Baltimore Sun

The Orioles are in serious discussions about a trade that would send catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder-utility man Ryan Freel and a mid-level prospect, according to sources.

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It seems more and more like the Orioles are slowly fading to the periphery of the A.J. Burnett talks. MacPhail had discussions yesterday with Darek Braunecker, who represents the free-agent pitcher, but it was more a matter of touching base rather than any serious negotiations. Asked if his club were no longer in the hunt for Burnett, who lives in Monkton and pitched last year for the Toronto Blue Jays, MacPhail said, “From what you read, that’s conceivable.”

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As of dinner time last night, MacPhail hadn’t met with the agents for Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara, but he expected to within the next couple of days. Asked by a member of the Japanese media whether Orioles fans were ready for a pitcher from the Far East, MacPhail said: “I think Baltimore fans are ready for pitchers who get people out.”

Also on the starting pitching front, the Orioles have had numerous inquires about enigmatic right-hander Daniel Cabrera, according to sources.

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The Orioles have picked up contract negotiations on free agent Cesar Izturis, as the slick fielder remains their top shortstop target. … Though San Diego general manager Kevin Towers wouldn’t comment on the issue, the Orioles still are a potential third team to facilitate the Padres’ trade of pitcher Jake Peavy to the Chicago Cubs. The Orioles have talked about sending Garrett Olson to Chicago in exchange for outfielder Felix Pie with Olson then heading to San Diego. … The Orioles have expressed interest in free-agent left-handed reliever Will Ohman (Atlanta Braves). … Guillermo Quiroz and Fredy Deza were outrighted to Triple-A, opening up two spots on the Orioles’ 40-man roster. … Trembley said though George Sherrill has a leg up on Chris Ray in securing the closer role, he didn’t rule out the pair sharing closing duties.