MLB Trade Rumors: Orioles Looking to Deal

Much of the weekend buzz surrounded the market’s top two names, Edwin Jackson and Roy Oswalt.  Still, before the pair of free agents can sign, a few things may have to happen behind the scenes.  This is where the Baltimore Orioles are getting in on the action.  Britt Ghiroli of MLB.com reported last night that the O’s are engaged in “at least three” active trade talks.  Two of these targets are believed to be Cardinals right-hander Kyle McClellan and Rangers late-inning arm Koji Uehara.

The Orioles have been tied to Uehara since the Winter Meetings.  The 36-year-old has made it clear that he’s interested in returning to Baltimore, and Ghiroli says Orioles general manager Dan Duquette’s top priority at the moment is bolstering the club’s ‘pen.

While this would appear to be a likely enough trade scenario, what the Rangers are asking for in return could be the issue.  Baltimore lacks talent in its upper-minors, and Duquette has been hesitant to trade anything of value this offseason.

This may not be an issue for the Orioles if they look to acquire McClellan from the Cardinals.  While Texas is reportedly asking for prospects in return for Uehara, St. Louis appears to be more interested in salary relief in exchange for McClellan.

Baltimore would be glad to bring McClellan aboard knowing they at least add a solid reliever to their mix of arms.  The Orioles could also have McClellan compete for one of the final spots in their 2012 starting rotation.

Ghiroli doesn’t go into a possible third scenario, instead saying that “there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes then what surfaces”.  While nothing is imminent at this point, Ghiroli said her money is on “Duquette making a trade before Spring Training”.

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