Uncertainty surrounds Orioles' offer to Davis
Club has other options to pursue, won't wait too long on slugger's decision
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Orioles aren't going to wait around much longer to see if Chris Davis accepts their contract offer.
Executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette reiterated on MLB Network on Wednesday that the O's are looking at contingency plans and the ball is in Davis' court as the Orioles try to add a left-handed hitter. Despite a report on Thursday that Baltimore had raised its offer, which on Wednesday was reported to be in the $150 million range, a Major League source stated emphatically that that had not happened. ESPN.com reported later on Thursday that the offer was off the table.
Video: Ghiroli talks O's trying to re-sign Davis
Asked on Wednesday about the team's chances to re-sign Davis, an organizational source told MLB.com: "You'd have to ask [Davis' agent] Scott [Boras]."
Duquette said Tuesday night that the club has been "aggressive" in its pursuit of adding a left-handed bat, and he reiterated on Wednesday that there are "other options in place" as the O's look to contingency plans for Davis. Baltimore met with Boras on Tuesday -- mostly to talk about the slugger -- and the club is now in waiting mode.
Video: Showalter on Orioles' hopes of bringing back Davis
"Chris knows how we feel about him. We tell him we love him every day," Duquette said on MLB Network. "Whether we can come up with the type of deal [Davis'] agent is demanding, that's another story."
Baltimore has been linked to Alex Gordon, Denard Span and Justin Upton to fill its outfield void, and Duquette said on Tuesday that if the Orioles fill that need, it might change their stance on Davis.
The O's are also actively trying to acquire a starting pitcher this week while at the Winter Meetings.