Free-agent closer Grant Balfour has reached an agreement on a two-year contract with theBaltimore Orioles, a source told ESPN's Tim Kurkjian. The deal is reportedly for $14 million with an additional $500,000 in deferred money each year, according to multiple media reports. Balfour, a 35-year-old Australia native, went 1-3 with a 2.59 ERA and 38 saves last season with theOakland Athletics. Once he joins the Orioles, he will take over as closer for Jim Johnson, who was traded to Oakland for second baseman Jemile Weeks and minor league catcher David Freitas earlier this month. Source: ESPN
