NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette didn't offer a confirmation or denial today when asked whether he met with Mark Trumbo's representative. He only stated that it's "a fluid conversation."
Duquette repeated his desire to land an outfielder and met again today with various agents and team executives. He also had trade talks involving catchers.
Asked to respond to a report that the Orioles' four-year offer to Trumbo is off the table, Duquette only mentioned how there are a lot of hitters on the market and he's trying to staff the team as strongly as possible.
If you feel left in the dark, I believe the switch is against the wall to your right. Good luck.
Here's more from today's media session. I'll add more quotes in my next entry:
* Duquette said the market has slowed down on hitters due to the qualifying offer.
* Duquette didn't have much of a response to the Red Sox's trade for Chris Sale, only repeating the news with a grin and noting that the Orioles' record against him is promising. He hasn't spoken to the White Sox in at least two days.
* When I asked Duquette if projecting Trey Mancini as capable of filling the designated hitter role means he isn't interested in a Chris Carter-type player, he replied, "I'd rather see us add some outfielders." A report earlier today had the Orioles reaching out to Carter's rep.
* Duquette labeled a couple of trade discussions today as "interesting" and could "bear fruit." He's still focused primarily on outfielders and catchers.
* Duquette said he wasn't ready for the high prices on some second-tier free agents, especially extra outfielders. He thinks it will impact the trade market.
* Would the Orioles be willing to trade a reliever in exchange for a right fielder? Duquette repeated that he wants to have a good bullpen, but he also said there's sufficient depth that he could deal a reliever. So, yes, a guy like Brad Brach would seem to be available at the right price.
* Duquette met with some agents who also represent his players, but he said he's not really focused on contracts for arbitration-eligible guys who were tendered. Not while he's trying to get deals done in National Harbor. But there were talks.