The Orioles have had multiple conversations with left-hander Joe Saunders, according to a baseball source. Saunders, 30, was 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA in 212 innings last year with the Diamondbacks, who did not tender him a contract this offseason. He would have been in his final year of arbitration this offseason but now is a free agent and has been linked to several teams -- with varying degrees of interest -- including the Marlins, Red Sox, Rockies, Reds and Tigers.

Melvin Mora retired on Thursday after 13 seasons played with the Orioles, Mets, Rockies and Diamondbacks. Mora, 39, hangs them up after appearing 42 games with Arizona in 2011, hitting .228 with six doubles and 16 RBIs before being released in June. He spent 10 years in Baltimore before signing as a free agent with the Rockies prior to the 2010 season.

The Orioles aren't counting on Brian Roberts to play second base next season, which could also mean Baltimore will be searching for a leadoff hitter. It will be viewed as a bonus if Roberts is ready for Spring Training. Roberts has been dealing with headaches and concussion symptoms. His contracts runs through the 2013 season and he will make $20 million total.

The Orioles do have interest in free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, according to a source. However, Baltimore isn't going to pay his current price.

The Orioles have signed veteran outfielder Endy Chavez to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. An experienced and dependable fill-in, Chavez batted .301 with five homers and 27 RBIs in 83 games for the Rangers last season.

The Orioles and outfielder Endy Chavez have agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. He has a chance to earn another $500,000 through performance bonuses.

The Orioles have signed Japanese left-handed pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada to a $8.15M, two-year deal, according to an Associated Press report. The 30-year-old Wada is expected to enhance a staff that finished last in the majors with a 4.89 ERA. The contract includes a club option for 2014.

The Dodgers have traded left-hander Dana Eveland to the Orioles in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers. Los Angeles will receive left-hander Jarret Martin and outfielder Tyler Henson. Eveland was 3-2 with a 3.03 ERA in five starts for the Dodgers last season. He's 19-24 with a 5.52 ERA in seven seasons with six teams.

The Orioles have hired former Phillies general manager Lee Thomas as a special assistant to new front office head Dan Duquette. Thomas was general manager of the Phillies from June 1988 to December 1997 and also worked for the Cardinals from 1970-88. He was also a special assistant and an assistant general manager to Duquette with the Red Sox, and was a pro scout for the Brewers from 2004-06.

The Rangers have traded catcher Taylor Teagarden to the Orioles for minor league right-hander Randy Henry and a player to be named. Teagarden hit .235 in 14 games for Texas last season. He has played 118 games for the Rangers over the last four years and has thrown out nearly 31 percent of runners who have tried to steal. He turns 28 this month.