The Baltimore Orioles made their first significant move of what promises to be a busy offseason by signing free agent reliever Mike Timlin to a four-year, $16 million contract. His arrival means the Orioles have a proven closer for the first time since allowing Randy Myers to depart via free agency a year ago.

Timlin, 32, is the first important acquisition for new Orioles general manager Frank Wren, but he's not likely to be the last. Orioles majority owner Peter Angelos on Wednesday discussed a significant make-over of the team, with the acquisition of a starting pitcher, center fielder, second baseman and catcher at the top of the list.

Meanwhile, Mike Flanagan informed the Orioles that he has decided to return to television work rather than serve another season as pitching coach. Manager Ray Miller then hired Bruce Kison, who was dismissed by Kansas City after the season.