Talks between Adam LaRoche and the Orioles have not progressed and the team has renewed discussions with Derrek Lee, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
As recently as yesterday, the Orioles appeared to be focused on LaRoche, who seeks a three-year deal, according to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney. Lee won't be cheap, either. Like LaRoche, he has drawn interest from the Nationals and Padres and, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, he seeks a deal worth $8-10MM.
Zrebiec points out that the O’s could pursue a designated hitter and move Luke Scott or Nolan Reimold to first base. However, the club may prefer to add a more experienced defender, such as LaRoche or Lee.
Regardless of who ends up playing first for the O's, their infield will look considerably different in 2011. Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy are pencilled in as regulars and Brendan Harris is a new competitor for a backup infield job.
