3:01pm: Loewen is a Blue Jay, according to the Globe and Mail. The Jays also claimed Bryan Bullington off waivers from the Indians. Loewen talked to Kubatko today about his tough decision.
1:57pm: It sounds like Gaston’s pitch worked – Orioles president Andy MacPhail expects Loewen to sign with the Blue Jays. It’s not about money, but rather Loewen’s lifelong dream to play ball in Canada.
FRIDAY, 10:02am: Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun says Jays manager Cito Gaston called Loewen to sell him on the organization. Elliott says the Mariners and Orioles also want to sign the converted outfielder. Roch Kubatko is convinced Loewen will re-sign with Baltimore.
THURSDAY: Loewen cleared waivers; he’s now a free agent. He’s receiving more interest than anticipated.
TUESDAY: According to Roch Kubatko at MASN Online, the Orioles released Adam Loewen yesterday. Loewen was chosen fourth overall in the 2002 draft.
Loewen reached the Majors and tallied 164 innings, but elbow problems prompted him to reinvent himself as an outfielder this summer. According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles hope Loewen will clear waivers today so they can sign him to a minor league deal. He is out of options, but the Orioles want to be able to send him to the minors. If claimed, Loewen would need to remain on the 40-man roster and would earn $700K. Orioles GM Andy MacPhail doesn’t expect that to happen, nor does he expect Loewen to ink a minor league deal with another club.
