Baltimore Orioles Trade Rumors

Reports: O's ink LHP Startup to minor league deal
Comment
February 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles recently signed left-handed pitcher Will Startup to a minor league deal, according to Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi on Twitter. Late Monday night, Morosi wrote the following on his Twitter page: #Orioles sign LHP Will Startup to minor league deal, sources say. Barely pitched last year but had some past success in #Braves org. #MLB After undergoing Tommy John surgery following the 2007 season, Startup didn't pitch at all in 2008 and only appeared in 11 games in the San Diego Padres organization last year. The 25-year-old southpaw made eight appearances with the Rookie-level AZL Padres in 2009, compiling a 5.87 ERA and seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. He finished the season with ..."
Reliever Sarfate clears waivers
Comment
February 4
Baltimore Sun
 
"Reliever Dennis Sarfate, who was designated for assignment last week when the Orioles re-signed Miguel Tejada, cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk. The 28-year-old right-hander received a spring training invitation but will not be on the 40-man roster for the first time since coming to Baltimore in December 2007 as part of the Tejada trade with the Houston Astros. "I guess you are a little disappointed every time you clear waivers, but I wanted to stay in Baltimore," said Sarfate, who was 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 20 games last year after going 4-3 with a 4.74 ERA in 2008. "I like the city, and I think the opportunity is still there. I think I can still show them that I ..."
O's: Closing in on Tejada
Comment
January 23
Baltimore Sun
 
"Frankly, we've given Andy MacPhail every possible opportunity to steer us away from Miguel Tejada today, and he has done nothing but leave us with a greater impression that the club is very close to agreeing to terms with the former O's shortstop -- if they don't already have a deal in place. Stay tuned."
Scott agrees to 1-year deal; Guthrie files for arbitration
Comment
January 20
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles agreed to a contract with one of their arbitration-eligible players Tuesday and exchanged numbers with the other. Outfielder-designated hitter Luke Scott, in his second year of arbitration eligibility, agreed to a one-year, $4.05 million contract after making $2.4 million in 2009. Right-handed starter Jeremy Guthrie and the Orioles did not agree to terms and therefore exchanged numbers. Guthrie, who made $650,000 in 2009, filed for $3.625 million. The Orioles countered with $2.3 million. If the two sides cannot reach a settlement before a hearing in February, an arbitrator will choose one figure or the other. The Orioles have gone to arbitration nine times since 1994 and are ..."
Focused on 3rd base, O's might sign Crede or bring back Tejada
Comment
January 19
Baltimore Sun
 
"Despite the glut of first basemen still on the free-agent market, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail remains more focused on adding another third baseman to the team's corner infield mix, increasing the likelihood that he could sign either Joe Crede or have a reunion with Miguel Tejada. The Orioles signed Garrett Atkins last month partially because of his ability to play either third or first, but MacPhail reiterated Monday that the organization's plans for Atkins haven't changed. "We've made no secret over the fact that it's our preference to have Atkins go to first," MacPhail said. If that's the case, the Orioles have very few options to fill their third base vacancy ..."
Hill appears headed elsewhere
Comment
January 13
Baltimore Sun
 
"While the Orioles have re-signed a couple of their players from last year to minor league deals, it does not appear that Rich Hill will be one of them. Earlier this offseason, the Orioles offered the left-handed starter a minor league pact with an invite to spring training, but it looks like Hill is poised to accept another offer. There has been very little talk between the two sides in recent days and Hill has other minor league offers that are available to him. It should come as no surprise that Hill likely won't return. It probably will benefit him to get out of the American League East and return to the National League. His chances of making the Orioles' Opening Day rotation were slim ..."
Orioles appear out of Chapman derby
Comment
January 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"Several major league teams have dropped out of contention to sign Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, and the Orioles appear to be among them, though there has been no official announcement to that effect. Orioles beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec tells me that agents Alan and Randy Hendricks have not gotten back to Andy MacPhail since the Orioles apprised them of how the organization valued the hard-throwing left-hander. Club officials view that as a sign that the Hendricks brothers already have offers that far surpass the level of the Orioles interest. Sounds like a pretty good assumption when you're competing with the Red Sox and Angels. It's possible that could change before Chapman signs, but ..."
Three teams talking to Mora
Comment
January 5
Baltimore Sun
 
"Melvin Mora's 10-season stint with the Orioles is over, but it's still not known what is next for the 37-year-old third baseman. Mora's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, said Monday that "three teams have a fair amount of interest in Melvin. It's a matter of balancing playing time with the competitive nature of the club and salary." Goldschmidt wouldn't specify the teams involved, but two are in the National League and one in the AL. The Colorado Rockies reportedly were interested in December. None of the teams that have expressed interested is in the AL East or NL East, which is where Mora originally had hoped to land so he could stay close to his wife and kids in Bel Air. Goldschmidt said region ..."
Orioles, Atkins finalize one-year deal
Comment
December 22
Baltimore Sun
 
"Third baseman Garrett Atkins passed his physical today and finalized a one-year, $4 million deal with the Orioles, who will likely install the former Colorado Rockies slugger as their starting third baseman for the 2010 season. Atkins' deal includes $250,000 in potential bonuses, and an $8.5 million option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout. The 30-year-old was non-tendered by the Rockies earlier this month. Atkins, 30, batted .226 with nine homers and 48 RBIs in 126 games for Colorado during the 2009 season, easily his most difficult professional campaign. In each of the three previous seasons, Atkins had 21 or more homers and 99 or more RBIs. From 2006 to 2008, Atkins averaged 25 homers and ..."
Gonzalez ready to fight for closing job
Comment
December 18
Baltimore Sun
 
"Mike Gonzalez expects to be the Orioles' full-time closer in 2010, but he's taking the same approach he has had his entire career. He's prepared to fight for it. "Every year is a competition, man, as far as I can remember. Even back in Little League baseball, everything was a competition," said Gonzalez, who was a 30th-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1997. "If there is no competition, there's no real reward to it. I have never had anything given to me, and I don't expect it will be given to me now. I will go out there, do what I do and I don't think there will be any question" about his role. Gonzalez, 31, agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract Wednesday with the Orioles that ..."
Holliday intrigued by Orioles?
Comment
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent left fielder Matt Holliday might be more intrigued by the Orioles now that the team has signed his close friend, third baseman Garrett Atkins. Yet, Atkins isn't Holliday's only close friend on the team. Holliday also is close with Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. Both are involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The Orioles are pursuing Holliday, major-league sources say, but they should know better than to expect a "buddy discount" from Holliday's agent, Scott Boras. Still, if the O's are willing to meet Holliday's price, they could offer him a built-in comfort zone with the team."
Sources: O's interested in Holliday
Comment
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cardinals are not the only team pursuing free-agent left fielder Matt Holliday. The Orioles have jumped into the bidding, though both the seriousness of their efforts and Holliday's desire to play in Baltimore are in question, major-league sources say. Holliday, 29, is unlikely to go to the Orioles — a team coming off 12 straight losing seasons — unless they make him a much stronger offer than the Cardinals. The Orioles, meanwhile, might only participate in the Holliday sweepstakes as a token gesture, an effort to demonstrate to their fans that they are trying to improve. Still, the idea of Holliday signing with the Orioles could make sense for a number of reasons: Holliday would join ..."
New targets flying low on O's radar, for now
Comment
December 16
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles' pool of potential free agents expanded this week, but none of the newly available targets has shot to the top of the club's wish list. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said his front office has contacted the representatives of several players who were not tendered contracts by their previous clubs at Saturday's deadline. That group includes corner infielders Garrett Atkins, Ryan Garko and Mike Jacobs and closers Matt Capps and Mike MacDougal. "It was pretty much what we anticipated," MacPhail said. "And we made a few calls." None of the players is considered a must-have for the Orioles, but several could fit in with the club's plans, depending on how the market ..."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
Comment
December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Orioles bring back relievers Albers, Meredith
Comment
December 13
Baltimore Sun
 
"Long before Saturday's midnight nontender deadline, the Orioles agreed to pre-arbitration deals with relievers Matt Albers and Cla Meredith on their 2010 contracts but did not offer a contract to Brian Bass, who now becomes a free agent. Bass, a 28-year-old right-hander, went 5-3 with a 4.90 ERA in 48 appearances in 2009 while serving as a long man out of the bullpen. The Orioles, who now have two open spots on their 40-man roster, have invited Bass back on a minor league deal. "It really has nothing to do with performance," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "Brian gave us everything we had hoped for. It's more of a question of roster management." Even with their ..."
Marlins Trying Hard To Deal Uggla
Comment
December 11
Miami Herald
 
"When the checkered flag was waved at baseball's winter meetings Thursday, Dan Uggla still belonged to the Marlins, Matt Lindstrom didn't and the club returned home with more work to do before spring training. ``There's still some stuff simmering,'' said Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations. ``My guess is people will take a little timeout now, fly home, wait for the tender date Saturday, and then go on from there and reengage next week. There's still going to be a lot of action.'' The Marlins made one trade during the annual meetings, dealing Lindstrom to the Houston Astros for a pair of minor-leaguers and a player to be named, who turned out to be Jorge Jimenez, a ..."
Rule 5: Orioles lose Steve Johnson
Comment
December 10
Baltimore Sun
 
"The San Francisco Giants have chosen Orioles prospect Steve Johnson with the 23rd pick in today's Rule 5 Draft. Johnson, the son of former Orioles pitcher and current Orioles broadcaster Dave Johnson, was acquired from the Dodgers along with third baseman Josh Bell in the deal for reliever George Sherrill. The Orioles knew they ran the risk of losing Johnson when they left him off their protected list, but gambled that no major league club would be willing to keep him on a 25-man roster all season since he has never pitched above the Double-A level. Johnson was 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA in seven starts for the Baysox. He was 12-7 with a 3.41 ERA overall at the Class-A and Double-A levels last ..."
Chapman to throw side session for clubs
Comment
December 10
MLB.com
 
"One of the most intriguing arms races of this Hot Stove season figures to intensify next week in Houston, when Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman throws a side session in front of several Major League teams. Randy Hendricks, who represents Chapman, confirmed that the Red Sox, Yankees and Angels will both be on hand, adding further spice to the sweepstakes for a pitcher who has been clocked at 100 mph. The big questions regarding the 21-year-old Chapman at this point are this: How close to Major League ready is he? What type of salary will he command given his unproven track record? Aside from the Red Sox and Yankees, who seem to be in on every big international free agent, the Orioles and ..."
O's have deal in place for Millwood
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have a tentative agreement in place on a trade that would send reliever Chris Ray to the Texas Rangers for veteran starter Kevin Millwood and some cash, according to multiple team sources. The agreement is contingent on some minor issues, including a review of the medical records of both players. The deal could be completed as early as tonight. The deal will also need to be approved by Major League Baseball because it's expected that more than $1 million is changing hands. Chris Ray, who appeared today at an Orioles charity event at ESPN Zone, has not yet been notified of the deal. The cash would help offset some of the $12 million owed to Millwood for the 2010 season."
O's close to deal for Millwood
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles are nearing an agreement on a trade that would send reliever Chris Ray to the Texas Rangers for veteran starter Kevin Millwood and some cash, according to multiple team sources. The cash would help offset some of the $12 million owed to Millwood for the 2010 season. Many of the particulars have been agreed upon, but the there are still a few details to work out, including a review of medical records. Satisfying the Orioles' need for a veteran innings eater at the top of the rotation, Millwood, 34, went 13-10 last season with a 3.67 last year while pitching 198 2/3 innings."
O's to meet with Chapman's agents in Houston
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles are expected to take the next step in their wooing of free-agent pitcher and Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman next week when international scouting director John Stockstill travels to Houston to meet with the pitcher's agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks. "The next step for us is we'll meet with them some time again next week," Stockstill said. "That probably involves a trip to Houston." Stockstill and Orioles president of baseball operations also met with the Hendricks brothers on Tuesday during Day Two of the winter meetings. It was the Orioles' first extensive opportunity to express their interest to the Hendricks Brothers, who took over the representation of the pitcher after ..."
O's: Closer to Millwood?
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"It seems like Orioles officials are getting more confident that they can complete a deal for Texas Rangers veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood. Conversations have been going on between the Orioles and Rangers throughout the Winter Meetings and a possible scenario has developed in which the O's would send reliever Chris Ray to Texas and pick up most of Millwood's $12 million guarantee for next year. Don't know if it can get done here over the next 24 hours, but it remains a real possibility."
Padres 3rd baseman Kouzmanoff creating a buzz
Comment
December 9
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Suddenly, the hottest trade chip the Padres have to play seems to be third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. Eight teams have apparently contacted the Padres regarding Kouzmanoff, although San Diego days earlier seemed to be facing an uphill battle in hopes of creating interest in Kouzmanoff against a deep pool of free-agent third basemen. Then Seattle spent $36 million to get Chone Figgins for four years. And the Phillies signed Placido Polanco for $18 million over three seasons. With visions of big paydays apparently in the heads of the top three remaining free-agent third basemen — Pedro Feliz, Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa — teams are seeing Kouzmanoff as an affordable (and playable) option. ..."
The value of Pie
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"Felix Pie continues to draw surprising interest from other clubs, though it doesn't look like the Orioles are in any hurry to move him unless it's in a deal that fills one of their priority positions or enhances their overall pitching depth. There has been speculation connecting him to the Kansas City Royals, who need a versatile outfielder at a bargain salary, but the Orioles apparently don't see where the two teams could match up to complete a trade. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail will meet with the media in about an hour. He's been meeting with clubs and agents throughout the day. I'm hearing that one of those meetings was with SFX, the agency that represents Erik ..."
Orioles draw interest despite subpar record
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"Nobody cares about baseball anymore. That's why ESPN spent the entire day Tuesday doing incremental updates on the slow-developing three-team deal that will put - if you want to just hit the high notes - Curtis Granderson in the New York Yankees' outfield and Edwin Jackson in the Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation. I know, Granderson and Jackson are real good players, and the five other guys involved make it a very big deal, but it's not like any of them are dating Kate Hudson. Nobody cares about the Orioles anymore. That's why there were 45,000 page views to my Orioles blog ("The Schmuck Stops Here"… read it, live it) during the first day of the baseball winter meetings Monday, even though ..."
Arms sale
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"I'm really not sure if it's because the word is out that the Orioles have a lot of payroll space or just that it's apparent the O's need a quality veteran starter, but good teams are beating a path to their door to try and unload expensive arms. Of course, everybody knows they've been holding trade conversations with the Texas Rangers about right-hander Kevin Millwood, but there also have been other overtures. The Atlanta Braves are dangling Derek Lowe just a year after signing him to a big free agent deal and the Phillies would like to unload Joe Blanton to avoid a salary arbitration hit. Millwood still seems to make the most sense if he can be picked up for a medium pitching prospect, ..."
O's like landscape at third; Millwood talks continue
Comment
December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"While the Orioles exchange proposals with the Texas Rangers about veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood, they continue to search for their next third baseman. The Orioles have talked with the Florida Marlins about Dan Uggla, but at this point, the Marlins' asking price of at least two pitching prospects is too high. They are one of several teams that have talked with the San Diego Padres about Kevin Kouzmanoff, a 28-year-old who has averaged 20 home runs and 82 RBIs the past three seasons. The Padres are looking for young pitching in return. Kouzmanoff, who is arbitration-eligible, is an appealing option to the Orioles because of his power and his ability to move to first when top position ..."
Obstacles block Royals' interest in Orioles outfielder Pie
Comment
December 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals remain interested in a trade to acquire outfielder Felix Pie but appear unable — and unwilling — to meet Baltimore's asking price of a run-production corner infielder. "I don't think we have any matchups in their eyes," general manager Dayton Moore admitted. The Royals, no surprise, won't part with first baseman Billy Butler or third baseman Alex Gordon. And the Orioles apparently aren't interested in anyone else, including the idea of switching second baseman Alberto Callaspo to third. Pie, 24, batted .266 last season with nine homers and 29 RBIs in 101 games. More important, the Royals believe he possesses the speed and defensive skills they desire in a center fielder. Unless ..."
Chapman meeting
Comment
December 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"Doubt it means a whole lot, but we're hearing that the Orioles may be meeting right now with the agents for Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman. The O's are not expected to be the highest bidder for Chapman, but he told club officials during a face-to-face meeting last month that he has been positively inclined toward the organization since the Orioles visited Cuba in 1999."
The third man
Comment
December 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have not been particularly focused on third base during the first couple days of the Winter Meetings, but it appears they may be expanding their horizon at the hot corner. The free agent name that has been most prominent lately is free agent Pedro Feliz, but the Orioles also have expressed interest in San Diego Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, who had 18 homers and 88 RBI in 141 games last year. The Padres are slashing payroll and they've got a handful of players who are headed for arbitration. Kouzmanoff is one of them, and there have been published reports that it's not entirely out of the question he might end up being non-tendered. I think that's ridiculous, but he's ..."
Rockies seeking Mora's services as infield backup
Comment
December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rockies search for a right-handed bat who can back up at the corner positions has led them to look into free agent Melvin Mora. Mora, Balitmore's primary third baseman in recent seasons, has played all three outfield positions, second base, third base and shortstop in the big leagues. With left-handed hitters Todd Helton and Ian Stewart at first and third base, and with outfielders Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez and Brad Hawpe left-handed hitters, the Rockies want some right-handed balance on their roster in addition to backup outfielder Ryan Spilborghs. In addition to Mora, 37, the Rockies have discussed Orlando Hudson with the idea he could step in at second base and Clint Barmes could ..."
Orioles may be cooling on Millwood
Comment
December 8
MLB.com
 
"There are multiple teams embroiled in the Kevin Millwood sweepstakes with the Rangers, but the Orioles appear to have faded from a favorite to just another contender. The two teams have exchanged names of pitching prospects that could be sent from Baltimore to Texas, but there appears to be a cavernous gulf between what the Rangers want and what they can get. This much is certain: The Rangers and Orioles match up well in terms of money. Texas is trying to shed some salary and Baltimore has plenty of room in the budget as well as a pressing need for starting pitching. The Rangers reportedly asked the Orioles for Chris Tillman, while Baltimore would prefer to trade David Hernandez or Brandon ..."
No indication Tigers are trying to move Cabrera
Comment
December 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"No, not Daniel. I know a lot of Orioles fans would like to have him back -- just for comic relief -- but this is an update on Miguel Cabrera, whose off-field problems this past season raised hope in some remote quarters of Birdland that the Detroit Tigers would try to dump his big contract on somebody. Apparently, that's not going to happen. We've been checking around and there is absolutely no indication that the Tigers are trying to unload him. It certainly was not an illogical concept, since they would be stuck with that massive contract if he can't get his personal life back on track, but he's arguably the second-best player in the game and that kind of talent doesn't come along every ..."
Rangers listen to offers for Millwood
Comment
December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rangers are listening to offers from the Orioles-- and other teams -- in trade talks involving starter Kevin Millwood, multiple major-league sources said as the second full day of the winter meetings began. The Baltimore Sun's Peter Schmuck reported Tuesday morning that the Orioles "may be getting closer to acquiring (Millwood) for one of the Orioles second-level pitching prospects." One source told FOXSports.com that no deal is imminent; another said the Rangers remain engaged in serious talks with multiple teams. Why would Texas trade its most experienced starter -- someone who has averaged 31 starts over the past five seasons -- at a time when the team looks like a contender? The ..."
Millwood may be getting closer to being sent to Baltimore
Comment
December 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"What seemed like routine speculation on Monday morning could crystalize into the Orioles' first real deal of the offseason. The O's have had discussions with the Texas Rangers about veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood and may be getting closer to acquiring him for one of the Orioles second-level pitching prospects. Depending on the quality of the prospect, the Rangers would likely pay some of Millwood's $12 million salary for 2010. Today's ceremonial first rumor: The O's are believed to also have at least a passing interest in free agent starting pitcher Joel Piniero, who went 15-12 with a 3.49 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals last season."
O's eye pitchers at start of meetings
Comment
December 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles' focus on Day One of baseball's winter meetings was on trying to upgrade a pitching staff that has been one of the worst in baseball. Team officials met with the Texas Rangers on Monday to discuss a potential deal for veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood, and Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail also confirmed that the team is in possession of the medical records of free-agent starter Erik Bedard. MacPhail will meet with Bedard's agent, Mark Pieper, in the next couple of days to discuss bringing back the team's former ace, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners before the 2008 season in a deal that spearheaded MacPhail's rebuilding project. The Orioles' interest in ..."
MacPhail: Bedard under consideration
Comment
December 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail just concluded his first media briefing of the Winter Meetings, but did not have a lot to report. He pointed to tonight's deadline for free agents to accept arbitration as a potentially important point in the week, but didn't get specific about any of the players who might come off the free agent market by accepting salary arbitration from their original clubs. He did confirm, however, that the Orioles are reviewing the medical information on former O's pitcher Erik Bedard along with the medicals on a number of other free agents with injury issues. That's standard procedure, he said, and should be considered only a routine preliminary review ..."
Orioles interested in Millwood
Comment
December 7
Baltimore Sun
 
"During the opening night of mingling here in Indianapolis, a former Orioles executive told me the big name he's hearing connected to the Orioles right now is veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Texas Rangers at $12 million. That's not a surprise. Millwood was among the players of interest that Orioles beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec put together for his Winter Meetings preview."
What new Birds can MacPhail pull out of his hat?
Comment
December 7
Baltimore Sun
 
"aseball's winter meetings, which are just getting under way in Indianapolis, will never be what they once were. The days when Bill Veeck and Roland Hemond set up a table in the hotel lobby and put up a handwritten sign that said "Open for Business" are long gone. But this year's offseason convention has a chance to be more of a traditional tradefest than the usual free-agent free-for-all. Commissioner Bud Selig's announcement last month that some major league teams lost money this year seemed to signal another round of baseball belt-tightening, and there are rumblings that several budget-conscious teams are willing to part with their expensive players. It is against this recessionary ..."
What will the Orioles do?
Comment
December 6
Baltimore Sun
 
"Armed with an extensive list of needs and ample payroll flexibility, the Orioles' top decision-makers will descend on Indianapolis this week for baseball's annual winter meetings. They are looking to fill both corner infield spots, shore up the back end of the bullpen and add an accomplished innings-eater to their rotation. So far, the Orioles have been quiet, their transactions limited to routine roster maintenance and minor league signings. They could change that when executives from all 30 teams and representatives for the top free agents come together this week. "We made the first contacts, and we'll follow that up with discussions when we reach Indianapolis," Orioles president of ..."
Teams eyeing Dye at first base
Comment
November 23
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent right fielder Jermaine Dye has made only one career appearance at first base, in 2005. Yet teams are asking his agent, Robert Bry, if he is willing to play first, and Dye is open to the idea. Dye, 35, could be a right-handed hitting alternative at first for several clubs, including the Braves, Mets, Giants and Orioles. His willingness to play first alone should only increase his marketability. If Dye is not going to be a DH, he might be better at first than in right at this stage of his career. "It wouldn't surprise me at all if he had some success over there," one executive says. The negative on Dye is that he slumped after the All-Star break last season, batting .179 with a ..."
Roundup: Market for Doc won't dip
Comment
November 22
MLB.com
 
"The rumors are heating up on the second day of free agency. Here's what's cooking on the Hot Stove. Last holiday for Halladay? Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston told the New York Post that Roy Halladay is planning on testing free agency next offseason, removing the possibility of him signing an extension with Toronto. The Yankees and Dodgers are rumored to have serious interest in Halladay. The Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies have been mentioned as having varying degrees of interest as well. A deal with the Cubs does not appear realistic at the moment, considering Halladay is owed $15.75 million in 2010 and Toronto has asked for a package of Chicago's top prospects. Chapman changes: ..."
O's make minor move
Comment
November 21
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles claimed 26-year-old catcher Craig Tatum off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds today and designated left-handed pitcher Chris Waters for assignment. It's a minor transaction that gives the O's a good defensive guy to add minor league depth and maybe compete for the backup role behind Matt Wieters."
Interest in Wagner still strong
Comment
November 16
Foxsports.com
 
"Teams would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign Billy Wagner, but interest in the left-hander remains strong. Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, said Monday that eight clubs have called to express interest in Wagner, a Type A free agent. "The best way to put it," Stringfellow said, "is that the teams that called are aware that he's a Type A free agent, and they're calling anyway." Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are on the list, according to Stringfellow, along with three teams that preferred to remain anonymous. Of that group, Stringfellow said only the Red Sox — Wagner's most recent team — would slot him in a role other than closing. The unnamed teams are ..."
Odds look good for O's return to Cuba
Comment
November 14
Baltimore Sun
 
"Ten years after the Orioles made their controversial goodwill trip to Cuba, club owner Peter Angelos apparently would like to take another shot at improving relations between the United States and the isolated island nation with a new round of baseball diplomacy. I wouldn't count him out. Angelos told the Associated Press that he would like to return to Havana with the Orioles this spring, and the climate for such a trip might be better right now than it has been at any time since the Clinton administration gave tacit approval for the first home-and-home goodwill series. "Hopefully as next spring approaches, both governments will see clearer to improve the relations and make it rather easy ..."
Interest in Uggla ... at third base
Comment
November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The two teams showing the most interest in Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla would move him to third base. The Giants and Orioles are the clubs in strongest pursuit of Uggla, according to major-league sources. The Red Sox also have inquired, envisioning Uggla as a potential replacement for free agent Jason Bay in left field. Uggla, 29, projects to earn approximately $8 million in arbitration. But in four major-league seasons, he has averaged 30 homers and 90 RBIs. For the Giants, he would represent a more affordable addition than Bay or Matt Holliday. The Giants would play Uggla at third, Edgar Renteria at shortstop, Freddy Sanchez at second and Pablo Sandoval at first. If Uggla went to the ..."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
Comment
November 9
MLB.com
 
"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."
Twins' Gabino claimed by Orioles
Comment
November 9
MLB.com
 
"The Twins' 40-man roster continued to get some alterations on Monday, as right-hander Armando Gabino was claimed by the Orioles on outright waivers. Gabino, 26, went 0-0 with a 17.18 ERA in two appearances (one start) for the Twins in 2009. He made his Major League debut on Aug. 25 in a spot start against the Orioles, lasting just 2 2/3 innings while allowing four runs on five hits."