Gibbons' contract bought by Brewers

July 24, 2008

Former Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons is getting a second chance, with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Brewers have purchased Gibbons' contract from the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks and will assign him to their Double-A affiliate in Huntsville, Ala.

The Orioles released Gibbons, 31, in March after he batted .189 with no home runs in 16 spring-training games.

He was suspended for 15 days on Dec.6 after a media report that he received a shipment of human growth hormone after January 2005, when it was banned by baseball. The suspension was rescinded in April as part of an agreement between players and owners to toughen their anti-drug program.

At the time, Orioles president Andy MacPhail called Gibbons' release a "baseball decision." The move left the Orioles owing Gibbons $11.9 million for the final two seasons of a four-year, $21.1 million contract.

"He made a mistake, we all made mistakes," the Orioles' Brian Roberts said, "and he's certainly paid the price."

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