Seattle gets Erik Bedard from Baltimore

SEATTLE, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners Friday acquired star left-hander Erik Bedard from the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Adam Jones.

The long-rumored deal took several weeks to consummate after Orioles owner Peter Angelos hesitated.

The 28-year-old Bedard had the best season of his five-year career in 2007 with a record of 13-5, an earned run average of 3.16 in 28 starts (182 innings), just 57 walks and a franchise-record 221 strikeouts.

He was sidelined by an abdominal strain the final month of the season. His acquisition bolsters a Seattle staff that also includes ace right-hander Felix Hernandez.

"Erik adds a top-of-the-rotation starter to our club, and also makes our bullpen a lot stronger," said Manager John McLaren.

Jones, 23, long regarded as the Mariners' most prized prospect, spent much of last season at Triple-A Tacoma with 25 home runs and 85 RBI.

The Orioles also got reliever George Sherrill, 30, and pitching prospects Chris Tillman, 19, Tony Butler, 20, and Kam Mickolio, 23.