Orioles are all in a Huff

“It?s a pleasure to be back in the big room. We haven?t been in the big room since Ramon Hernandez [signed a contract in December 2005],” said Mike Flanagan, the Orioles? executive vice presidentof baseball operations.

The Orioles announced Wednesday the signing of veteran left-handed slugger Aubrey Huff to a contract reportedly worth $20 million over three seasons. Averaging 26 home runs over the past five seasons, his power bat will be the biggest offensive addition to the team.

“I?m very excited to be here,” Huff said. “It?s certainly a new chapter of my life coming to a storied franchise with a lot of history.”

Huff, 30, can play first base, third base and both corner outfield positions. He split the 2006 season between Tampa Bay and Houston, batting a combined .267 with 21 home runs and 66 RBI in 131 games.

Flanagan noted Huff?s success against the Orioles and said, “Its good to have him on our side.”

Huff is happy to be playing in Camden Yards, too. He sees the 318-foot marker on the right field fence as an inviting target.

“It?s a great place to play for a left-handed hitter,” Huff said.

Huff, who broke in with Tampa Bay in 2000 at the age of 23, was dealt last July for two prospects. He has 141 home runs and 487 RBI in 867 career games.

The Orioles missed out on potential left fielders Alfonso Soriano, who signed with the Cubs, and Carlos Lee, who signed with the Astros. They countered by signing veteran Jay Payton (two-year deal) and Huff.

While Huff is not known for his defense, he said he does not have a preferred defensive position. It?s likely he?ll shuffle between left field and first base, while also seeing time as a designated hitter and occasionally spelling Melvin Mora at third base.

Offensively, he?ll likely bat fifth behind cleanup-hitter Miguel Tejada.

“For me, it?s probably one of the best lineups I?ve ever been a part of,” Huff said.