FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Baltimore Orioles sent outfielder-first baseman Chris Richard and cash to the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday for power-hitting outfield prospect Jack Cust.

	Cust

	Richard

Cust, 24, hit .265 with 23 home runs and 55 RBI with Triple-A Colorado Springs last year. In 35 games with the Rockies, who acquired him for left-handed reliever Mike Myers in January 2002, he batted .169 with one homer and eight RBI.

Richard, 28, missed the first four months of last season recovering from left shoulder surgery. He hit .232 with four homers and 21 RBI, but has not played the outfield since 2001 while recovering from shoulder surgery.

	“	I hope the Rockies realize that I'm less than 100 percent throwing from the outfield. ”
		— Chris Richard

"I haven't made throws from the outfield on consecutive days," said Richard, acquired from St. Louis for pitcher Mike Timlin in July 2000. "I'm sure the shoulder will be able to handle it. ... I hope the Rockies realize that I'm less than 100 percent throwing from the outfield."

Richard will be competing for playing time in Colorado's outfield with Larry Walker, Preston Wilson, Jay Payton and Gabe Kapler.

The Orioles were thwarted in their attempt to land a middle-of-the-lineup power hitter through trade or free agency during the offseason.

Cust could play designated hitter for the Orioles, who still have a logjam of corner outfielders and first basemen. Because Cust has a minor league option remaining, he could start the season at Triple-A Ottawa.