Orioles Ink Pat Hentgen

(AP)  The Baltimore Orioles fortified their shaky starting rotation Tuesday by agreeing to a $9 million, two-year contract with former AL Cy Young Award winner Pat Hentgen.

Hentgen, 32, went 15-12 with a 4.72 ERA in 33 starts with the St. Louis Cardinals this year. He struck out 118 and allowed 89 walks in 194 1-3 innings.

"It's funny how free agency works," Hentgen said. "I never really thought the Orioles and I would fit, but it work it worked out. It's a comforting feeling knowing where I'll be the next two seasons."

It was the first significant free-agent signing for the Orioles, who lost ace Mike Mussina to the New York Yankees. Hentgen joins a rotation that previously had only two solid starters: Jose Mercedes and Sidney Ponson.

"We needed more than just a starting pitcher. We needed someone who could bring a lot to the table other than just pitching," said Syd Thrift, the Orioles director of player personnel. "He brings leadership, too."

Hentgen has a shot at starting on opening day for the Orioles and expects to make his standard 30-25 starts. He also hopes to provide stability on a rebuilt staff that will include several young pitchers.

"I think the young pitchers can look to be for experience and knowledge," he said. "I'm a very approachable guy. I will give out advice, and I have good ears."

And a potent right arm. Hentgen won the AL Cy Young Award in 1996 while with the Toronto Blue Jays, when he went 20-10 with a 3.22 ERA. He has a 120-88 career record.

Hentgen gets $4.5 million salaries in each of the next two seasons, and the Orioles have a $6 million option for 2003. He can earn more through performance bonuses.

"If he's alive, with his track record he'll be making $6 million a year," said Hentgen's agent, Bob LaMonte.

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