Orioles to sign Mike Gonzalez?

The Orioles are closing in on a two year agreement with lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez. The Orioles were considered a dark horse for the reliever, but it is possible the Orioles guaranteed that he would be the teams closer, which he was not in Atlanta.

Update: Gonzalez signed for two years, $12M with another $4M in incentives, so he can earn up to $16M in this deal. Also, Baltimore assured Gonzalez that he will be their closer, so that presumably weighed in Gonzalez's decision to go to Baltimore.

The Orioles will lose their second round pick for signing Gonzalez, who posted a 2.42 ERA last season. The Orioles are also expected to add a corner infielder, and could target Russell Branyan if talks with the Mariners head south. 

Carlos Delgado is also available.