O's pick up lefty reliever Kline, reach deal with Gibbons

BALTIMORE -- Steve Kline and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a $5.5 million, two-year contract on Monday, and right fielder Jay Gibbons agreed to a $2.6 million, one-year deal.

One of the most reliable left-handed relievers in baseball, Kline went 2-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 67 appearances for St. Louis last season. He will earn $2.5 million in 2005 and $3 million in 2006.

Gibbons, 27, hit .246 last season with 10 homers and 47 RBI. Gibbons, who had been eligible for salary arbitration, can earn an additional $300,000 in performance bonuses.

The Orioles also reacquired infielder Chris Gomez from Philadelphia for cash considerations. Gomez signed a minor-league contract with Baltimore on Dec. 8, then was selected by the Phillies in the minor-league phase of the winter meeting draft last week.