Orioles signed RHP Brad Hennessey to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
It's very surprising that Hennessey didn't wait and see whether any major leaguer offers would come his way over the next month or so, but he did pick a team certain to give him a long look. Perhaps the Orioles promised him a chance to compete for a rotation spot, which would be attractive to someone who was going to be viewed as a reliever by most teams. Hennessey faltered last season, but he had a 3.42 ERA and 19 saves for the Giants in 2007. He could be useful in relief.
Maybe the title of this thread is a little harsh but I was surprised Hennessey found work this quickly. Imagining Hennessey in the AL East in the Camden Yards is a scary thought. But on a minor league contract is the right way to go. No one should be handing out guaranteed money to Hennessey.