O's have offers out there to be 'competitive'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- As the Winter Meetings wind down, the Orioles have a couple of free-agent offers on the table, though the biggest one -- to pricey slugger Chris Davis -- isn't expected to reach a resolution in Nashville.
"I don't know," executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said when asked if time was running out on Davis, who is reportedly pondering a seven-year, $150 million offer from Baltimore. "I would never say never, but there's a lot of things that go into these multi-year commitments."
Duquette wouldn't say if any of the team's offers to free-agent outfielders would change the nature of the Davis negotiations.
Video: Ghiroli talks O's trying to re-sign Davis
"I can tell you this: I'm not going to answer that directly," he said. "But we have offers out to have a competitive team and add depth to our lineup."
As for the Orioles' offer to Davis, Duquette reminded reporters that while it's a top priority, it's not the club's only mission this offseason.
Showalter says O's prepared for Davis choice
"Who are we competing against [for Davis]?" Duquette asked, reiterating that the market for the slugger is unclear. "We've made a really aggressive offer to sign this player and still field a competitive team. That's really the issue. How much resources are you going to put toward one part of your team?
"Everyone needs power, everyone needs guys to get on base, everyone needs good defenders, good starting pitching, middle relief, a good bullpen. That's really what the issue is. We want to provide affordable entertainment for families to come out and enjoy Camden Yards. So we are going to try to find a sweet spot, where we can put as much as we can toward the payroll and toward having a competitive team."
Video: Showalter on Davis, plans for Winter Meetings
The Orioles remain active in trying to upgrade their rotation and had more trade talks again on Wednesday about potential outfielders and starters.
"[Those talks] haven't come to fruition yet, but they are moving toward a resolution," Duquette said, noting that perhaps by the end of the week or early next week the O's could have made progress on that front.
As for the rest of the Winter Meetings, with nothing imminent on the Hot Stove, the O's have also been preparing for the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday morning. Baltimore, which has a roster spot available on the 40-man, is expected to add a player.