Pearce: "We still have a lot of talent"

Pearce: "We still have a lot of talent"
The offseason for Steve Pearce and Brad Brach included a visit today to Dave & Buster's at the Arundel Mills Mall, where they signed autographs and served lunch to students from Callaway Elementary School in Baltimore. Pearce isn't accustomed to showing up at spring training with a guaranteed spot on the 25-man roster, but he's a candidate to start in right field and also could play left field and first base, as well as serve as the designated hitter. Just not at the same time. "I'm...

Showalter on Davis, the offseason and hitting coach search

Showalter on Davis, the offseason and hitting coach search
Orioles manager Buck Showalter recently played golf with Chris Davis in Texas, and the first baseman revealed that he's received a therapeutic use exemption for Adderall for the 2015 season. Major League Baseball suspended Davis for 25 games on Sept. 12 following a second failed test for the drug. Davis apparently had the exception with the Rangers, but was denied with the Orioles. "That's just what he told me," Showalter said this morning at the 36th annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party for...

Notes on Manuel, Rios, Lavarnway, Palmer and Hudak

Notes on Manuel, Rios, Lavarnway, Palmer and Hudak
The Orioles are still targeting Charlie Manuel in their search for a new hitting coach, according to sources, and they should know later this week whether he's willing to fill the position. The Phillies would need to give their permission for the Orioles to conduct a formal interview with Manuel and he'd need to demonstrate that he wants the job. The first step shouldn't be an issue, but Manuel has been reluctant to throw his hat into the ring. Manuel initially declined the Orioles' offer,...

Orioles hire Hudak as PR director, plus other notes (updated)

Orioles hire Hudak as PR director, plus other notes (updated)
The Orioles have hired Kristen Hudak, a former MASN and ESPN employee, as their new public relations director. Hudak, who spent the past 3 1/2 years at ESPN, will oversee the public relations department, including corporate communications, media relations, online communications, photography and team publications. She will begin her duties on Dec. 29, reporting directly to Greg Bader, the Orioles vice president of communications and marketing. As a senior publicist at ESPN, Hudak generated...

What's left for the Orioles on the outfield market?

What's left for the Orioles on the outfield market?
The weekend is over and the Orioles lost another outfield candidate with Melky Cabrera agreeing to a three-year, $42 million deal with the White Sox. Where do they turn? Executive vice president Dan Duquette has made it clear that the Orioles are more likely to sign free agents than make trades. They still need outfielders who bat from the left and right side, but the list of appealing options is paper thin. Peter Gammons tweeted yesterday that the Orioles "are being pushed to take Colby...

This, that and the other (Melky Cabrera off the board)

This, that and the other (Melky Cabrera off the board)
An Orioles official told me yesterday that they're still working on a minor league deal with pitcher Chaz Roe. It's going to get done. I'd expect the deal to include an invitation to spring training. Roe appeared in 21 games with the Diamondbacks in 2013, posting a 4.03 ERA. He got into three games with the Yankees this season, allowing three runs (two earned) and three hits, walking three and striking out four in two innings. Roe worked the eighth inning in Game 2 of a Sept. 12...

Orioles' outfield search continues, Phillies offered Byrd and Howard

Orioles' outfield search continues, Phillies offered Byrd and Howard
As Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette rushed to the airport in San Diego following the Rule 5 draft - we were on the same flight and he willingly chose a middle seat next to other team officials, while I grabbed an aisle seat and let everyone bump into my shoulder at least once - he didn't sound like a man who expected to strike a deal over the weekend. Duquette joked that I only asked whether he felt an agreement might be close so I'd know if it was safe to make plans. One phone...

Orioles remain in running to sign Reimold

Orioles remain in running to sign Reimold
The Orioles are continuing their attempts to sign outfielder Nolan Reimold to a minor league deal, which would return him to the organization that drafted him in 2005. The contract would include an invitation to spring training. While the Orioles would appear to be a favorable choice for Reimold, he's still searching for a major league deal and isn't in a rush to make a decision. Other teams are trying to strike the same deal with Reimold, a group that includes the White Sox, Indians and...

Would the Orioles bring back McLouth?

Would the Orioles bring back McLouth?
The Winter Meetings are over, team officials have returned home and now we'll wait to learn how strong a foundation for trades was laid in San Diego. The Orioles still need at least one outfielder, a left-handed reliever and backup catcher. They'd also like to obtain a right-hander for the bullpen, though they seem pretty deep in that area. Never can have too many, I suppose. The Nationals were supposed to make blockbuster trades all over the Manchester Grand Hyatt - executives and scouts...

Orioles reach agreement with Reimold on minor league deal (updated)

Orioles reach agreement with Reimold on minor league deal (updated)
Almost two full months after expressing confidence that they had a deal done, the Orioles finally reached agreement today with outfielder Nolan Reimold on a minor league contract, according to sources. Final details are being worked out before the deal, which includes an invitation to spring training, becomes official. The Orioles hadn't been in contact with Reimold since December until reaching out to him a few weeks ago to reiterate their interest in bringing him back to the organization....

Wrapping up the Winter Meetings

Wrapping up the Winter Meetings
SAN DIEGO - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette is hopeful that his meetings at the Manchester Grand Hyatt will lead to player acquisitions as early as next week. "We made some good progress with some free agent outfielders and also some pitchers and hopefully that will lead to some players signing with the O's," said Duquette, who obtained right-handers Jason Garcia and Logan Verrett today in the Rule 5 draft. "Happy to add the two right-handed pitchers today to give us some...

Orioles acquire two players in major league phase of Rule 5 draft (updated)

Orioles acquire two players in major league phase of Rule 5 draft (updated)
SAN DIEGO - The Orioles made their first transactions of the Winter Meetings today at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, selecting right-hander Logan Verrett with their pick in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft and acquiring right-hander Jason Garcia from the Astros following his selection with the fourth overall pick. Garcia, who came from the Red Sox's organization, was obtained for cash considerations. The Orioles have 39 players on their 40-man roster. The Orioles had the 28th...

Day Four of the Winter Meetings

Day Four of the Winter Meetings
SAN DIEGO - We've reached the finish line of the 2014 Winter Meetings at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The Rule 5 draft will be held at 9 a.m. PST, followed by a frantic race to the airport. It's a mad, mad, mad, mad baseball world. The Orioles apparently will head home with a selection in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft and possibly a pick in the Triple-A phase. Last year, they took Michael Almanzar and Julio Borbon. The earth didn't shake. The only real excitement generated by...

Duquette: "We're not about signing high-profile free agents"

Duquette: "We're not about signing high-profile free agents"
SAN DIEGO - The cash continues to flow at the Winter Meetings at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Free agents are signing for big bucks, just as they did before executives flew to the West Coast, leaving some officials and scouts shaking their heads and wondering just how much higher the salaries can climb. "Can you believe some of the money these guys are getting for a couple outs?" asked Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette. Duquette says none of it impacts what the Orioles want to do...

Quick hits from Duquette's media session

Quick hits from Duquette's media session
SAN DIEGO - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said he came close to trading for a pitcher today at the Winter Meetings. He had the foundation to get a deal done and "it didn't work out." No name given, of course. Duquette had a few new discussions today and said it's still more likely that the Orioles sign a free agent than pull off a trade. The Orioles have more meetings planned for later tonight. Officials are scheduled to fly out of San Diego on Thursday at 1 p.m....

Boras on Davis, Wieters and Chen

Boras on Davis, Wieters and Chen
SAN DIEGO - Agent Scott Boras drew the usual crowd of reporters and cameramen for his annual Winter Meetings Q&A with reporters in the lobby area of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Asked about possible extensions for Orioles clients and pending free agents Chris Davis and Matt Wieters, Boras said the following: "I think there's a chance with all players. Dan (Duquette) and I talk a great deal. We obviously have to do their arbitration, annual contracts here soon. I think both players enjoy...

Quick note on Cespedes rumor

Quick note on Cespedes rumor
SAN DIEGO - The media will gather with executive vice president Dan Duquette in about 30 minutes for updates on today's meetings with agents and executives. Duquette may volunteer to shoot down a few rumors and confirm others, depending on whether he's in a generous mood. A report surfaced earlier today that the Orioles are interested in Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. While it makes sense that they'd check on Cespedes after losing Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis in free agency, a source...

Orioles discussed Matusz trade with Pirates

Orioles discussed Matusz trade with Pirates
SAN DIEGO - As further proof that the Orioles are willing to move Brian Matusz if satisfied with the return, executive vice president Dan Duquette met with Pirates officials this week to discuss a deal that would have sent the left-handed reliever to Pittsburgh for outfielder Travis Snider. An industry source confirmed the meeting. The teams aren't on the verge of consummating a trade, but the sides talked and could continue discussions at a later date. The Orioles would like to leave the...

Leon on Orioles' radar again as they seek backup catcher

Leon on Orioles' radar again as they seek backup catcher
SAN DIEGO - On the Orioles' list of priorities at the Winter Meetings, finding another catcher ranks somewhere below outfielders and bullpen arms. Not a huge priority or a splashy move, but a perceived necessity with Matt Wieters' uncertain status for opening day. One name to keep in mind is Sandy Leon, a switch-hitter who's appeared in 34 games with the Nationals over parts of three major league seasons. The Orioles have liked Leon for a while and they've engaged in trade talks with the...

Day Three of the Winter Meetings

Day Three of the Winter Meetings
SAN DIEGO - In order to mentally shorten my stay at the Winter Meetings, I traditionally view today as the finish line. The Rule 5 draft takes place Thursday morning and everyone bolts for the airport 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...