The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly close to reaching a deal with longtime Atlanta Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone. The Baltimore Sun, citing sources with knowledge of the negotiations, stated on its Website that a deal could be finalized by Thursday. The Sun also said the only possible snag to the deal would be for the Orioles and Braves to work out compensation for Mazzone. Mazzone has been with the Atlanta organization since 1979 and has served as the Braves pitching coach since 1990, helping the club claim one championship, 14 straight division titles and five World Series appearances. Over those 16 seasons, the Atlanta pitching staff has led the National League in team ERA 10 times and was second twice. Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo grew up with Mazzone and the O's skipper was the best man at Mazzone's wedding. The Orioles current pitching coach Ray Miller called Baltimore executive vice president Mike Flanagan to give his blessing to hire another pitching coach. Miller's status for the 2006 season was already uncertain, as he is recovering from surgery to remove an aneurysm.