Sunday Bird Droppings

Orioles payroll will increase through raises, not signings - baltimoresun.com
"There's a pretty good chance the Orioles' payroll will be above $100 million by the end of the team's last arbitration hearing in February. The Orioles are facing the only downside to developing a broad base of young major league talent. They entered this offseason with the highest number of arbitration-eligible players in the major leagues at the same time that top stars Nick Markakis and Adam Jones are due multi-million-dollar raises under their long-term contracts."

Orioles begin modest makeover for 2013 - Carroll County Times: Orioles
"They can do whatever they want. It’s part of the business. No hard feelings," Mark Reynolds said after the move was announced."

Taking a look at some non-tendered free agents - baltimoresun.com
"You’ll hear a lot of names – a lot – this week. You may hear about the Orioles’ revived interest in Josh Hamilton. Don’t believe it."

Miami Marlins acquire Baltimore Orioles’ Joe Mahoney from waiver - MLB Update | bettor.com
"First baseman, Joe Mahoney has been acquired by Miami Marlins after Baltimore Orioles sent him for assignment in order to make space for their recently included Danny Valencia, who plays at the same position."

School of Roch: Pomeranz to undergo back surgery
"The injury involves a vertebrae in Pomeranz's lower back and is considered pretty serious, according to another member of the organization. However, the Orioles could choose to re-sign him to a minor league deal."

Value to be found in non-tendered players - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
"Teams will non-tender players for a multitude of reasons -- injury, cost, and roster crunches are among the most popular -- but savvy teams will be able to cruise this new pool of free agents to find value. And make no mistake, there is value to be had among the recent crop of non-tendered players. "

Previewing baseball's grand ole winter meetings - ESPN
"Then again, you never know what madness is about to unfold when the winter meetings come to town. Do the Toronto Blue Jays have another 12-player trade in them? Will the Dodgers buy Greinke, Graceland and the entire Grand Ole Opry, just for fun?"

Mariners re-sign Robert Andino - SB Nation Seattle
"At Friday night's deadline to tender or non-tender players contracts for 2013, the Seattle Mariners surprisingly decided not to tender Robert Andino a contract, making the newly acquired player a free agent. Soon after the team announced that transaction, the Mariners also announced that Andino re-signed with the team."

Reports: Cubs sign Japanese closer Fujikawa | MLB.com: News
"The Cubs have reportedly signed Japanese free agent pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa to a two-year, $9.5 million contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network on Saturday." I suppose the Orioles were laying in the weeds, but must have fallen asleep. He's not the Asian relief pitcher we want to sign, anyway. Bring back Koji!