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Home , Bobby Dickerson, Buck Showalter, Chris Davis (baseball), Dan Duquette, Gary Rajsich, Harold Reynolds

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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Columns:  has a lineup in mind if Orioles' season started today The Sun 12/10  'This isn't a goodbye,' says in two-page advertisement The Sun 12/10  Despite departures, Orioles' Buck Showalter hopes to keep 'same morale' The Sun 12/9  Orioles have 'three or four' good candidates for hitting , Buck Showalter says The Sun 12/9  Orioles have shown interest in Jonny Gomes, source says The Sun 12/9  Orioles continue to seek help during Tuesday The Sun 12/9  Orioles out of the running for , sources say The Sun 12/9  Orioles' appears to be staying, at least for now The Sun 12/9  Speculation of Dan Duquette's departure quiets with latest Blue Jays report The Sun 12/9  Orioles looking for a lefty, but don't expect them to join high-priced reliever trend The Sun 12/9  Showalter doesn't want retooled O's to miss a beat MLB.com 12/9  O's hope to leave Meetings with 'couple of players' MLB.com 12/9  Jones, Reynolds host more than 300 youngsters at RBI clinic MLB.com 12/9  Orioles' auction items garnering numerous bids MLB.com 12/9  Day Three of the Winter Meetings MASNSports.com 12/10  Showalter meets the press MASNSports.com 12/9  Hearing from Duquette at the Winter Meetings MASNSports.com 12/9  Duquette confident Orioles will leave meetings with a couple of players MASNSports.com 12/9  Duquette meeting with Young's agent MASNSports.com 12/9  The lobby buzz on Matusz MASNSports.com 12/9  Showalter on Red Sox/Yankees spending: "They out of money yet?" MASNSports.com 12/10  Duquette talks up Alvarez and Yastrzemski during one-on-one interview (with video) MASNSports.com 12/9  's John Manuel on honoring Showalter and Duquette tonight MASNSports.com 12/9  Video interview with ESPN's talking Orioles MASNSports.com 12/9  Talking clubhouse chemistry and more with ESPN's MASNSports.com 12/9  Scout that signed now drafts players for Orioles MASNSports.com 12/9  Showalter counting on for good year SI.com 12/9  Orioles out on Matt Kemp? ESPN.com 12/9  Showalter knows he'll have to move on without Markakis CSN 12/9  Could Orioles put together a Byrd trade with Phillies? CSN Baltimore 12/9  Orioles won't be repeating last winter's strategy CSN Baltimore 12/9  Duquette staying put as Beeston stays in CSN Baltimore 12/9  The Orioles, Rangers, and Mariners are all out on Matt Kemp NBCSports.com 12/9  O's skipper Showalter to speak at Banquet DelmarvaNow.com 12/9  Report: Orioles interested in OF Jonny Gomes CBSSports.com 12/9

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-buck-showalter-has-a-lineup-in- mind-20141210-story.html Buck Showalter has a lineup in mind if Orioles' season started today By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 10, 2014

As Buck Showalter held court during his winter meetings media session Tuesday, he admitted that the Orioles have their work cut out to defend their American League East title.

The Orioles have stood idly this offseason -- watching key cogs like , Nick Markakis and leave -- while their division rivals have opened up their checkbooks and beefed up their rosters.

"God bless them," Showalter said. "That’s the system. If we were in their shoes, we’d do the same thing. What are you going to do? Throw your hands up in the air? It’s all right. It can be done. You’ve just got to be good at some things that will allow us to compete with them. ... We’re not going around trying to emulate them. If it works for them, God bless them. If we were in their situation, we’d do the same thing.”

Despite the holes the Orioles have to fill, Showalter said he'd be able to fill out his lineup card with his existing players.

"Really the only thing we don't have, even though we've made three subtractions, is who's going to DH?" Showalter said. "Other than that, I could tell you what we'd break camp with right now as starters."

Showalter said if the season opened today, would be in right field replacing Markakis. The Orioles are also high on Cuban defector Dariel Alvarez, especially his defensive skills, after a breakout season in -A and -A. And even though he's been forgotten to a degree, fellow Cuban Henry Urrutia could "jump out on us this spring," Showalter said.

"We still have some other players we’re looking at," Showalter said. "I probably missed a couple of players, but it’s something we’ve talked about, kicked around. We’ve kind of got it prepped around upstairs. A lot will depend on what it costs, what kind of commitment. It’s not about , it’ll probably be about the money.”

Showalter said establishing pitching depth will be important. The Orioles have six starters already, but they will be prepared to use more.

"I do know that we plan to be seven, eight deep by the time we break camp with our what ifs," Showalter said. "We have some people at [Triple-A] Norfolk that we feel like can come up and help us. Same way in the . That's something we've been attacking daily. It may not be up on the stage announcing it, but they're key moves for us. You saw some we made last year that nobody really paid much attention to that came into it. I really feel like we've got to stay on top of our bullpen in the offseason to make sure it's still a strength for us."

Showalter said right-hander won't be penalized because he has minor league options as he competes for a rotation spot this spring.

"We're not going to pick our pitching staff according to who has options and who doesn't," Showalter said. "We're not going to use that against Kevin. If he's one of our best 11 or 12 or whatever we break with, he'll be on our club. And it doesn't always mean they're going to be in the same capacity."

Showalter said that he's optimistic that right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who has three years remaining on his contract, can rebound from a rocky 2014 season. Jimenez made a slight adjustment to his delivery late in the season -- no longer lifting his arms over his head and behind him when working from the windup -- that Showalter said showed promise for next season.

"There were a couple little adjustments that he finally kind of took to, especially with his hands that really made us kind of feel very positive about next year," Showalter said. "He's just had too good of a track record at a young age. ... Let's face it, he had an ERA that in years past for us would have been good enough in a lot of cases, but we have five guys pitching a little better than him and we were in a very competitive situation that we had to put our best foot forward. We think this year he's got a good chance to be part of putting our best foot forward. I think he's going to have a big year."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-nick-markakis-baltimore-sun- advertisement-20141209-story.html 'This isn't a goodbye,' Nick Markakis says in two-page advertisement By Dan Connolly / The Baltimore Sun December 10, 2014

Outfielder Nick Markakis, who had been the longest tenured member of the Orioles before signing a free-agent deal with the Braves last week, has taken out a two-page advertisement in Wednesday’s Baltimore Sun to thank fans, the city and the organization for his nine seasons with the club.

The ad includes a large “Thank You,” on one side and an open letter to Orioles fans from Markakis on the other, which begins with, “This isn’t a goodbye.”

The letter is signed by Markakis, his wife, Christina, and their three sons. Within the text, Markakis says the family has every intention of continuing to live in northern Baltimore County and maintaining their extensive charitable endeavors.

Besides acknowledging the fans in multiple references, Markakis specifically thanks Orioles principal owner Peter G. Angelos and his family, manager Buck Showalter, his former Orioles teammates and coaches, as well as stadium, clubhouse and organizational employees.

Markakis, who will return to Camden Yards as a member of the Braves for a three-game series beginning July 27, ends the message by saying the fans have provided him and his family with so many memories that it’s easy for them to want to continue calling Baltimore home.

Markakis, 31, was drafted out of a Georgia junior college by the Orioles in the first round in 2003 and made his major league debut in 2006. Through the 2014 season, Markakis repeatedly mentioned his interest in remaining with the Orioles for the rest of his career.

But after the Orioles slowed down negotiations on a four-year, $40 million deal — the club privately had concerns about a bulging disk in his neck that will require surgery — Markakis agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the Braves.

He’ll now be returning home. Markakis went to high school in suburban Atlanta and his parents still live there.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-buck-showalter-hopes-to-keep- same-morale-in-2015-20141209-story.html Despite departures, Orioles' Buck Showalter hopes to keep 'same morale' By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

With the sudden loss of three major pieces from a team that won the Orioles’ first division title in 17 years and advanced to the American League Championship Series, manager Buck Showalter realizes he has work to do to duplicate this past season’s success.

In rebounding from the departures of Nick Markakis, Nelson Cruz and left-hander Andrew Miller in free agency, Showalter said Tuesday that recreating a strong morale will be his biggest challenge in 2015.

“I don’t know about working harder, but I think that’s probably one of my biggest challenges between now and the time we open up,” Showalter said. “Not selling, but making sure our players have the same morale.

“What comes first though? Is it winning games? Or is it having that, because there's nothing that takes morale out of a team like not playing good baseball and losing a lot of games. ...There's such a fine line. We saw it last year. Such a fine line between success and failure, and we've got some work to do.”

Markakis was the team's longest-tenured player, having played his entire nine-year career in Baltimore. Cruz was the team's best offensive player, receiving Most Valuable Oriole honors as he led the major leagues with 40 home runs. And Miller, a trade deadline acquisition, was a huge factor down the stretch and in the playoffs.

All three will be difficult to replace in their own way, Showalter said.

“Each one is different,” Showalter said. “I'm not saying there's going to be somebody from within to replace Nick. That’s going to be hard to do.

"But they all leave a certain void we have to fill, and that’s what we're supposed to be able to do. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us. It's a very competitive situation. We'd like to have them, but I try not to dwell on it. It's easy to.”

Around the horn

While executive vice president Dan Duquette reiterated Tuesday that he doesn't see anything imminent on the trade front, it's no secret that the Orioles would be willing to listen to offers for left-hander . …Showalter said he has three or four strong candidates to fill the team's hitting coach vacancy. “We're getting closer,” he said. “We're sifting through some, making sure we're taking everybody into consideration. Like I said before, we're not going to get caught into some false deadline, so when it happens, it happens. We're going to get a good one. We're taking a lot of input from our coaches, our other five coaches, a little bit from everybody.” ... Showalter said he is optimistic that both and will be recovered from season-ending surgeries at the beginning of the 2015 season.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-have-three-or-four-good- candidates-for-hitting-coach-buck-showalter-says-20141209-story.html Orioles have 'three or four' good candidates for hitting coach, Buck Showalter says By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

The Orioles need a hitting coach, but Buck Showalter said they have "three or four really good candidates." Orioles manager Buck Showalter has made it clear he wants to take his time to fill the club's hitting coach vacancy to ensure the right candidate gets the job, but he said Tuesday that the team is getting closer to making a hire.

"We’ve got three or four really good candidates," Showalter said during his media session at the winter meetings Tuesday. "We’re sifting through some, making sure we’re taking everybody into consideration.

"Like I said before, we’re not going to get caught into some false deadline, so when it happens, it happens. We’re going to get a good one. We’re taking a lot of input from our coaches, our other five coaches, a little bit from everybody."

The Orioles are still conducting interviews to replace Jim Presley. The job received tremendous interest, so it was a challenge to evaluate all the candidates. The Orioles came to with plans to meet some possible candidates.

The team was interested in Rangers minor league hitting instructor Scott Coolbaugh, but they weren't given permission to interview him, according to a source.

The position is an important one because of the dedication it involves. The Orioles have reached out to several possible candidates -- including Charlie Manuel, Raul Ibanez and -- but they all turned the job down because of the time commitment it demands.

Showalter said he wants to make sure he gets the right fit.

“The hitting coach for us, sometimes that’s different from a hitting coach from some of those other teams you mentioned," Showalter said. "Every situation calls for a little different ... I’m not looking for a guy with a big shtick, you know a bunch of crazy mechanics. I’m just looking for a dependable, solid guy who is sincere, that our players can count on, and fits into everybody’s strength and weaknesses.”

Showalter said minor league hitting instructor Jeff Manto, the only internal candidate to be interviewed, remains a strong possibility.

Manto, who previously served as hitting coach for the White Sox, has major league experience and already knows the organization well. Manto also has received praise within the organization for working with prospects Christian Walker and Dariel Alvarez this season.

"I’m always going to look from within before I look somewhere else," Showalter said. "That’s why we interviewed Jeff Manto. [Major League experience is] not a prerequisite. That stuff lasts about two weeks, and then they want to know how you’re going to help them be a good player, and how you’re going to help them win.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-have-inquired-about-freeagent- outfielder-jonny-gomes-source-says-20141209-story.html Orioles have shown interest in outfielder Jonny Gomes, source says By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

The Orioles have inquired about veteran Jonny Gomes, according to an industry source.

The Orioles have inquired about veteran free-agent outfielder- Jonny Gomes, according to an industry source.

Replenishing an outfield that lost Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis last week is a priority for the Orioles at this week's winter meetings.

Gomes could fill the Orioles' need for a right-handed hitter who can slot into the corner outfield spots or at designated hitter. Gomes has a career .376 on-base percentage against left-handed pitching and posted a .373 mark this past season.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said Monday that he ideally would like to add one left-handed hitter and one right-handed hitter who could contribute in the outfield and at designated hitter.

Gomes .234/.327/.330 with six home runs and 37 RBIs in 112 games last season between the Red Sox and the . Gomes was part of the trade that sent left-hander Jon Lester to Oakland in exchange for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

The Orioles also could sign Gomes, 34, to a shorter deal instead of a long-term one that the club has been hesitant to give this offseason. Both Cruz and Markakis left Baltimore to sign a four- year deal elsewhere.

The Orioles are familiar with Gomes, who spent several years in the American League East, first with the and later with the Red Sox. He has played on two teams and was on Boston's 2013 title team.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-winter-meetings-1210-20141209- story.html Orioles continue to seek outfield help during winter meetings Tuesday By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

"We are focused on what the free-agent market is going to bear," Dan Duquette said Tuesday.

The Orioles began to narrow their focus Tuesday at 's winter meetings in order to fill the outfield void left by the departures of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said the club conducted discussions with the representatives of several free-agent outfielders Tuesday. Duquette also said he spoke with a handful of teams about possible trades, but he still believes the most likely way the Orioles will upgrade is through free agency.

"We are focused on what the free-agent market is going to bear, and that's where we're continuing to put our energy," Duquette said.

Duquette said he is confident that the Orioles' efforts will pay off before the meetings end Thursday.

The Orioles have been especially quiet so far this week, drawing their only main headline from reports that linked Duquette to the ' team president and chief executive officer role. That uncertainty was squashed Tuesday by a Fox Sports report that said current Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston will remain for at least the next year.

Although it has appeared to be slow for the Orioles through the first two days, manager Buck Showalter said he expected the Orioles' efforts here in San Diego to be rewarded, even if it takes some time.

"Some of the conversations and things you learn here may lead to something down the road," Showalter said. "We obviously made a lot of good additions in January and February last year. Some things do get done here, it may not happen. I really don't dwell on that too much. … Some things will change, but I kind of like some things about where we are. We have some things to do to bridge the gap."

Though recent reports have linked Melky Cabrera to the , he remains the highlight of a shrinking free-agent outfielder crop, and the Orioles appear to be more likely to commit to shorter-term contracts than a four-year deal that Cabrera might receive.

"Shorter is generally better, but we met with a number of agents and talked about several players," Duquette said. "I think we'll be able to find a couple fits. … I think the market is starting to take shape for that level of player. There's a couple of good players who are available to help our team."

Among the players the Orioles have inquired about is veteran outfielder Jonny Gomes, according to an industry source. Gomes could fill the Orioles' need for a right-handed hitter who can slot into corner outfield or designated hitter roles.

Duquette has emphasized that improving the Orioles' on-base capabilities is a priority, and Gomes has a .376 career on-base percentage against left-handers, including a .373 mark this past season. He could be a platoon partner in left field with the left-handed-hitting Alejandro De Aza.

The Orioles could also get Gomes, 34, on a shorter deal instead of a long-term. Both Cruz and Markakis left Baltimore for four-year deals elsewhere. Gomes is believed to have interest from at least a handful of teams.

The Orioles also were in talks with the about acquiring outfielder Marlon Byrd in a trade, according to a Fox Sports report. Duquette wouldn't say Tuesday whether he met with the Phillies, but he said he talked to five or six teams about possible trades for outfield and bullpen help.

Byrd hit .264/.312/.445 with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs last season with the Phillies. Though his splits are more even than Gomes', he has a .287 batting average against left-handed pitching in his 13-year career.

The market remains fluid, but asked whether Cabrera, the top remaining free-agent outfielder, needs to sign before moves involving other outfielders develop, Duquette said he believes there are currently opportunities to sign players.

"I think there's a number of outfielders in a market below that," Duquette said. "It's coming together. There are some good possibilities for us. There's good interest in the Orioles.

"The Orioles have had a couple of winning teams, and there's a good culture here where the players enjoy playing for Buck. They like the veteran players on our team. There's some good things going on in Baltimore that make it a good place to play."

The Orioles could wait out the market and hope for a bargain, but Duquette said he realizes that he might not be able to be as patient as he was last offseason, when he signed Cruz to a one-year, $8 million deal during .

"There's no Nelson Cruz on the market," he said. "There isn't a Nelson Cruz on the market anymore, but there are some players on the market that can help our team."

The Orioles haven't been known to do much at the winter meetings recently.

Last year, they returned to Baltimore with a only Rule 5 pick. The biggest move the Orioles have made in three offseasons under Duquette was re-signing Nate McLouth to a one-year deal before the 2013 season.

Other teams are spending, however. While he doesn't feel pressure to get something done, Duquette said he's optimistic that there will be action before the club heads back to the East Coast.

"We should be able to get a couple of players before we leave the meeting," Duquette said.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-out-of-the-running-for-matt-kemp- 20141209-story.html Orioles out of the running for Matt Kemp, sources say By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

It appears that any visions of Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp wearing an Orioles uniform this upcoming season can be put to rest.

The Orioles are out on Kemp, according to multiple industry sources.

It currently seems that if the Dodgers deal Kemp, his most likely destination is San Diego. But a deal between and the division-rival Padres has its obstacles, according to reports.

The Orioles inquired about Kemp's availability and saw him as a possible option to replace Nelson Cruz or Nick Markakis.

But discussions went nowhere when the Dodgers told the Orioles of their interest in acquiring either Kevin Gausman or in a deal. The Dodgers also were unwilling to pick up any of the $107 million remaining on Kemp's contract through the 2019 season.

But the Orioles' major concern -- especially considering what they would be investing -- was Kemp's health, according to multiple industry sources.

Since finishing second in the Most Valuable Player voting in 2011, Kemp suffered from various injuries over the next two seasons, missing a total of 145 games with shoulder, hamstring and ankle injuries in 2012 and 2013.

Kemp had surgery to repair a detached labrum in his nonthrowing shoulder after the 2012 season and then another procedure on the same shoulder after the 2013 season to repair the AC joint. Of greater concern to the Orioles was the long-term health of Kemp's left ankle, which was operated on after the 2013 season. That procedure included microfracture surgery on his ankle bone.

Kemp rebounded from injury in 2014, hitting .287/.346/.506 with 38 doubles, 25 home runs and 89 RBIs, but the Orioles' concern about his long-term health with five years remaining on his deal made them reluctant to make such an investment.

The Orioles have a reputation for having stringent medical standards. L ast offseason, they pulled out of a two-year deal with reliever Grant Balfour because of health concerns, and more recently, they were reluctant to offer Markakis a fourth year because of long- term concerns about his neck. Markakis signed a four-year deal with the Braves last week.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-schmuck-orioles-column-1210-20141209- column.html Orioles' Dan Duquette appears to be staying, at least for now Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

So, it looks like Dan Duquette is staying in Baltimore. But will that change in the future? Obviously, December hasn't started out well for the Orioles and their fans.

The month began with the news that Most Valuable Oriole Nelson Cruz had signed a four-year deal with the Seattle Mariners and, before last week was over, Nick Markakis had bolted to the and free-agent reliever Andrew Miller had signed with the rival .

So, the reports Sunday that executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette was a top candidate to become the Toronto Blue Jays' next president and chief executive officer sent a shiver through the Orioles organization and its fan base, and rightfully so. He and manager Buck Showalter have led a once-woeful team back to prominence and nobody around here wants to mess with that success.

Turns out, the job isn't really open yet. Longtime Blue Jays executive Paul Beeston reportedly will remain in place at least through the 2015 season, which leaves room to wonder just what's going on in both organizations.

Was the Duquette leak a trial balloon that was quickly popped by Orioles principal owner Peter G. Angelos on Sunday when he made it clear that he expected Duquette to honor the last four years of his contract?

There also were reports that the Blue Jays were interested in executive vice president , who said this week that the revelation was old news and that "that ship has sailed." That would seem to indicate that Rogers Communications, which owns the Blue Jays, has been re-evaluating its top management for awhile.

The only thing that's certain at the moment is that the timing of the ESPN and Fox Sports reports was particularly curious, since just about everyone who is anyone in Major League Baseball was either en route to the winter meetings in San Diego or just getting unpacked at the hotel headquarters of the annual trading convention. That doesn't mean, however, that they were false.

By any measure, this is an uncomfortable time for job speculation to be engulfing the guy who is supposed to be totally immersed in improving the Orioles for next season, especially when the other team involved is a close division rival that already has made some big moves in its attempt to jump over them in the standings.

Of course, there is not always fire under the smoke that rises from baseball's hot stove, but there appeared to be some in this case. It certainly seemed logical for the Blue Jays to be interested in Duquette, who has worked magic in Baltimore, was an architect of the 2004 championship team and garnered a lot of Canadian fans when he built a pennant contender with the in the early 1990s.

It's also logical for Duquette to be interested in the job, which would be a big step up in power and influence, since he would be given almost total control of the entire Blue Jays operation.

In other words, don't be surprised if this isn't the last you hear of this, though it seems highly likely that Duquette will stay put for at least the 2015 season.

Duquette didn't put any Baltimore minds at ease when his initial public response to Sunday's news included a fairly ambiguous noncomment, but he has since tried to make it clear that he is focused this week entirely on upgrading the Orioles roster.

The trouble with Duquette is that he makes it almost impossible to read between the lines when he responds to media inquiries. He seldom speaks off the record, and he has a habit of responding indirectly to direct questions to avoid being put on the spot.

Though it is customary in baseball for teams to let front office employees out of their contracts to pursue a higher level of employment, it is far from unprecedented for an owner to deny other clubs permission to interview a highly valued executive.

If you need a very recent and relevant example, Williams told the Chicago Tribune in an email Sunday that the White Sox already denied the Blue Jays permission to talk to him about the same job.

If the Orioles cared about the customary promotion protocol, they simply could give Duquette the same title that the Blue Jays might offer him if they decide over the next year to replace Beeston. But the difference in the organizational structure of the two franchises probably makes it impossible for Duquette to get as much authority in Baltimore as he would get from the corporately-owned Blue Jays.

The bigger question for Angelos at that point would be whether he would want to force Duquette to stick around if he really would rather be somewhere else.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-speculation-of-dan-duquettes-departure- quiets-with-latest-blue-jays-report-20141209-story.html Speculation of Dan Duquette's departure quiets with latest Blue Jays report By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

A report suggests that the Blue Jays won't be making a front office change. So Dan Duquette will stay.

Speculation that Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette could be leaving for Toronto was quelled Tuesday after a report that Blue Jays president and chief executive officer Paul Beeston would remain in his current position.

Duquette emerged Sunday as a possible replacement for Beeston, sparking uncertainty at the top of the Orioles' baseball operations department just as the club arrived in San Diego for baseball's annual winter meetings.

Now, the Blue Jays are expected to announce that Beeston will stay in his post for at least next season, according to a Fox Sports report.

That appears to kill the rumor mill that Duquette will head to Toronto to become the team's top executive, a significant promotion from his current role. He would have been in charge of all baseball and business aspects for the Blue Jays.

Duquette is under contract with the Orioles through the 2018 season -- he signed an extension after his first season in Baltimore -- and managing partner Peter G. Angelos made it clear that he wanted and expected Duquette to honor the length of his contract.

Duquette emphasized that he was focusing on building the Orioles for next year, but he fell just short of publicly guaranteeing that he was staying in Baltimore.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-bullpen-winter-meetings- 20141209-story.html Orioles looking for a lefty, but don't expect them to join high-priced reliever trend By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 9, 2014

Teams are spending big money on relievers -- most recently the four-year, $46 million deal David Robertson received from the Chicago White Sox on Monday night -- but given the Orioles' model, don't expect them to sink significant payroll into the bullpen.

First of all, the Orioles have bigger holes to fill right now. They ideally would like to add one hitter from each side of the plate to fill holes in the outfield and at designated hitter. They need production to replace Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said he is looking for bullpen help here at the winter meetings, and he definitely needs a left-hander to replace Andrew Miller. But instead of spending big money on a reliever, expect the Orioles to go after value.

They are more likely to court pitchers like and Neal Cotts, lefties who struggled last season but have built a previous track record of success.

The Orioles knew it was going to take a lot to retain Miller, and they were never really engaged in serious discussions with him. They knew they weren't willing to spend the $9 million annually that he will receive over the next four years from the New York Yankees.

Keep in mind that this time last year, the Orioles traded closer Jim Johnson in part because he was projected to make $10 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility.

Instead of paying high prices for relievers, the Orioles depend on under-control pieces -- like closer Zach Britton and right-hander -- and team-friendly contracts, like right- hander Darren O'Day's two-year, $5.8 million deal that included a $4.25 million option for 2015.

The key is having flexibility and depth. When Hunter struggled in the closer's role early in the 2014 season, the Orioles turned to Britton. But they set the foundation for Britton to become a late- reliever back in spring training, including a lot of work on his approach from the stretch.

Bullpens also have a level of fluidity. Roles change. Players get raises through arbitration.

While Duquette said Monday that he doesn't see much progress on the trade front, it's no secret that the Orioles would be willing to listen to offers for left-handed reliever Brian Matusz.

The Orioles don't necessarily want to move Matusz, who was 2-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 2014. Matusz held left-handers to a .223 batting average and posted a 1.42 ERA in the second half of the season.

But the Orioles feel that Matusz, who made $2.4 million last season and has one more year of arbitration eligibility after the 2015 season, could bring extra value from a team that sees him as a potential starter projected to make less than $3 million this season.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/103646332/buck-showalter-doesnt-want-retooled-orioles- to-miss-a-beat Showalter doesn't want retooled O's to miss a beat By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO -- No matter what the Orioles do in the next few days at the Winter Meetings, manager Buck Showalter conceded Tuesday that it's a tough task to keep the clubhouse chemistry following the departure of two key pieces of the 2014 club: Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis.

"I think one of my biggest challenges between now and the time we open up is not selling, but making sure our players feel like they have the same morale," Showalter said. "What comes first? Is it winning games or having that? Because there's nothing that takes the morale out of the team more than not playing good baseball or losing a lot of games. Best players in the world, best coaches in the world, best, in some cases, umpires in the world, there's such a fine line. We saw it last year, such a fine line between success and failure. And we've got some work to do."

Showalter, who admitted losing guys like long-time Orioles staple Markakis was particularly tough, touched on a host of topics regarding his club and its quest to contend again in 2015 at his Tuesday media session. And in his trademark cheeky humor, he also poked fun at some of the free spending in the American League East, asking "Have those guys run out of money yet?"

The Orioles have money to spend right now, given the losses of Cruz and Markakis, and Showalter was quick to point out that the organization isn't exactly in dire straits.

"The biggest reason we made a leap last year was our pitching," he said. "And other than Andrew Miller, we haven't really lost anything. Our starting pitching got a lot better, got us deeper in the game, allowed us to keep our bullpen healthy and match up a little bit more. If we do that again we'll have some fun next year."

Showalter is also counting on a good year from Chris Davis, who will serve the last game of his 25-game suspension on .

"I think he's in a good mindset," said Showalter, who was with Davis on Saturday. "A lot of things point up with him, some that I won't make note of. But you can probably figure out, as far as what this year means to him, not only as the future for him but also as a teammate and as somebody that he takes very seriously that his teammates and the fans count on. I can't really see anything that would point to something being negative toward Chris having a big year and getting back on the saddle, so to speak, of where he was. I'm expecting him to be solid for us. Whether it be first base, right field, whatever. We've got a lot of options."

Another option in the outfield is Steve Pearce, who Showalter said would be the team's starting if the season started tomorrow. The Orioles are looking to add another outfielder during the Winter Meetings, as well as relief help and catching depth. Matt Wieters is coming off Tommy John surgery and won't be rushed back, though he remains on schedule in his recovery, along with third baseman Manny Machado.

Showalter isn't tied to a schedule for naming the Orioles' next hitting coach, though he did say he was "closer" on Tuesday. He has three or four strong candidates and is leaning on his existing coaching staff in helping him replace Jim Presley. Having big league experience isn't a prerequisite, either.

"That's why I interviewed [Minor League hitting coordinator] Jeff Manto," Showalter said. " That [experience] stuff lasts about two weeks, and then you want to know how you're going to help them to be a good player and win."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/103637186/orioles-hope-to-leave-winter-meetings-with- couple-of-players O's hope to leave Meetings with 'couple of players' By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO -- Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette didn't have much for reporters Tuesday in his media session, but he did sound pretty optimistic something would get done before he leaves the Winter Meetings on Thursday.

"We should be able to get a couple of players before we leave here," Duquette said, noting once again that it's more likely the O's sign a free agent than make a trade.

It's also more likely they sign guys to shorter-term deals.

The O's did have some trade discussions on the second day of the Winter Meetings, however, speaking to a handful of clubs, including the Phillies. Duquette didn't deny the FOXSports.com report that the Orioles had talks with Philadelphia involving Marlon Byrd, and -- as evidenced Monday with Atlanta's -- he has no problem shooting down false rumors. "That's interesting," Duquette said of the Byrd report.

The Orioles also discussed some trades that would add pitching depth in the bullpen and are looking at both left-handers and right-handers. They don't seem keen on trading to add catching depth, but did have talks with several free-agent on Tuesday as they try to add a contingency plan in the event that Matt Wieters isn't ready to start the season. Right now, Wieters is on schedule in rehabbing back from Tommy John surgery and should be ready.

Duquette thinks the free-agent market is starting to take shape and it'll be interesting to see how the next 24 hours unfold. He was also asked about getting a leadoff hitter, and it didn't seem like that was in the cards. He noted that Alejandro De Aza and David Lough are in-house leadoff options.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/103668008/adam-jones-harold-reynolds-host-more-than- 300-youngsters-at-rbi-clinic Jones, Reynolds host more than 300 youngsters at RBI clinic Orioles CF and MLB Network host give youth in-depth look at hitting By AJ Cassavell / MLB.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO -- The field at Stadium was abuzz Tuesday night with sounds of more than 300 young ballplayers. As part of a youth clinic put on by Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), the kids, aged 6-13, raced through fielding drills in the outfield, took ground balls in the infield and showed off their hitting skills in the batting cages.

As and emerged onto the field on the campus of San Diego State University, the same thought ran through their heads:

"This is the way it's supposed to be," said Reynolds, the former Major Leaguer, currently an analyst on MLB Network. "It's about getting kids to play baseball. They're screaming, they're yelling, they're running, and they're having a great time."

"I love seeing that," said Jones, the Orioles' All-Star center fielder. "I love seeing them all broken up, doing drills on different parts of the field. I remember doing that kind of stuff. It's just good to see the growth of baseball and the hunger for baseball is still there."

Tuesday's event featured a three-hour showcase in the afternoon, when 40 RBI participants, aged 14-18, performed in front of both professional scouts and collegiate recruiters. After that, the youngsters took part in a clinic of their own, before being presented with an equipment donation.

Then, it was time for the evening's main event. Reynolds and Jones took the mic at home plate and began an in-depth look at the art of hitting -- from putting on the batting gloves to finding the right bat. The 340 kids from RBI were joined by another couple hundred observers in the stands.

The duo of Jones and Reynolds engaged in friendly banter, too, with Reynolds giving Jones a hard time about the Orioles being swept in the playoffs. To that, Jones, who was swinging off a tee at the time, hit a blooper to the right side, saying, "t would have been a hit if you were playing second."

"[RBI] is great for baseball," Jones said. "You're putting money back into your community. We've got 30 teams that I know love putting money into foreign countries ... and that's good. But they're also putting the money back into America's game."

The RBI program is an initiative of Major League Baseball, designed to give youth from urban communities a chance to play baseball and softball, while encouraging academic achievement. Since its founding in 1989, RBI has served more than two million youngsters.

One of those youngsters, Dean Nevarez, who plays at local Eastlake High School and has committed to play at San Diego State, was on hand for Tuesday's showcase and clinic.

"Especially because [Jones] comes from this area, it's great to see people like that succeed," Nevarez said. "And my TV never comes off MLB Network -- I'm always watching them, they're funny guys. And when they're talking about hitting, I'm always listening."

In total, 40 high school players participated in the showcase, which consisted of an extended batting practice session, while about 15-20 scouts watched from the stands.

"There's certain experiences kids will put down in their lifetime that they won't ever forget, and this is going to be one of them," said Thomas Brasuell, MLB's vice president of community affairs. "Sooner or later -- likely sooner -- we'll see some of these kids in college ball and one or two of these kids will likely go on to pro ball in the Major Leagues. They'll come back, and they'll remember that day."

David James, the senior director of the RBI program, was quick to note the talent on the field at Tony Gwynn Stadium, saying, "These kids really can play." His program's goal is to make sure they have the means to do so.

"To provide this opportunity to underserved kids and underserved communities and bring them out here at no cost -- they get the opportunity to be seen, potentially earn a college scholarship and pursue it all the way up," James said. "These types of events are critically important to growing the game."

Rodney Davis, a member of MLB's scouting bureau, was on hand, watching closely during the high school portion. Davis called the event "valuable to the evaluation process" and praised the efforts of Commissioner Bud Selig and Commissioner-elect with youth -- specifically through the RBI program.

"The desire to interact with the amateur level just continues to grow," Davis said. "The support of Mr. Selig and Mr. Manfred and David James with RBI has been great. And the synergy that we're creating with amateur players is really special."

Perhaps the most important contribution to youth baseball on the night came in the form of an equipment donation from In For Baseball, one of RBI's partners. The donation consisted of all the equipment necessary to field eight teams in the San Diego RBI chapter.

"The fundamental premise of our organization is helping kids gain access to the game," said executive director of Pitch In For Baseball, David Rhode. "We feel that equipment shouldn't stand in their way."

Ben Williams, a 13-year-old who arrived at the event early to watch the showcase before participating in the clinic himself, is one of the program's beneficiaries.

"You get to hang out with your friends and have fun with the game that you love," Williams said. "[RBI] is good because you're always getting an opportunity to play more baseball."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/103615944/orioles-auction-items-to-benefit-lungevity- garnering-numerous-bids Orioles' auction items garnering numerous bids By Alyson Footer / MLB.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO -- While all 30 Major League teams contribute prizes to the annual Winter Meetings auction, this year's event is a little extra special for the .

In that respect, it's heartening to see that this club specifically has shot to the top of the heap in terms of offers pouring in from its fanbase.

As of mid-morning on Tuesday, a package titled "Meet Buck Showalter & Take the Lineup Card to Home Plate with Him" garnered 21 bids, with the highest coming in at $2,025. The prize includes a pregame on-field visit for four people and a meet and greet with Showalter and vice president of baseball operations . One guest will take the lineup card to the umpires with Showalter before first pitch, and the group will receive center-field roof deck seats for the game.

Proceeds from the auction, presented by Major League Baseball, MLB Advanced Media, MLB Network and the 30 Clubs, will go toward the LUNGevity Foundation, in memory of Baltimore Orioles public relations director Monica Barlow, who passed away from lung cancer in February at the age of 36.

The auction began Monday and will continue until Thursday at 11 p.m. ET.

All 30 teams have contributed unique prizes that could only be compiled by a group of people which special insider access to baseball's players and front offices. The Orioles are offering two more packages in addition to the aforementioned meet and greet with Showalter. The other two include a round of golf with Hall of Famer and former World Series MVP , and a Little League team fielding lesson from J.J. Hardy and Bobby Dickerson.

Over the first two years, funds raised from the Winter Meetings auction, benefitting Stand Up to Cancer, raised approximately $250,000. The money raised this year will go toward cutting-edge lung cancer research with the potential to prolong and millions of lives, through the efforts of LUNGevity.

Barlow, a non-smoker and marathon runner whose disease was discovered after she sought medical attention for a nagging cough that wouldn't go away, began working with LUNGevity approximately two months after she was diagnosed and she continued to support the nonprofit foundation for the remainder of her life. She was with the Orioles organization for nearly 15 years, having started her career in 1999 as an intern in the public relations department. She was later named the club's public relations director in 2008.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2014/12/day-three-of-the-winter-meetings-1.html Day Three of the Winter Meetings By Roch Kubatko / MASNSports.com December 10, 2014

SAN DIEGO - In order to mentally shorten my stay at the Winter Meetings, I traditionally view today as the finish line. The takes place Thursday morning and everyone bolts for as if there's a bag of money waiting for them at their gate. Today is the last full 24- hour period of rumor chasing, lobby roaming and suite visiting.

Skeptics hear that Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette anticipates getting a couple of players at the meetings and wonder whether he's referring to the major and minor league phases of the Rule 5 draft. Duquette is sitting down daily with agents and other executives in his pursuit of at least one outfielder and reliever, and another catcher as insurance in case Matt Wieters isn't ready on opening day.

A utility infielder may no longer be on the list, since Duquette wants a plus-defender at and can't find a match.

With Duquette suggesting that a short-term contract for a free agent is the most likely route for the Orioles, it would seem that Melky Cabrera should be removed from all rumors attaching him to the club.

Duquette's reluctance to trade a starting hinders his efforts to consummate a trade. Teams view the Orioles as having a surplus now - times have changed - and that's the area they target. Kevin-Gausman-ALCS-gray.jpgUbaldo Jimenez's contract is extremely difficult to move and Kevin Gausman is about as close to untouchable as it comes in the organization.

Manager Buck Showalter wouldn't bite yesterday when I asked whether Gausman had reached the point where he'd get the ball every five days next season. Gausman can be optioned or moved to the bullpen, but there are scouts from outside the organization who view him as the Orioles' No. 2 starter behind or No. 3 behind Tillman and Wei-Yin Chen.

Showalter won't use Gausman's option against him. If the right-hander earns a job in spring training, he's going to be in the rotation. I think it would benefit both sides to turn him loose and end the back and forth.

I've got some leftover quotes from Showalter that I'll post here while waiting for news to break today and deciding what to wear to the annual major league managers luncheon, where the beat writers share a table with the skipper and promise to stay off the record. I also promise not to eat off anyone's plate.

Showalter expressed confidence in Jonathan Schoop.

"We're real proud of Jon," he said. "I think he got a little bogged down at the end. The first time young players play in September and October, it's a challenge for them physically, so I think more mentally and emotionally than anything. I think he's got a chance to only get better. I don't think there's anybody in the American League that turns the better than him. It's what allowed us to keep running him out there, because he was a contributor and difference- maker defensively.

"I would like to see him take a little jump from what he learned this year. That's another great thing about having J.J. (Hardy) there, so that's another way we could get better, Jon bringing some areas of his offensive game up. He's certainly better. He was a college junior, senior last year. I try to keep that in mind."

Outfielder Alejandro De Aza could be given a shot as the leadoff hitter.

"He's a great addition," Showalter said. "It was almost like, what are we missing about this guy? I think he was a good example of not necessarily a culture change from Chicago, it was just a winning change. He went from a team that probably wasn't going to be in the playoffs at that time to a team that looked like it had a chance to be competitive. I think Alex really benefited from it. It really energized him. Some players need that. They're human beings. I think we all do.

"Unfortunately, you can't trade managers to a different situation to get re-energized. You're kind of stuck with us, but not for very long if it continues.

"We spend so much time trying to look for dents in people's armor. I'm looking forward to getting him in the spring and getting to know him even better."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2014/12/showalter-meets-the-press.html Showalter meets the press By Roch Kubatko / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - As a reporter began to ask Orioles manager Buck Showalter this afternoon about the moves made by the Yankees and Red Sox during the offseason, he interrupted with a question of his own.

"They run out of money yet?"

Probably not, which doesn't have him overly concerned.

This isn't Showalter's first season with the Orioles and it isn't his first time at the Winter Meetings. Good luck trying to ruffle his feathers.

Showalter was relaxed and quick with a quip during his media session. He talked about the loss of Nick Markakis to free agency, how Steve Pearce currently projects as the starting right fielder, on his heightened expectations for Ubaldo Jimenez and Chris Davis in 2015, and lots more.

Showalter reminded everyone that conversations here between executive vice president Dan Duquette and agents and executives could lead to moves further down the road.

"We obviously made a lot of good additions in January and February last year," he said. "Some things do get done here or it may not happen. I really don't dwell on that too much. I'm making sure our workouts on the East Coast and West Coast and in Baltimore are set up and we're trying to make what we have as good as possible. Some things will change, but I kind of like some things about where we are. We have some things to do to bridge the gap."

It's been said many times that a manager becomes a lot smarter when he's given great players. Does it work the other way when losing key components like Nelson Cruz, Markakis and Andrew Miller?

"Oh, yeah. It's hard to believe I could get any dumber, but I think I did," Showalter said.

"If you look at it, we had two minor league players we used to acquire (Alejandro) De Aza. We had a minor league player we used to acquire Andrew Miller. We have five picks in the first 102 picks this year. I'm excited about that. I think we're going to be able to do some things to make a good system even better.

"You don't go through the things we go through together, whether it's Andrew in a short period, whether it's Nelson for a year, whether it's Nick for quite a few, without having some things tug at you. We are human beings. When the things that tug at your heart and the things that are purely business kind of get together, it's not always something that's easy to take. I talk a lot about how we try to out-opportunity other teams. We may not be able to outpay them even though our payroll is plenty competitive. But the opportunity we afford Steve Pearce, the opportunity we afford Jonathan Schoop or Caleb Joseph, I could go on and on. About Brad Brach and people nobody was talking about at this time last year. I feel very confident we'll uncover some people that allow us to be competitive.

"The biggest reason we made a leap last year was our pitching, and other than Andrew Miller we really haven't lost anything there. Our starting pitching got better, they got us deeper in the game and it allowed us keep our bullpen healthy and match up a little bit more. It happens again, we'll have some fun this summer."

Showalter isn't going to rank which departures hurt the most among Markakis, Cruz and Miller, saying "each one is different."

"I'm not saying there's going to be somebody from within to replace Nick. That's going to be hard to do. But they all leave a certain void we have to fill and that's what we're supposed to be able to do. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us. It's a very competitive situation. We'd like to have them, but I try not to dwell on it. It's easy to. It's hard to move on from a guy like Nick, but we'll have to."

There's also the issue of clubhouse chemistry. Markakis, especially, was a valued leader on the team.

"I don't know about working harder, but I think that's probably one of my biggest challenges between now and the time we open up is not selling, but making sure our players have the same morale," Showalter said. "What comes first though? Is it winning games or is it having that, because there's nothing that takes morale out of a team like not playing good baseball and losing a lot of games. There's such a fine line. We saw it last year. Such a fine line between success and failure and we've got some work to do."

Showalter remains hopeful that Matt Wieters will be behind the plate and Manny Machado will be at third base on opening day at .

"It's so hard to handicap that," he said. "It's not so much if, it's when with Matt and Manny. They're both worth waiting on and we feel confident they'll be close in the start of the season. Whether it's the start or two weeks into it, just because it's delayed it doesn't mean they're going to be denied."

Showalter played golf with Chris Davis over the weekend and is encouraged that the will experience a big bounceback season after batting .196, having his home runs drop from 53 to 26 and being slapped with a 25-game suspension.

"I think there's a lot of things pushing that way," Showalter said. "I was with Chris Saturday and he's doing well. I think he's in a good mindset. A lot of things point up with him, some that I won't make note of, but you can probably figure out, as far as what this year means to him not only as a future for him but also as a teammate and somebody that he takes very seriously that his teammates and fans count on.

"I can't really see anything that would point to something being negative to Chris having a big year and getting back on the saddle so to speak of where he was. I'm expecting him to be solid for us, rather it be first base, right field or whatever.

"We've got a lot of options. With Stevie Pearce, we've got some options to move things around. Really the only thing we don't have even though we've made three subtractions is who's going to DH? Other than that, I could tell you what we'd break camp with right now as starters."

On the subject of bounceback seasons, Jimenez could use one after going 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA in 25 games and losing his spot in the rotation.

"There were a couple little adjustments that he finally kind of took to, especially with his hands that really made us kind of feel very positive about next year," Showalter said. "He's just had too good of a track record at a young age and being a healthy guy with a lot of want-to for not to be...

"Let's face it, he had an ERA that in years past for us would have been good enough in a lot of cases, but we have five guys pitching a little better than him and we were in a very competitive situation that we had to put our best foot forward. We think this year he's got a good chance to be part of putting our best foot forward. I think he's going to have a big year."

Looking more into the outfield picture, Showalter offered the following:

"We've got Dariel Alvarez coming. We've got some good young players. (Henry) Urrutia is still on our roster. I think he's going to jump out on us this spring. We've got Steve Pearce. If we opened today, Steve would be in right field. Depthwise, we've still have . We still have some other players we're looking at. I probably missed a couple of players, but it's something we've talked about, kicked around. We've kind of got it prepped around upstairs. A lot will depend on what it costs, what kind of commitment. It's not about the money, it'll probably be about the money."

I tried to get Showalter to commit to whether Kevin Gausman would be in the rotation at the start of the season, but no such luck.

"We're not going to pick our pitching staff according to who has options and who doesn't," he said. "We're not going to use that against Kevin. If he's one of our best 11 or 12 or whatever we break with, he'll be on our club. And it doesn't always mean they're going to be in the same capacity.

"I do know that we plan to be seven, eight pitchers deep by the time we break camp with our what-ifs. Have some people at Norfolk that we feel like can come up and help us. Same way in the bullpen. That's something we've been attacking daily. It may not be up on the stage announcing it, but they're key moves for us. You saw some we made last year that nobody really paid much attention to that came into it. I really feel like we've got to stay on top of our bullpen in the offseason to make sure it's still a strength for us."

The Orioles are still conducting interviews for the hitting coach job. Minor league hitting coordinator Jeff Manto remains a candidate. The Rangers denied permission for the Orioles to interview Scott Coolbaugh, their minor league hitting coordinator.

Wait, wouldn't that be a promotion?

Anyway...

"We're getting closer," Showalter said without revealing names. "We've got three or four really good candidates. We're sifting through some, making sure we're taking everybody into consideration. Like I said before, we're not going to get caught into some false deadline, so when it happens, it happens. We're going to get a good one. We're taking a lot of input from our coaches, our other five coaches, a little bit from everybody.

"It's a hard job. It's been surprising to me how many people really not have said, 'No,' but said, 'Geez, you mean I have to be there every day, seven days a week, to do this every day?' That's what a hitting coach does. The hitting coach job in the major leagues has become one of the most challenging jobs in baseball other than a player, the physical part of it. That's why you see these assistants. It's challenging. To find a good one, that's really hard to find.

"The hitting coach for us, sometimes that's different from a hitting coach from some of those other teams. Every situation calls for a little different. ... I'm not looking for a guy with a big shtick. You know, a bunch of crazy mechanics. I'm just looking for a dependable, solid guy who is sincere that our players can count on and fits into everybody's strengths and weaknesses." Showalter said major league experience isn't a prerequisite.

"It's all relevant," he said. "I'm always going to look from within before I look somewhere else. That's why we interviewed Jeff Manto. That's not a prerequisite. That stuff lasts about two weeks and then they want to know how you're going to help them be a good player and how you're going to help them win."

Still worried about clubhouse chemistry as you've reached the bottom of this blog entry? If so, Showalter isn't ready to join you.

"Not yet, not yet," he said. "I worry about everything, but that's yet to be determined. I've got some things we'll do between now and then. I think sometimes we make the mistake of getting bogged down and thinking that...

"We did this last year without Matt and Manny and Chris. We didn't have Nick Hundley all year. We didn't have Caleb Joseph all year, so I understand what you're saying, but I'm not worried about it yet. But it's going to be a challenge for us to make sure that part of it is covered. It was a strength of ours last year and the year before and the year before."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2014/12/hearing-from-duquette-at-the-winter- meetings.html Hearing from Duquette at the Winter Meetings By Roch Kubatko / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - Now that you've had time to digest the nuggets of information coming from executive vice president Dan Duquette's session with the media earlier today at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, here are some expanded quotes that went along with them.

"We've met with a bunch of agents on outfield options and a couple of pitching options, so we were sharpening our focus on the market in those two areas," he said. "We've got a much better idea of what the market is in the outfielders and also some of the relievers we're looking at."

Told about a report that Duquette met with the Phillies regarding outfielder Marlon Byrd, he replied, "Really? That's interesting. We did have, I guess, about four or five trade discussions, and the trade discussions were focused on the same two items - outfielders and pitching."

Duquette still seems to be leaning toward signing a free agent rather than making a trade.

"We were focused on what the free agent market was going to bear and that's where we're continuing to put our energy," he said.

As for the length of any deal for a free agent, Duquette said, "Well, shorter is generally better, but we met with a number of agents and talked about several players. I think we'll be able to find a couple of fits.

"There are a couple good players available who can help our team."

Does this mean leaving the Winter Meetings with these players?

"Yeah, we should be able to get a couple players before we leaving the meetings," he replied.

Duquette mentioned how there are a number of outfielders in the market below Melky Cabrera.

"It's coming together," he said. "There are some good possibilities for us. And there's good interest in the Orioles. The Orioles have had a couple of winning teams and there's a good culture here. The players enjoy playing for Buck (Showalter). They like the veteran players on our team and there's some good things going on in Baltimore that makes it a good place to play.

"We're adding to our team and we're doing what we have to do to add to our team. You know, sometimes we can add players during the Winter Meetings and sometimes we can do it right after the Winter Meetings. We're always looking to add to our depth. I'm sure we'll get a couple of players from this meeting to add to our team. But it's an ongoing process. It's something that we do all the time."

Losing Nick Markakis seemingly leaves the Orioles without a leadoff hitter. Is Duquette searching for one?

"(Alejandro) De Aza might be able to hit first or second," he replied. "David Lough, maybe. We'd like to see some better on-base capability. Steve Pearce has got a good on-base percentage. I don't know if he could be a leadoff hitter, but he could hit in the top of the order and set up the rest of the order. Buck has used him in that job a couple of times."

Duquette met with representatives for a couple of free agent catchers. Could Matt Wieters serve as designated hitter early in the season while he continues his recovery and rehab from ligament- reconstructive surgery?

"I don't know the answer to that," Duquette said. "I expect that he's going to come along and be able to play, which means catch and hit."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2014/12/duquette-confident-orioles-will-leave- meetings-with-a-couple-players.html Duquette confident Orioles will leave meetings with a couple of players By Roch Kubatko / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - Orioles general manager Dan Duquette made it through today's media session at the Winter Meetings without fielding any questions about the Blue Jays.

Must be those reports that Paul Beeston will return as Toronto's president/CEO in 2015.

Duquette said he spoke to "a bunch" of agents and had trade discussions with four or five executives concerning outfielders and relievers. He's looking for left-handers and right-handers. After noting that the market is starting to take shape, Duquette said he should be able to get a couple of players before leaving these meetings.

Duquette also met with representatives for a couple of free agent catchers, but he repeated that he expects Matt Wieters to be behind the plate on opening day. Duquette wouldn't say whether the club might consider using Wieters as a designated hitter early in the season if he's not quite ready to throw in games.

Duquette doesn't seem impressed with the remaining backup shortstop options on the market.

Asked whether he's looking for a potential leadoff hitter, Duquette talked about in-house candidates Alejandro De Aza and David Lough. He added, however, that they need to improve their on-base percentages.

Duquette met with Phillies executives today to discuss veteran outfielder Marlon Byrd, according to an industry source. He didn't deny the FOXSports.com report, saying only that it's "interesting."

Byrd batted .264/.312/.445 with 28 doubles, two triples, 25 home runs and 85 RBIs in 154 games with the Phillies, who signed him as a free agent in November 2013. He totaled 35 walks and 185 in 637 plate appearances.

Byrd, 37, is a career .278/.333/.427 hitter in 13 major league seasons spent with seven clubs, including two stops in Philadelphia. He's due $8 million next season and his contract includes an $8 million vesting option in 2016 that becomes a team option if he doesn't attain the necessary plate appearances.

Former Orioles bullpen catcher Ronnie Deck is here in search of a job. The Orioles reassigned him to a scouting role last season, but they recently let him go.

Former Orioles pitcher Jim Hoey stopped me in the lobby today and we spent a few minutes chatting about his new career in marketing and how much he's enjoying the Orioles' three consecutive winning seasons.

I jokingly told him that he'd be subjected to comments about shortstop J.J. Hardy if he visited Camden Yards next summer.

The Orioles acquired Hardy from the Twins in December 2010 for Hoey and minor league pitcher Brett Jacobson. Hoey said he always tells people that the Orioles got the better end of that deal.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2014/12/duquette-meeting-with-youngs-agent.html Duquette meeting with Young's agent By Roch Kubatko / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette is meeting today with the representative for free agent , and the club is viewed as a favorite to re-sign the veteran outfielder.

One scout from another organization considers the Orioles an overwhelming favorite despite Young's preference for a two-year deal. The club seemed reluctant earlier in the offseason to guarantee more than one year.

The Orioles are in the market for right-handed and left-handed bats for the outfield and designated hitter slot. Young isn't regarded as strong defensively, but there's no questioning that he can hit.

After signing a minor league deal in January, Young batted .302/.337/.442 with 11 doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 83 games. He went 10-for-20 as a pinch-hitter during the regular season and provided one of the most electrifying moments in Camden Yards history by coming off the bench to deliver a three-run, go-ahead double in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.

Young batted .316/.345/.481 with four home runs and 17 RBIs in 47 games and 130 plate appearances at Camden Yards. Also, he posted a better slash line against right-handers, batting .312/.357/.452.

Young has been in the postseason in six consecutive years with four different teams, which brings added appeal to the Orioles.

Losing Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis to free agency heightened the urgency for the Orioles to improve their outfield depth and bolster their lineup. Duquette told reporters yesterday that they're more likely to sign a free agent than make a trade.

"I think these free agent possibilities are going to come into play and focus a little bit quicker than the trade possibilities," Duquette said. "These things go hand in hand, but it just looks like there are more free agents that are closer to signing than the trades."

Duquette's reluctance to deal his starting pitchers further complicates the process. For instance, talks with the Dodgers regarding outfielder Matt Kemp never gained traction due to their insistence on getting Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy. Factor in the lingering health concerns, and the discussions didn't get hot.

Kemp, 30, is owed $21 million in 2015 and $21.5 million in each of the following four seasons. He went on the disabled list five times in two years before appearing in 150 games this season. He's had two surgeries on his left shoulder and one on his left ankle.

Duquette said he hasn't met with the Braves regarding outfielder Justin Upton, who's got one year remaining on his contract.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2014/12/the-lobby-buzz-on-matusz.html The lobby buzz on Matusz By Roch Kubatko / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - The lobby of the Manchester Grand Hyatt is filling up again for the second official day of baseball's Winter Meetings.

The biggest buzz surrounds free agent pitcher Jon Lester, who reportedly has multiple offers for six years and may have a team willing to give him seven.

The Orioles never were in the running for Lester. They're not touching the high-priced starters on the market.

While their primary focus has shifted to the outfield, they also are targeting a left-handed reliever. Which makes it interesting that, according to the aforementioned lobby buzz, the Orioles are willing to move Brian Matusz in a trade.

Matusz is a left-handed reliever, in case you missed the memo.

The Orioles may not be actively shopping Matusz, but clubs are aware that he's available in the right deal. His value outside the organization rests on whether he's viewed as a lefty specialist or potential starter - his role coming out of college as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

Matusz is projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $2.7 million this season. He's got one more year of arbitration eligibility as a Super Two before free agency following the 2016 season.

Matusz, whose salary rose from $1.6 million to $2.4 million this year, was 2-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 63 appearances. Left-handers hit .223 against him and right-handers hit .277. The previous year, lefties hit .168 and right-handers hit .302.

The second-half numbers may have gone unnoticed, but Matusz posted a 1.42 ERA in 23 appearances with one allowed, four walks and 26 strikeouts over 19 .

Closer Zach Britton and multi-purpose reliever T.J. McFarland are the other left-handers in the bullpen. Andrew Miller agreed to a four-year, $36 million deal with the Yankees.

McFarland isn't assured of beginning the season with the Orioles, who could place him in Triple- A Norfolk's rotation. He made five starts for the Tides last season.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette couldn't hide his interest yesterday in free agent left- hander Craig Breslow. I'm sure he's more interested in the 2013 Breslow who posted a 1.81 ERA in 61 appearances with the Red Sox.

Duquette will meet with reporters again today at 3 p.m. PST. Manager Buck Showalter's media session is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2014/12/showalter-on-bostonnew-york-spending- they-run-out-of-money-yet.html Showalter on Red Sox/Yankees spending: "They run out of money yet?" By Steve Melewski / MASNSports.com December 10, 2014

SAN DIEGO - While Orioles fans wait to see what winter additions their team will make, other American League East teams have been more active. The Boston Red Sox are back to spending big money and the New York Yankees may join them.

They are not alone. While Boston signed Hanley Ramirez for $88 million and Pablo Sandoval for $95 million, the Yankees gave former Oriole Andrew Miller $36 million. Toronto signed catcher Russell Martin for $82 million and traded for .

Manager Buck Showalter repeated a familiar line here yesterday. He basically said the Orioles' payroll is competitive and the team tries to out-opportunity other teams.

This is what he said when asked about spending by other teams in the AL East.

"They run out of money yet? God bless them, that's the system. If we were in their shoes, we'd do the same thing," Showalter said. "What are you going to do, throw your hands up the in the air? That's all right. It can be done. We just have to be good at some things that allow us to compete with them."

Since the Orioles won the division by 12 games in 2014 and lead the AL East in wins over the last three seasons, maybe they have found a winning formula.

"To some extent," Showalter said. "We learn things and tweak things. We all make mistakes and learn from them in life. I don't know. We're not going around and trying to emulate them. It works for them."

I asked Showalter about the Orioles' offense yesterday. We know the team can hit homers, even without Nelson Cruz, but we also know the team is lacking in speed and in players with high on- base percentages.

So I asked Showalter if it's important to get more speed or high OBP players to better balance the team's reliance on the longball.

"No. I'm not always saying, jeez, this guy, there is no such thing as a perfect player. Hitting is hard to do," Showalter said. "If you try to teach walking in your organization, you are going to fail, that's been proven. You can't take until you hit.

"I was talking to one of the best hitting coaches I've ever been around in the offseason. He said is just a byproduct of a good approach.

"If you try to teach walking in your system, it doesn't work, it just doesn't work. It's a mentality and an approach to hitting. What are you going to do, rob Peter to pay Paul?

"We'll see if it shows up. Something we preach a lot in the minor leagues, the approach and things. You can see some of the young players we're getting through our system bring that. That is one of the things we're going to miss with Nick (Markakis)."

Meanwhile, when the Orioles signed infielder Rey Navarro to a major league deal Nov. 22 and said they intend to play him at second base, one of the first thoughts was that he could be competition for Jonathan Schoop at second.

The answer seems to be no, at this point. Dan Duquette mentioned Navarro yesterday as the second baseman for Triple-A Norfolk and then Showalter threw some praise Schoop's way during his press conference.

"Real proud of Jon," Showalter said. "He got a little bogged down, little tired at the end. It's a challenge for young players physically. I think he's got a chance to only get better. I don't think there's anyone in the American League that turns the double play better than him.

"It was what allowed us to keep running him out there. He was a difference-maker defensively. We'd like to see him take a little jump from what he learned this year. That is another way we can get better is Jon bring some areas of his offensive game up. He is certainly capable."

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2014/12/duquette-talks-up-alvarez-and- yastrzemski-during-one-on-one-interview.html Duquette talks up Alvarez and Yastrzemski during one-on- one interview (with video) By Steve Melewski / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - In his daily video interview today with MASNSports.com at the Winter Meetings, I asked Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette about minor league outfielders Dariel Alvarez and Mike Yastrzemski.

Alvarez has been ranked as the organization's No. 5 prospect by Baseball America and Yastrzemski is No. 9.

Duquette says both have a chance to impact the big league roster in 2015.

"We like Alvarez. I mean he had a great year last year. Made good contact, hit over .300 at Double-A and Triple-A. Had 17 homers, 83 RBIs," Duquette said. "Mike Yastrzemski had as good a year as anybody in our system. He was up for our minor league Player of the Year. Showed extra-base power, could steal a base with excellent defense and a good arm.

"He showed he's a five-tool player and Alvarez also showed that he could be a five-tool player. That is exciting to have two young players like that in the minors. Granted they need more seasoning, but they could come up and make a contribution to the major league team in 2015."

Duquette was not specific when I asked him if that impacts the club's current pursuit of outfielders via free agency or trade. Does that lead the Orioles toward free agents they can sign to one-year or short-term deals with some minor league outfielders making their way to Baltimore?

The reality is that prospects are just that - prospects - until they actually do something at the big league level.

"Prospects are still prospects, but I'm encouraged by the contact that Alvarez made at Triple-A and how Yastrzemski has really improved and shown power since he signed," Duquette said.

"That was just Yastrzemski's first full year and Alvarez's first full year since he signed coming out of Cuba. But both these players in their first full year showed all the skill and ability to be good major leaguers."

Duquette told reporters today that he feels good about adding players by the end of the Winter Meetings on Thursday. Of course, he did not share any names of which players that might be.

"We've been getting a lot sharper focus on the market for outfielders and also pitchers and a backup catcher," he said. "So we met with the agents of several of those players today and we got an idea of what the market is and we should be able to move and hopefully sign a couple of players for the O's."

I asked Duquette if the departures of Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz provide him an opportunity to do some reshaping of the offense. Is there a chance to maybe add some speed and on-base capability to a team that has hit over 200 homers in three straight seasons?

"We need to add players that can get on base and we also need to add players that can drive the ball with power," Duquette said. "But there are some good possibilities for us. I like the depth of our lineup if we can add a couple of pieces here."

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2014/12/baseball-americas-john-manuel-on-ba- honoring-showalter-and-duquette-tonight.html Baseball America's John Manuel on honoring Showalter and Duquette tonight By Steve Melewski / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - The Orioles brass will be honored in San Diego here tonight.

Baseball America will host its awards gala and among the winners are Dan Duquette as BA's Executive of the Year and Buck Showalter as BA's Manager of the Year. They have just one manager award for all of baseball, so it is not an American League-only award.

John Manuel, Baseball America's editor-in-chief, told me why their organization chose to honor Duquette.

"For Dan Duquette, four years ago, you'd see him at the Winter Meetings and he was almost persona non grata," Manuel said. "He'd been out of the game for several years. To go from there and where the Orioles franchise was at that time to two playoff trips in three years and 96 wins - they were the best team in the American League for a lot of the season.

"Baltimore, for all the things they went through, that is really why he got the Executive of the Year award. Because it wasn't an easy road there, especially with the injuries. The way they were able to massage the big league roster, fill holes on a budget and create a consistent winner, we thought that really merited special attention."

Manuel said Baseball America started it's Organization of the Year award in 1981 and that Duquette was scouting director for the when they won three straight, from 1985-87.

The AL champion were named Organization of the Year for 2014. Coming tomorrow, I'll have more with Manuel as he talks about the Orioles' minor league prospects.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2014/12/video-interview-with--keith-law- talking-orioles.html Video interview with ESPN's Keith Law talking Orioles By Steve Melewski / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - Here is a video taped yesterday at the Winter Meetings with ESPN's Keith Law.

Watch the video for the full interview, in which we talked about the Orioles' need for an outfielder and other moves that they might make.

Law agreed with me that the Orioles should have some financial flexibility right now with the departures of Nick Markakis, Nelson Cruz and Andrew Miller. The money they might have signed Markakis with is available for use elsewhere.

"I think it gives them the room. The question now will be matching up that room in the budget with the interest," Law said. "(Dan) Duquette has always been the type of general manager that says, 'This is what I think the player is worth, and I am not going to pay more than that.' That is a great philosophy, but it often leads to not signing free agents because the market doesn't work that way."

At this point, the chance that the Orioles would make a push to acquire either Atlanta's Justin Upton or the Dodgers' Matt Kemp via trade seems very low. However, I still asked Law what it would take to get those players. You have Upton, with just one more year on his contract, and Kemp, who is signed through 2019 but is due $107 million over the next five seasons.

"I think the price on Justin Upton right now is one significant prospect - whether it's a (Dylan) Bundy or a - one premium guy and a secondary prospect," he said. "I think that gets you Justin Upton.

"With Matt Kemp, it's a larger package. It's probably three, maybe four players. It's going to be more depth out of your system, which to me makes Justin Upton more attractive.

"I don't want to see the Orioles gut their system to get Kemp, who when he is healthy, is outstanding. He's not always that player. Upton has been a consistent performer when healthy and he's been healthy most of the time."

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2014/12/talking-clubhouse-chemistry-and-more- with-espns-aaron-boone.html Talking clubhouse chemistry and more with ESPN's Aaron Boone By Steve Melewski / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO - Among the many former big league players here at the Winter Meetings that is now a broadcaster is Aaron Boone.

He is part of a three-generation major league family and he hit a famous playoff home run in 2003.

Now Boone is an analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Baseball with frequent appearances on and other studio programming. He joined ESPN in 2010 after a 12-year big league career.

Boone knows something about clubhouse chemistry and he feels it is important when a team like the Orioles looks to sign or acquire a player.

"I think it's a big part of frankly," Boone said. "You have 162 games in 180 days; you know, with spring training, 200 games together. I think it's important that there is harmony in there. It doesn't always have to be friendly, it doesn't always have to be 'Kumbaya,' we all get along, we're all buddies.

"But I think, there has to be something in that room that creates an asset for the team. The Orioles, most teams that win and go to the playoffs, the clubhouse is usually an asset. I think it is an important part of the equation and the evaluation process."

The Orioles won the American League East by 12 games, but Boone said that gap has closed with recent acquisitions by the O's division rivals.

"Well, at this point in the winter and the way it looks like it's going, absolutely," Boone said. "Boston, you know depending what happens with (Jon) Lester here in the next 24 hours and the moves that they've made, they are positioned to make a huge leap.

"The Yankees look like they've shored up some things and the Blue Jays have added two impact players. It will be interested to see if and what the Orioles can do to better their team from last year."

Per usual, the Orioles have to keep up with Boston and New York without spending as those teams can and do.

"That is the challenge, being in a division with teams with big-time money," Boone said. "But we've seen the last few years that the Orioles have as talented a roster as anyone. They are trying to manage that while retooling on the go.

"I think it's important that Chris Davis bounce back this year. Matt Wieters, in his last season before free agency, that he comes back and has a big impact year. And guys like Steve Pearce continue to do what they showed they can do last year. If those things happen, the Orioles can be relevant if they can add the right little pieces to complement their impact players."

The Boone family has produced three generations of major league talent - former All-Star third baseman (Aaron's grandfather), former All-Star catcher, manager and baseball executive (Aaron's father) and retired All-Star second baseman (Aaron's brother).

In 2003, Aaron Boone earned his first and only All-Star appearance before being traded from the Reds to the Yankees. Later that year, he famously hit a dramatic, series-clinching home run in the bottom of the 11th inning of Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, giving the Yankees a 6-5 victory over the rival Boston Red Sox.

"Amazing how many people have a small little story attached to that. To get to be on that stage and have a small part in that rivalry, a lot of fun," he said.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2014/12/the-scout-that-signed-jon-lester-now- drafts-players-for-the-orioles.html Scout that signed Jon Lester now drafts players for Orioles By Steve Melewski / MASNSports.com December 9, 2014

At some point today or real soon, pitcher Jon Lester will sign a massive free agent contract - one worth perhaps $150 million or more.

That news will get a lot of attention. Somewhere else another man will be smiling and happy for Lester.

That is the area scout that drafted him out of a Tacoma, Wash., high school at age 18. Lester was a second-round pick, No. 57 overall in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

That scout is Gary Rajsich, who has been the Orioles director of scouting since November 2011. From 1994-2006 he was a Red Sox scout.

Looking back at that 2002 draft, how did Rajsich see Lester before he drafted him?

"I did turn him in as a front-of-the-rotation starter," Rajsich said. "I used my imagination and dreamed big, but it wasn't that hard because he was what they look like. He was tall and strong and had a great delivery and an easy arm. It was just a matter of maturity. He was an athlete. If you can't dream on that, that he could pick up some mechanics and learn how to repeat (his delivery) well.

"When I met him, that was the clincher from me. That is what separated him from everyone else. His makeup is great. The character that he showed. He beat lymphoma. He is just a great kid with great character and makeup.

"When David Chad, our scouting director at the time called his name - and I was worried he wouldn't get to us because our first pick was at 57 - I was elated."

Rajsich drafted a kid with a lot of talent and a fastball that could miss bats even back then. He was not throwing a cutter as an amateur. That came later. But it was the character of Lester that helped make him special.

"Just his poise and his quiet confidence. The way he played the game," Rajsich said. "When I met him and looked into his eye, you just could tell he had that he was going to be the best he could be. It was very convincing."

I asked Rajsich how 56 players were drafted ahead of Lester. Rajsich said early in Lester's senior year, the left-hander had not pitched that well. Coming off the fall where he played soccer, he wasn't in top baseball shape yet and his velocity was off a bit. Some high-level scouts on other teams lost some interest in Lester at that point, but Rajsich kept going to watch him pitch.

"It wasn't really until his last start his senior year, that he showed flashes of what he did the summer before. And that is when David Chad was there, fortunately for me," Rajsich said.

Lester was signed in 2002 for $1 million. Soon, he will have a lot more money than that. And the scout that watched him in high school and drafted him will smile.

"I'm extremely happy for him, knowing what kind of a kid he is," Rajsich said. "Not only happy for him, but very proud of him."

O's draft note: Since the season ended, the Orioles have moved up three spots with their first- round pick. Teams signed players that got qualifying offers, such as Toronto signing Russell Martin and the Mets getting , and those clubs lost their top picks.

So the O's have gone from overall pick No. 29 to No. 26 and they could go even higher. Baltimore's next pick is currently No. 33. That is the Orioles got when they lost Nelson Cruz.

The Orioles have overall pick No. 67 in the second round and pick No. 73 which is a competitive balance pick that comes after round two.

So, after not drafting a single player last year until round three and pick No. 90, the Orioles currently have four of the first 73 picks in next June's draft.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2014/12/09/ap-bba-orioles-davis Showalter counting on Chris Davis for good year AP NEWS / December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO (AP) Buck Showalter is counting on Chris Davis to bounce back next year.

The Baltimore Orioles manager will have to wait until the second game of the season, April 7 at Tampa Bay, to pencil his slugger into the lineup. Davis has one game left to serve in a 25-game suspension imposed in September following a positive test for Adderall, a banned amphetamine.

''He is doing well. I think he's in a good mindset,'' Showalter said Tuesday at the winter meetings. ''I can't really see anything that would point to something being negative towards Chris having a big year and getting back on the saddle, so to speak, of where he was. I'm expecting him to be solid for us.''

After losing Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis to free agency, the Orioles need Davis to return to his All-Star form of 2013, when he hit .286 with 53 homers and 138 RBIs. Davis hit .196 this year with 26 homers and 72 RBIs before his suspension Sept. 12, and he averaged a per 3.03 plate appearances - the worst in the major leagues among qualifying batters.

Davis' suspension included the final 17 games of the regular season, a three-game sweep of Detroit in the AL Division Series and a four-game loss to Kansas City in the AL Championship Series.

Davis is eligible for arbitration after making $10.5 million last season, including performance bonuses. He can become a free agent after next year's World Series.

https://www.google.com/#q=baltimore+orioles&tbs=qdr:d&tbm=nws&start=50 Orioles out on Matt Kemp? By Doug Mittler / ESPN Insider December, 9, 2014

Cross the Baltimore Orioles off the list of potential employers for Matt Kemp, reports Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun.

The Orioles have some lineup holes to fill now that Nelson Cruz has signed with the Mariners and Nick Markakis is headed south to the Atlanta Braves. “Discussions went nowhere when the Dodgers told the Orioles of their interest in acquiring either Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy in a deal,” Encina writes. “The Dodgers also were unwilling to pick up any of the $107 million remaining on Kemp's contract through the 2019 season.”

The O’s reportedly were talking to representatives for several outfielders, including Norichika Aoki, Colby Rasmus and Delmon Young, according to of CBSSports.com.

San Diego has been mentioned as a possible destination for Kemp, but talks with the Padres face obstacles as well, according to multiple reports.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/showalter-knows-hell-have-move-without- markakis Showalter knows he'll have to move on without Markakis By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO – The Orioles suffered some major losses last week when Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller all left the team. In his first comments to the Baltimore media since the three departed, manager Buck Showalter tried to look ahead, but admitted he would miss them, especially Markakis.

“I'm not saying there’s going to be somebody from within to replace Nick. That’s going to be hard to do. But they all leave a certain void we have to fill and that’s what we're supposed to be able to do,” Showalter said at the Winter Meetings.

“Nobody is going to feel sorry for us. It's a very competitive situation. We'd like to have them, but I try not to dwell on it. It's easy to. It's hard to move on from a guy like Nick but we'll have to.”

Already, Showalter is looking past Markakis’ departure, saying that if the season began tomorrow, he would put Steve Pearce in right field, though it’s clear he doesn’t have an experienced leadoff hitter. Showalter did say he’d know who he’d play where other than at DH.

“I feel very confident we will uncover some people that allow us to be competitive. The biggest reason we made a leap last year was our pitching and other than Andrew Miller we really haven’t lost anything there,” Showalter said.

“Our starting pitching got better, they got us deeper in the game and it allowed us keep our bullpen healthy and match up a little bit more. It happens again, we'll have some fun this summer.”

The Orioles handily won the AL East and made it to the American League Championship Series without Chris Davis, Manny Machado and Matt Wieters.

Showalter is hopeful that Wieters who had Tommy John surgery in June and Machado, recovering from August knee surgery, will be ready to start the season.

“It's so hard to handicap that. It's not so much of if, it's when with Matt and Manny. They're both waiting on and we feel confident they'll be close to [ready] in the start of the season,” Showalter said.

Showalter thinks Davis can rebound from a most forgettable season. He’ll be heading into his free agent year, and 2015 will be an important one professionally.

“I was with Chris Saturday and he's doing well. I think he's in a good mindset. A lot of things point up with him,” Showalter said. “I'm expecting him to be solid for us, rather it be first base, right field or whatever.”

For now, the Orioles have six starters for five spots with Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen, Bud Norris, Miguel Gonzalez, Kevin Gausman and Ubaldo Jimenez. Showalter wouldn’t definitively commit to Gausman, who has options remaining.

“We're not going to pick our pitching staff according to who has options and who doesn't. We're not going to use that against Kevin. If he's one of our best 11 or 12 or whatever we break with, he'll be on our club,” Showalter said.

“And it doesn't always mean they're going to be in the same capacity. I do know that we plan to be seven, eight pitchers deep by the time we break camp.”

Showalter says the Orioles are getting closer to naming a hitting coach. He would only confirm that minor league coordinator Jeff Manto is one of “three or four really good candidates.”

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/could-orioles-put-together-byrd-trade-phillies Could Orioles put together a Byrd trade with Phillies? By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO –- As the second day of the Winter Meetings neared its end, the Orioles hadn’t made any news. There were plenty of names that they were linked with, Chris Denorfia, Jonny Gomes, and most notably, Marlon Byrd.

ESPN.com first indicated that there were talks between the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies about Byrd, who has an $8 million contract and an $8 million option for 2016 that could vest with 600 plate appearances in 2015.

Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette didn’t deny that a meeting took place, and chuckled when Byrd’s name was brought up.

“Really? That’s interesting,” Duquette said before moving on.

The 37-year-old Byrd’s two best seasons have been his most recent, when he’s hit a combined 49 home runs and 173 RBIs.

“We did have I guess about four or five trade discussions and the trade discussions were focused on the same two items, outfielders and pitching,” Duquette said.

At Phillies manager ’s meeting with the press earlier on Tuesday, he emphasized that his team needed starting pitching from outside his organization.

One of the pitchers who the Orioles have made available is Brian Matusz, who was the nation’s fourth draft pick in 2008. Joe Jordan was the Orioles’ scouting director at the time, and he’s currently the Phillies director of player development.

Arizona may also be interested in Matusz. The Diamondbacks were impressed last season with Matusz’s bullpen outings and both Arizona and Philadelphia could convert him back to a starter, something the left-hander has long wanted.

Duquette said that by the time the meetings end Thursday morning, the Orioles should have some additions.

“We should be able to get a couple of players before we leave the meeting,” Duquette predicted.

On other issues, Duquette said the team doesn’t have an obvious leadoff hitter, but Alejandro De Aza and David Lough were candidates to replace Nick Markakis. He said that Steve Pearce could bat near the top of the order.

If Matt Wieters isn’t ready to start the season as Duquette expects him to be, he probably wouldn’t be a DH candidate.

He also said that he met with agents for free agent catchers, but isn’t focused on adding additional infielders.

Duquette says he doesn’t feel the need to create a huge impact at the meetings.

“We’re adding to our team, and we’re doing what we have to do to add to our team. We can add players in the Winter Meetings, and sometimes we can do it right after the Winter Meetings. We’re always looking to add to our depth. I’m sure we’ll get a couple of players from this meeting to add to our team. It’s an ongoing process. It’s something we do all the time,” Duquette said.

NOTES: The membership of the Baseball Writers recommended that the number of candidates on the Hall of Fame’s annual ballot be increased from 10 to 12.

-Tom Gage, longtime baseball writer of The Detroit News, has been named the winner of the Spink Award. He’ll be inducted to the Hall of Fame in July.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-wont-be-repeating-last-winters-strategy Orioles won't be repeating last winter's strategy By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO –- A year ago, the Orioles benefitted from the qualifying offer system. They’ll only reap a partial benefit this year.

Dan Duquette signed Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz to contracts last February, costing the Orioles two draft choices because both players were offered $14.1 million qualifiers by their former teams.

This year, all 12 players, including Cruz, who received $15.3 million qualifying offers, turned them down.

One, Michael Cuddyer signed immediately. Victor Martinez, Russell Martin, Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval signed last month.

Cruz, of course, signed last week.

David Robertson came to an agreement with the White Sox on Monday night, Nelson Liriano re- upped with Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Jon Lester is expected to sign shortly, with expected to fall in line soon.

Melky Cabrera has interested the Orioles, but they face competition with Seattle. Only Ervin Santana, who spurned the Orioles’ overtures last winter to sign a one-year deal with Atlanta, has failed to spark much interest.

Santana could be in the unenviable position of being relatively unwanted two straight years, but he has spoken with one of his former teams, the Royals.

This time, the Orioles, who already have six starters, including Jimenez, won’t be expected to rush in after him. Last year, Santana made it clear he didn’t want to pitch in the AL East. That still may be the case.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/duquette-staying-put-beeston-stays-toronto Duquette staying put as Beeston stays in Toronto By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore December 9, 2014

SAN DIEGO –- While Dan Duquette may not have definitively put the Toronto Blue Jays rumors to bed, the Blue Jays apparently have managed to do it for him.

The Blue Jays are reportedly set to announce that their president, Paul Beeston, will stay on for another season.

Duquette, the Orioles’ executive vice president of baseball operations, who had been linked with Beeston’s job and pestered with questions since arriving here, won’t have to answer those questions any longer.

He’s under contract to the Orioles for four more years.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/09/the-orioles-rangers-and-mariners-are-all-out-on- matt-kemp/ The Orioles, Rangers, and Mariners are all out on Matt Kemp D.J. Short / NBCSports.com December 9, 2014

With the Dodgers and Padres reportedly “working hard” on getting a trade done involving outfielder Matt Kemp, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman passes along word that the Orioles, Rangers, and Mariners have all dropped out of the running.

This could be a realization that the Padres are likely to land Kemp more than anything else. Some talks just never got very far. According to Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles backed out due to a combination of health concerns and the Dodgers’ asking price of Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy.

If a deal gets done, it’s believed that Yasmani Grandal will be part of the return package for the Dodgers. FOX Sports’ reported earlier today that pitching prospect Matt Wisler will not be included in .

http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/12/09/showalter-hot-stove-banquet- speaker/20137381/ O's skipper Showalter to speak at Hot Stove Banquet DelmarvaNow.com December 9, 2014

Since taking over the helm as Orioles manager in 2010, Buck Showalter has excited fans far and wide with the way he's turned the formerly moribund franchise around.

And the Orioles' skipper has drawn even more excitement now that news has broken that Showalter will be the keynote speaker at next month's Hot Stove Banquet. This year's event will be held at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Showalter's appearance will mark the second consecutive year someone from the Orioles organization will speak at the banquet. Earlier this year, Orioles general manager Dan Duquette was the headliner for the Shorebirds' 2014 event.

"We're honored to have one of most respected managers in baseball and an integral part in the Orioles recent successes join us to speak on Jan. 28," Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters said in a statement. "I encourage all Orioles fans on the Eastern Shore and baseball fans to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from Buck Showalter."

Showalter, a three-time manager of the year award winner, led the Orioles to their first American League East title and American League Championship Series appearance since 1997.

The manager's presence at the banquet has received rave reviews from fans.

Nate Hays, a longtime Orioles fan and Somerset County native now living in North Carolina, said for Showalter to take time out of his offseason to come down to the Lower Shore shows how much he respects the fans.

"I think it's awesome that a current important member of the franchise is taking time to come to the Shore," he said. "I think Buck cares a lot about the team, and therefore cares a lot about the fans. It shows. He doesn't take fans for granted."

Salisbury resident Derrick Smack said upon hearing the news of Showalter being the guest speaker, his interest in wanting to attend grew.

"It's exciting," Smack said. "My first thought was 'where do I get tickets'? For the AP Manager of the Year to come down here and do something for his minor league club is amazing. I knew some people who are interested.

"I definitely think it'll be bigger than if anybody else in the organization came. His wit is so sharp and he's got so many stories to tell."

When asked about what questions he would have for Showalter, Smack searched for a thought.

"That's a tough one … maybe what he plans to do with the lead off role now that (Nick) Markakis is gone… maybe how he feels about Chris Davis now being back, other than that, he seems pretty set about the team."

Tickets for the event are $40 per person and dinner will be provided. Call 410-219-3112.

http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/24876906/report-orioles-interested-in- of-jonny-gomes Report: Orioles interested in OF Jonny Gomes By Igor Mello / CBSSports.com December 9, 2014

The Orioles are among the several teams showing interest in free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes, an industry source told the Baltimore Sun on Tuesday. The Rangers, Mariners and Cubs were reportedly interested in Gomes as of last week. Gomes slashed .234/.327/.330 with six home runs and 37 RBI in 112 games between the Red Sox and A's in 2014.