For Brian Cashman, though, it was "more of an anomaly."

Here's the full quote from the Yankees general manager, as reported in the New York Post: "When you overperform, like the Orioles did (in 2012), you realize that’s more of an anomaly. And last year was a market correction.”

Cashman was referring to a familiar discussion from the summer and fall of 2012, when the Birds won 11 more games than they would be expected to based on their run differential (712-705). They did it in part by going a jaw-dropping 29-9 in one-run games.

In 2013, the Orioles finished with a better run differential (745-709) and finished with exactly the number of wins they would be expected to, 85.

In fairness to Cashman, he wasn't taking an unprovoked shot at a division rival (and 2012 playoff opponent). His comments came in the context of talking about his own team's offseason moves after winning 85 games last year. Based on their run differential, the Yankees were a 79-win team.

“Our team overperformed last year,” he said. “It’s a credit to everybody involved in that process. But the record didn’t reflect the talent. And so when you take a sledgehammer to the roster like we did this winter and spend the money we did, it’s more reflective of recognizing. Of not being fooled.”

Still, many Oriole fans may not be too happy to hear the GM of a hated rival describe their best season in years as essentially a fluke.


ONE-YEAR DEAL FOR TROUT


Outfielder Mike Trout and the Angels agreed Wednesday to a $1 million, one-year contract, a prelude to a long-term deal between the young All-Star and Los Angeles.

The salary is the highest in a one-year contract for a player not eligible for arbitration who wasn't coming to the major leagues from Japan or Cuba, topping Ryan Howard's $900,000 salary with Philadelphia in 2007.

Trout will become eligible for arbitration after this season and could become a free agent after the 2017 World Series. The sides are thought to be discussing an agreement through 2020 in the $150 million range.

By agreeing to a one-year contract now with the 22-year-old, the Angels avoid having a long-term deal count toward their 2014 luxury tax payroll.

Trout was voted AL Rookie of the Year and finished second in MVP voting in 2012, when he hit .326 with 30 homers and 83 RBIs, and led the majors with 129 runs and 49 steals. He was second again to Detroit's Miguel Cabrera in MVP voting last year, when he batted .323 with a .432 on-base percentage, 27 homers, 97 RBIs and 33 steals.

Trout had a $482,500 salary as a rookie and earned a $10,000 bonus for winning Rookie of the Year. The Angels renewed his contract last year for $510,000, just $20,000 above the major league minimum at the time.


HAMILTON OUT AT LEAST TWO WEEKS


Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of a strained calf muscle, and pitcher C.J. Wilson does not appear to be seriously hurt after getting struck on the head by a line drive in batting practice.

Both players were injured during a spring training workout Tuesday.

Hamilton struggled in his first season with the Angels after agreeing to a $125 million, five-year contract, hitting .250 with 21 homers and 79 RBIs. The 2010 AL MVP reported to spring training 20 pounds heavier than last year after losing about 25 pounds following the 2012 season.

Hamilton left the clubhouse on crutches Tuesday after getting hurt during a baserunning drill.

"It's something that will definitely heal on its own and it's just going to take some time and the timeframe we're getting is the minimum of a couple of weeks," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Wednesday. "As of right now we're very optimistic that he'll get back in here and he can get back in shape for the start of the season."

Wilson, also starting his second season with the Angels. was hit by a liner off the bat of Yorvit Torrealba.

"Everything is fine, except that pitch I threw. Shoulda caught it," Wilson tweeted. "Lesson is to not pitch to contact!"

Wilson, 17-7 last year, could make his exhibition debut Saturday.


MRI FOR NIESE


Mets left-hander Jon Niese is being sent back to New York for an MRI on his ailing pitching shoulder.

Manager Terry Collins said Wednesday that Niese felt pain in the triceps area after throwing live batting practice earlier this week.

"It's a precaution right now. But any time you're sending someone for an MRI, obviously there's going to be a concern until you get the reading back," Collins said.

"He just said he's got a little discomfort in there. So we're going to go have it looked at," he said.

Niese has been expected to be the Mets' starter on opening day.

"Batting practice started and he felt fine," Collins said. "And then he threw his second 20 pitches the other day. He just said at the end of it, `Geez, my arm's just dead. Like, it's dead."'

Collins said Niese previously felt some pain in camp and was switched from throwing off the mound to playing long toss.

"That forces you to get your arm a little higher. And he felt good," Collins said.

But after Niese felt the problem during BP, the Mets sent him back home to be examined.

Niese went 8-8 with a 3.71 ERA in 24 starts for the Mets in 2013. He was on the disabled list from June 21 to Aug. 11 with a partial tear in his rotator cuff.

Contributors: Justin McGuire, The Associated Press