June 2012 - Baltimore Orioles Wiretap

The Orioles remain in contact with the agent for Joe Saunders, according to executive vice president Dan Duquette.

Some members of the media keep trying to link the Orioles to Kyle Lohse, but they don't give out big contracts to free-agent pitchers.

The Orioles would like to add power and defense at first base, but they are considered about the draft pick compensation that is required to sign Adam LaRoche.

Washington extended a qualifying offer to LaRoche, so any team that signs him would have to part with a draft selection.

LaRoche, 33, hit .271/.343/.510 with a career-high 33 homers in 2012 after missing the majority of 2011 with a torn labrum.

The Tigers are still receiving calls about Rick Porcello.

The Mariners and Orioles are among the teams that have talked to the Tigers about a possible trade for the young right-hander, according to a report.

The Orioles have engaged in talks with Joe Saunders, who they would like to re-sign.

Saunders is also drawing high interest from three other teams.

The Orioles have signed Adam Greenberg, who previously gained attention when he was hit in the head with a pitch in 2005, and again last season when he briefly joined the Marlins, to a minor league deal.

"I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity," Greenberg said Thursday afternoon.

The Orioles have "legitimate interest" in adding Adam LaRoche to their roster.

LaRoche could also draw interest from a number of other teams, including the Red Sox and Rangers, as the market for his services takes shape.

Major League Baseball's average salary increased 3.8 percent this year to a record $3.2 million.

According to final figures released Friday by the Major League Baseball Players Association, the rise was the steepest since 2007.

The boost was helped by an increase in the minimum salary from $414,000 to $480,000.

The Orioles have re-signed Nate McLouth to a one-year, $2 million contract.

McLouth, 31, revived his career with Baltimore last season.

He made $1.75 million last season.

The market for Nick Swisher is heating up, according to reports.

Dan Lozano, who represents Swisher, has met with four teams. Swisher has spoken directly to two different managers.

The Orioles met with Lozano on Tuesday, according to a tweet by Buster Olney of ESPN.

The Orioles have interest in acquiring Michael Morse from the Nationals, according to a source.

Baltimore likes Morse's ability to play both first base and the outfield.