Duquette and Eveland discuss the trade

Duquette and Eveland discuss the trade
DALLAS - Executive vice president Dan Duquette doesn't anticipate making any more trades before he boards a flight for Boston this afternoon. He'll return to Baltimore over the weekend and hopes to complete a few more deals that were advanced at the Winter Meetings. Duquette didn't make a big splash at the Hilton Anatole, unless you count the number of times he dumped cold water on speculation that he'd pursue a big-ticket item in free agency. The Orioles were busy today, if not dynamic....

Orioles acquire Eveland from Dodgers for Martin (and Henson)

Orioles acquire Eveland from Dodgers for Martin (and Henson)
DALLAS - The Orioles completed their first trade of the Winter Meetings today, acquiring left-hander Dana Eveland from the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league pitcher Jarret Martin and outfielder Tyler Henson. The Orioles designated reliever Willie Eyre for assignment to make room for Eveland on the 40-man roster. Eyre was a non-tender candidate. Eveland was 12-8 with a 4.38 ERA in 25 games at Triple-A Albuquerque this year. He made five starts with the Dodgers, going 3-2 with a 3.03...

Trade to be announced shortly (Eveland is involved)

Trade to be announced shortly (Eveland is involved)
DALLAS - The Rule 5 draft is over, but the Orioles remain open for business. The club is expected to announce details of a trade within the next hour. And that's all the information I've got at the moment. Otherwise, I'd be more expansive. Also, we're still waiting to learn the identity of the player to be named later in the Taylor Teagarden trade. I've mentioned twice that infielder Greg Miclat's name came up before the deal was completed, and it wouldn't be a big surprise if he...

Orioles select infielder Flaherty in Rule 5 (updated twice)

Orioles select infielder Flaherty in Rule 5 (updated twice)
DALLAS - As expected, the Orioles made a selection today in the Rule 5 draft. But it wasn't a pitcher. Picking fourth, the Orioles took infielder Ryan Flaherty, 25, from the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A roster. He was a sandwich pick in 2008 out of Vanderbilt. Flaherty batted .305 with 20 doubles, two triples, 14 homers, 66 RBIs and a .907 OPS in 83 games at Double-A Tennessee, and .237 with 11 doubles, one triple, five homers and 22 RBIs in 49 games at Triple-A Iowa. He's a utility infielder,...

Day Four in Dallas

Day Four in Dallas
DALLAS - And down the stretch they come ... I'm expecting a stampede to the airport today as the Winter Meetings break up. The last order of business for most teams is the Rule 5 draft - and we've been threatened with bodily harm here if we write Rule V - which begins at 9 a.m. Central time. The Orioles might not be finished, however. Executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated yesterday that he could make a trade or two, so the local beat reporters are on high alert. I'd just...

DeMarlo Hale talks about joining the Orioles

DeMarlo Hale talks about joining the Orioles
The Orioles didn't make any trades today, but they completed their coaching staff. That's another item to cross off the list. The holdup involved DeMarlo Hale, who had a year remaining on his contract with the Red Sox. He was invited to remain on manager Bobby Valentine's staff, but he wasn't sure in what capacity. And his longstanding relationship with Orioles manager Buck Showalter swayed him to leave the perennial contenders. Hale will coach third base for the Orioles after serving as...

Trade talks, Zumaya, Cespedes, budget, Marlins and more

Trade talks, Zumaya, Cespedes, budget, Marlins and more
DALLAS - The Orioles don't give the outward appearance that they're busy at the Winter Meetings. They haven't gone to the podium, though the Marlins are boxing out everyone like Karl Malone, and they haven't been featured in the hottest rumors unless you count the Prince Fielder stuff that is based on speculation and assumptions. But executive vice president Dan Duquette met with more executives and agents today and is convinced that a trade or two could go down before he boards his flight...

Duquette hoping to make one or two trades Thursday

Duquette hoping to make one or two trades Thursday
DALLAS - Unless something drastic happens, the Orioles won't complete any deals tonight. However, executive vice president Dan Duquette says he's made "good progress" in trade talks today and hopes to finalize one or two after Thursday's Rule 5 draft. Duquette is staying in Dallas until late in the day, which makes me glad that I booked my flight back to Baltimore at 6:20 p.m. Any trades would involve pitching, which has been Duquette's main priority since he arrived at the Hilton...

Buehrle off the board, Orioles never on him (and more)

Buehrle off the board, Orioles never on him (and more)
DALLAS - Another huge domino fell today when the Marlins agreed to terms with left-hander Mark Buehrle on a four-year, $58 million contract. The Orioles were in no danger of having their toes crushed. They weren't anywhere near Buehrle. New executive vice president Dan Duquette says he won't go more than three years for a free-agent starting pitcher. Never has, never will. I wanted the Orioles to jump into the Buehrle bidding, but he held out for a fourth year and got it from a team...

Hale and Castro added to coaching staff (updated)

Hale and Castro added to coaching staff (updated)
DALLAS - It's finally official. The Orioles have hired DeMarlo Hale as their third base coach and Bill Castro as their bullpen coach. "The additions of DeMarlo Hale and Bill Castro add winning experience and diversity to our coaching staff," executive vice president Dan Duquette said in a statement. The Red Sox let Hale out of his contract last night with one year remaining so he could join manager Buck Showalter's staff. He had the option of remaining with Boston under new manager Bobby...

Street off the board?

Street off the board?
That's the word on the street. According to multiple reports, the San Diego Padres are on the verge of acquiring closer Huston Street from the Colorado Rockies for a player to be named. The Padres are picking up most of Street's $7.5 million tab. The Orioles held discussions with the Rockies regarding Street, but they're not going to get him. Scratch another one off the list. Late-inning relief could wear a more familiar face. The Orioles and Rangers have met to discuss a trade that...

Day Three in Dallas

Day Three in Dallas
DALLAS - For me, this feels like the final day of the Winter Meetings. From a workload and stress standpoint, tomorrow is a breeze compared to the others. Executives, scouts, agents and reporters bail after the Rule 5 draft, which is held in the morning. Today is expected to be busy for a lot of teams, including the Orioles, who could make a trade and perhaps announce their coaching staff for next season. We might have our first Scott Boras sighting, which is like the circus coming to town,...

There's quite a buzz about Floyd and Quentin (and Hale update)

There's quite a buzz about Floyd and Quentin (and Hale update)
DALLAS - If the Orioles make a trade tomorrow, it could involve Chicago White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd or outfielder Carlos Quentin. I'm starting to like those odds, judging by everything I'm hearing tonight. Executive vice president Dan Duquette has met several times with the White Sox, and while left-hander John Danks is available, the Orioles would prefer Floyd, 28, who grew up in Severna Park and attended Mount St. Joseph. You already know that White Sox general manager Kenny Williams...

More from Dan Duquette

More from Dan Duquette
DALLAS - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette apologized to reporters today for not having more news. We were willing to take any scraps, but yes, a full meal would have been much more satisfying. Maybe we'll feast tomorrow. I'd settle for soup, which can be a meal. "I wish I had more A stuff today," he said. "We met with a couple more clubs, we advanced a couple different trade proposals, and we made a couple offers to sign players, but we really don't have anything new to...

Duquette: "We want to be .500 or better this year"

Duquette: "We want to be .500 or better this year"
DALLAS - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette has trade proposals and free-agent contract offers on the table, mostly for pitching, but he isn't expecting a deal to be completed tonight. If an agreement is reached, it's more likely to happen tomorrow. Duquette confirmed that he met several times with the Chicago White Sox regarding their pitching, which means Gavin Floyd and John Danks. White Sox general manager Kenny Williams told reporters earlier today that he hadn't received...

Orioles re-sign Brandon Erbe

Orioles re-sign Brandon Erbe
DALLAS - The Orioles have signed pitcher Brandon Erbe to a minor league contract, keeping him in the organization that drafted him out of McDonogh High School. Erbe, a third-round selection in 2005, was designated for assignment over the summer and cleared waivers. The Orioles outrighted him to short-season Single-A Aberdeen in August. He was a minor league free agent. Erbe underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum on Aug. 13, 2010, and it's been a long road back to recovery. He went 0-1...

Checking again on the pitching market

Checking again on the pitching market
DALLAS - Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams told reporters today that he's not getting suitable offers for his pitchers, so he's inclined to hold onto them at the moment. This news impacts the Orioles, who are looking for pitching - in case you hadn't heard - and might have made a run at Gavin Floyd or John Danks. Of course, Williams could change his stance with one phone call, meeting or elevator ride. I'm just giving you the current update. Also, I heard earlier today...

No interest in Soriano

No interest in Soriano
DALLAS - Just to keep the rumor mill from spinning completely out of control, I'll try to slow it a little by passing along confirmation that the Orioles aren't interested in Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs reportedly are trying to convince the Orioles to take Soriano and are willing to absorb most of the $54 million he's owed. I'm told that the Orioles will pass on that offer. Keep in mind that the Cubs approached the Orioles. I never heard that the Orioles initiated talks....

The hunt for pitching (with note)

The hunt for pitching (with note)
DALLAS - The Chicago White Sox and Tampa Rays have pitching to spare. The Orioles want a frontline starter to stabilize their rotation and take a little more pressure off the young arms. So how exactly are they supposed to match up? That's the burning question here at the Hilton Anatole. As I wrote earlier, White Sox general manger Kenny Williams would move Gavin Floyd or John Danks, but he wants young pitching in return. He's also in the market for an outfield prospect. The Orioles are...

Day Two in Dallas (updated)

Day Two in Dallas (updated)
DALLAS - If you're anticipating that the Orioles will make a move today, look for it to be a trade. And expect it to involve a starter or reliever. Could Mount St. Joseph grad Gavin Floyd be in the mix? The White Sox apparently are willing to move him, and the Orioles have coveted him for years. Well, former president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail was a big admirer. I doubt that executive vice president Dan Duquette has any issues with Floyd. Pure speculation. I'm just saying that...