The Orioles have agreed to trade reliever Chris Britton to the New York Yankees for starting pitcher Jaret Wright and cash, according to two team sources.

While the specifics of the deal have been worked out, the trade won't be official until it gets the commissioner's approval, which is necessary when more than $1 million in cash exchanges hands in a deal. That could happen as early as today.

Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan could not be reached for comment, and vice president Jim Duquette didn't return calls last night.

Along with Wright, a 30-year-old right-hander with a 68-57 record over 10 major league seasons, the Yankees have agreed to send the Orioles $4 million, according to sources. That is the amount it would have cost New York to buy out Wright's 2007 option.

Pitching sporadically this past season as New York's fifth starter, Wright went 11-7 with a 4.49 ERA.

The Yankees had until today to decide whether to pick up Wright's $7 million option or buy it out, and they were reportedly planning on the latter. Now, it is a moot point as Wright's two-year stint with the Yankees, marred by injuries and inconsistency, appears officially over.

...Britton, a 23-year-old right-hander who was the Orioles' eighth-round selection in the 2001 draft, was possibly the team's second-best reliever as a rookie this past season behind closer Chris Ray . Britton was 0-2 with a 3.35 ERA and one save in 52 games.

However, team officials were concerned about Britton's lack of command of a second pitch behind his fastball, and they also were worried about ongoing conditioning problems. [baltimore sun]

i like that the o's claimed concern over britton's lack of command of a secondary pitch when jaret wright can control, oh, none of his. i love you, baltimore. can i interest you in this guy? i'll throw in the brittany murphy impersonator for free.

Labels: yanquis