the upper levels of their minor league system. Richardson, 28, is an interesting acquisition because the Orioles drafted him in the 27th round in 2001 and 2002, but they failed to sign him. He signed with the Giants, who drafted him in the 35th round in 2005. Richardson, who was born in the Bahamas, went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base for the Braves this season. That's the extent of his major league experience. Cruz, 28, played independent ball this year. The White Sox selected him in the 10th round of the 2006 draft. Link, 27, posted a 4.15 ERA in nine games and 8 2/3 innings with the Dodgers in 2010. He's recorded 82 saves in seven minor league seasons. The Padres selected Link in the 26th round of the 2005 draft. No, he won't replace Kevin Gregg as the closer in 2012.