A few morning notes

While wondering why Vegas has made the Ravens a 4 1/2-point underdog at their own parade ... As we continue to wait for the Orioles to announce the signing of Jair Jurrjens to a one-year contract, it's fair to wonder whether they ordered more tests on his surgically repaired right knee as part of his physical. Otherwise, they're really studying those results while making absolutely certain that he's healthy before completing the deal. Jurrjens underwent arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee in October 2010. He began the 2011 season on the disabled list and returned to it in September because of pain in the knee. He was shut down with a groin injury last year. The Orioles will take their sweet time before committing $1.5 million to him (with another $2.5 million possible in incentives.) It's highly unlikely that Jurrjens will pitch for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. Can you imagine manager Buck Showalter's reaction if Jurrjens decides to leave camp? Jurrjens speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu, but I don't think that was part of the physical. * Yesterday's signing of Joel Pineiro to a minor league deal - first reported by The Sun - doesn't figure to alter the pitching plans in Baltimore or Triple-A Norfolk. He didn't receive a spring training invite and he's still rehabbing from surgery last summer to repair a SLAP tear in his right shoulder. He's not a candidate for the fifth starter's spot with the Orioles and he's not going to push anyone down to Double-A Bowie. * In case you missed it, new Gulf Coast League pitching coach Wilson Alvarez will serve as pitching coach for the Venezuelan club in the WBC. * Former Orioles left-hander Brian Burres has signed to pitch in Taiwan with the Lamigo Monkeys, his agent told FOXSports.com. The team was previously known as First Financial Holdings Agan and then the La New Bears, but I didn't need to tell you. * Former Orioles infielder Julio Lugo plans to retire following the Caribbean Series, according to MLB.com. I'm reminded of him each time I travel to Port Charlotte in spring training, since the Orioles obtained Lugo in a trade with the Cardinals before their game against the Rays on April 1, 2010. On that same day, they learned that backup catcher Chad Moeller had refused his outright assignment and elected to become a free agent. * Zion Lutheran Church will hold its third annual baseball talk at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11 in the church's sanctuary, 2215 Brandywine Lane in York, Pa. This year's event again features Mel Antonen, baseball writer for SI.com, baseball panelist for MASN and Sirius/XM talk show host; Dan Connolly, Orioles/national baseball writer for The Baltimore Sun; and Jim Seip, York Revolution beat writer for the York Daily Record/York Sunday News. The writers will present their thoughts on the upcoming baseball season - Orioles, Phillies, all MLB, plus the York Revolution and the Atlantic League - and will answer questions from the audience. There's no admission fee, but a freewill offering will be accepted to benefit the church's youth ministry program. For more information, call 717-767-4673. * Happy 79th birthday to Hank Aaron. The man hit 755 home runs, all of them clean.