Orioles acquire Alex Liddi from Mariners

The Baltimore Orioles have acquired Alex Liddi and $277,500 in international slot money from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for $351,200 in international slot money, according to the Seattle Times' Larry Stone. By sending Liddi and their third international signing slot to Baltimore, the Mariners received $73,700 of international pool money in the deal.

Liddi, the first Italian-born player to appear in the major leagues, was designated for assignment by the Mariners on June 28th to make room for Brad Miller on the 40-man roster. The 24-year old was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, where he hopes to continue to develop into a solid prospect for the Orioles. Speaking with MASN's Roch Kubatko, Orioles' general manager Dan Duquette praised the young utility player:

"Alex Liddi is a good defender, has power, and at 24, should continue to improve his game."

Although he was a top prospect in the Mariners' system after they signed him as an international free agent in 2005, Liddi hasn't lived up to expectations in 61 major league games. He has hit only .208/.266/.370 with 6 HR and 16 RBI, and has been unable to find the power stroke that made him such a coveted prospect. In 59 games with Triple-A Tacoma this season, he hit .263 with 11 HR and 43 RBI.

Liddi is the second Mariners exile that the O's have acquired this week, joining Eric Thames, who was acquired on Sunday after being designated for assignment by the Mariners.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Liddi, the Orioles designated Russ Canzler for assignment. Canzler has posted a .276 average with 11 HR and 49 RBI in 86 games with Norfolk this season, and will be claimed, traded, released or outrighted within the next ten days.

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