Orioles, Reimold avoid arbitration

The Baltimore Orioles have avoid arbitration with outfielder Nolan Reimold, agreeing to a one year/$1M deal, as reported by Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

The 29 year old Reimold played just 16 games last season, losing most of the year to a herniated disk in his neck which required surgery. He has played in parts of four major league seasons and shown some promise as a hitter at times with a career .261/.338/.455 batting line, but injuries and inconsistency have kept him bouncing between AAA and the big league club. This was his first arbitration-eligible season.

Reimold will once again compete for time in left and at designated hitter for the Orioles. The Orioles have resigned Nate McLouth already this off-season, giving them a lefty to match with the right-handed Reimold in a possible platoon situation.

However, unlike McLouth, Reimold has shown relatively even splits and has actually been slightly better against righty pitchers in his young career. Defensive metrics see the two as very similar in left, though McLouth, a former centerfielder, may have the better range. After missing most of last season, the pressure will be on Reimold to earn playing time in Baltimore this year.