Cesar Izturis Agrees to Stay With Orioles

by FanHouse StaffFiled under: Orioles, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free AgencyThe Orioles suddenly are loading up on infielders, reaching an agreement Friday to re-sign Cesar Izturis after acquiring J.J. Hardy and Brendan Harris from the Twins a day earlier. Izturis will get a base salary of $1.5 million in 2011 and could double that if he hits various incentives. He has been the Orioles' starting shortstop the last two seasons but will slide into a utility role as Hardy takes over up the middle. "We were anxious to bring him back if only in a utility capacity," president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun. "He's like having an additional coach on the field. With Hardy and (Brian) Roberts being nicked up for part of the time last season, we wanted to make sure we were comfortable with that backup and Izzy gives us that comfort. He's just a good influence to have around." Not satisfied there, the Orioles added to their infield dept...