Orioles sign Laffey to minor league deal

The Orioles have signed left-hander Aaron Laffey to a minor league deal. At this point, his contract doesn't include an invitation to spring training. Laffey will attend the minor league mini-camp on Feb. 22, and it's possible that he will be summoned to the Ed Smith Stadium complex at a later date. Otherwise, he'll do his throwing at Twin Lakes Park and attempt to win a job at Triple-A Norfolk. Laffey, 28, has local ties. He was born in Cumberland and attended Allegany High School. The Indians selected Laffey in the 16th round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. He's 25-29 with a 4.45 ERA in 153 games, including 68 starts, over seven major league seasons. Laffey posted a 7.11 ERA in five games (three starts) in 12 2/3 innings last season with the Mets and Blue Jays. He also pitched for Triple-A Albuquerque and Nashville, going 6-8 with a 6.34 ERA in 23 games (22 starts). That's four organizations in 2013. Laffey made 16 starts for the Blue Jays among his 22 appearances in 2012. Also, I can confirm that the Orioles have increased their efforts to sign closer Fernando Rodney. Talks are heating up, according to sources. They'll cool right back down if he's still looking for $10 million per season. It's an interesting turn of events, considering that executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated again over the weekend that his top priority was adding another starter. He's still trying to sign one, but Rodney is back on his radar.