In Baltimore, It’s Miller Time

Ray Miller already has taken care of the toughest part of being manager of the Baltimore Orioles establishing a rapport with owner Peter Angelos.

Miller became the Orioles’ fourth manager in five years Tuesday, six days after A.L. Manager of the Year Davey Johnson ended a running quarrel with Angelos by resigning.

“Mr. Angelos guaranteed he would do everything in the world to keep this club competitive and in a position to win,” Miller said. “If we’re short of something, I’m sure ownership will go out and get it.”

As Johnson’s pitching coach, Miller was instrumental in helping the Orioles win 98 games before advancing to the A.L. Championship Series. Baltimore had the league’s best ERA, allowed the fewest hits and runs and had three 15-game winners for the first time in 15 seasons.

Neither Miller nor the Orioles would divulge the length or amount of the contract.

Bretts, Hunt may join forces

George Brett and Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt have both submitted applications to major league baseball to become owners of the Kansas City Royals.

Hunt has talked with Brett’s investment group about a joint bid for the team, but no deals have been made. Each side, however, said the door remains open.

Major league baseball will conduct background checks on all those who applied to submit bids for the team. After that, the bidders will be allowed to examine the team’s finances.

Marlins deal Alou to Astros

The Florida Marlins started gutting their high-priced roster, trading Moises Alou to the Houston Astros for two minor-league pitchers and a player to be named.

Clearing the bases

The Cincinnati Reds sent right-hander Felix Rodriguez to the Arizona Diamondbacks and outfielder Mike Kelly to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for players to be named. The Reds also got outfielder Mel Nieves from the Detroit Tigers for minor-league catcher Paul Bako and pitcher Donne Wall… . The New York Yankees traded third baseman Charlie Hayes and cash to San Francisco for two minor leaguers.