A preview of the Orioles at the Winter Meetings with Jim Duquette (with video)

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The Orioles contingent had to leave its city but not its state for the latest edition of Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings.

The pursuit of a corner outfielder, a catcher and perhaps more continues this week inside the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

On Sunday afternoon, before the official start of the meetings, I interviewed former Orioles executive Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM Radio.

While most do not expect a major signing by the Orioles here this week, what goals does he think should the team have here?

"I think they have to sort out what they are going to do in the outfield, especially right field," Duquette said. "There are a couple of options out there. I don't think they are going to be in on Dexter Fowler - that ship has sailed.

"But a guy like Jay Bruce is a guy they have to at least consider. I wouldn't be surprised if they make a run at Ben Revere, a guy who was non-tendered by the Nationals.

"They need to sort out the catching. I don't think it is going to be (a return of Matt) Wieters. But there are a couple of catchers out there. Welington Castillo is the latest name that we've heard. I think those are the areas. I don't think there is going to be much with the pitching. Maybe they add a veteran relief pitcher at the end of the winter."

Duquette talked about the defense for both Revere and another possible O's outfield target, free agent Angel Pagan.

"Revere, on a corner, is better really in left field. Center field, he is below average. Pagan, is average, maybe a tick above average, in left and he can also play right. I had him when I was with the Mets. We thought he would be a fourth outfielder, but he's had a terrific career. He has had some health issues with the hips and legs. I don't think you can go wrong with either guy. I think you look at the position in that Revere is a little bit of duplication out there with (Hyun Soo) Kim in left, so Pagan seems like the more likely choice."

Duquette agrees that recently non-tendered catcher Castillo will likely be an O's target. Many teams could show interest and Duquette thought that could lead to Castillo getting a two-year deal in the $10 million range. Duquette calls Castillo "a plus defender with a good arm, but his offense has been sporadic."

While on the subject of dollars, he expects the Orioles payroll to land in the same neighborhood next year as it was last year.

"It is hard to know for sure," Duquette said. "It is likely going to be in the same range. Right around that $150 (million), as it was. Not likely it is going to go up much. If you can pare it down a bit, you have some flexibility for the trade deadline.

"Listen, they might fill the speed component in the Rule 5 draft. I know they are talking about some guys that have speed that are out there and we know how active they have been in the Rule 5. I wouldn't be surprised if they added two kind of speedy outfielders over the next few days."

Dan Duquette's comments: After an interview Sunday here on MLB Network Radio, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed to Orioles beat reporters that he's made a couple of offers to free agent Mark Trumbo. Trumbo hit 47 homers for the Orioles last season to lead the majors. You can read Duquette's quotes here.

Duquette also said the club is seeking a right fielder and he continues to indicate the Orioles may be fine using Trey Mancini as DH. What we don't know is this: If the club did re-sign Trumbo, does he play more in right field with Mancini as the DH or does Trumbo become the DH and bump Mancini to the bench or even back to Triple-A?

"We've had several conversations with Mark Trumbo, but we haven't been able to cinch a deal with him," Duquette said. "In the past, we've made a couple offers to him. We've had a dialogue going with them for several weeks."

Duquette cited right field and catcher as needs he and his staff will work on here at these meetings. He pointed to strong defense when asked what skill set he prefers in an outfielder. He was also asked if the Orioles could sign a higher profile player than expected.

"Like, we could sign somebody who would be a recognizable player to our fans? Or trade?" Duquette asked. "Yeah, that's possible."