"Add another outfielder to the Mets' mix for 2012: The team has signed converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league contract, a person familiar with the deal confirmed.

Loewen's signing was first reported by Baseball America.

Loewen, 27, is a former pitching phenom drafted fourth overall by Baltimore in 2002; in 35 games pitching for the Orioles between 2006 and 2008, he posted an 8-8 record. Elbow and control issues led to Loewen's decision to become a position player after the 2008 season.

He signed a minor league contract with Toronto, and had an .884 OPS and 17 home runs in Triple-A last season. Loewen returned to the major late last season, and batted .188, with 32 at-bats for the Blue Jays. The team views him as an capable of playing all three outfield positions, though probably not as a starter in centerfield."