Orioles Threaten to File Grievance Against Dodgers Over Free Agent Zeile

The Baltimore Orioles said Wednesday that they are exploring the possibility of filing a grievance against the Dodgers in their attempt to sign free-agent third baseman Todd Zeile.

Although the Orioles have made no contract offers for Zeile and plan to move Cal Ripken Jr. to third base next season, they are seeking compensation from the Dodgers. They have informed the Player Relations Committee they believe the Dodgers have already reached an agreement with Zeile and that they should be entitled to a first-round draft pick as compensation.

But the Dodgers and Zeile’s agent, Seth Levinson, insist that no deal has been completed. Teams have until Saturday to offer arbitration to their own free agents and at least be compensated with draft picks if they lose a free agent. Yet Zeile has a clause in his contract that precludes the Orioles from offering salary arbitration. This enables any team to sign Zeile after Saturday without surrendering draft picks.

“I’m not concerned because we don’t have an agreement as yet,” said Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president. “What we have done, we have done properly. We do not have a deal.”