Jamie Walker To Be Released

Veteran relief pitcher Jamie Walker will be given his release from the Orioles due to his lackluster performance coming out of the bullpen this year. Walker's primary job was to get out left-handed batters but he was not successful with that in 2009, as lefties batted a staggering .458 off him.

This was the last year in the 3 year $12MM contract that Walker inked before the start of the 2007 season. The Orioles will still owe $3MM to Walker. The move was not a surprise as it was being discussed often over the last few weeks. Walker was prone to the HR ball as well, losing his past effectiveness. To replace him on the roster, the Orioles will bring up Alberto Castillo, a left-hander. That name might sound familiar as Castillo pitched in 28 games with a 3.81 ERA for the major league club last season. To begin 2009, Castillo was assigned to Triple A Norfolk