"Derrek Lee has been in this situation before, so he is probably the last guy who is going to be affected by hearing his name in trade rumors.

With the Chicago Cubs last year, Lee vetoed a deal to the Los Angeles Angels before the nonwaiver trade deadline. A month later, the veteran first baseman approved a trade to the Atlanta Braves and was part of their playoff team.

Lee's first — and likely only — season with the Orioles has been a struggle, but the 35-year-old is swinging the bat as well as he has all season, and his defense and clubhouse presence would seemingly be attractive to contenders.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates could be two potential fits, and both clubs have had scouts at this series. However, the Pirates are also known to have interest in reliever Koji Uehara.

"I don't think about it," Lee said. "Every year, it's the same thing around this time. It's something that you can't control. I guess last year was different. I did have control. I was kind of part of the trade talks, and they were bringing different things to me and asking me what I want to do. This year, I have no control. You just try to block it out. I'd like to stay here, but who knows what's going to happen. We'll see."

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail continues to engage in trade talks, primarily about two players: Uehara and starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie. MacPhail and manager Buck Showalter spoke on the phone for nearly an hour Thursday to go over potential moves.

With the trade deadline Sunday afternoon, it's widely believed that Lee, who is still owed about $2.5 million of the $7.25 million, one-year deal that he signed with the Orioles in January, would clear waivers, giving the Orioles more time to trade him."