Duquette set for start of GM meetings

Nelson Cruz still hasn't officially declined the Orioles' $15.3 million qualifying offer. The announcement will come later today.

Meanwhile, the Orioles are trying to reach agreement with Cruz and Nick Markakis on multi-year deals.

"We're still working on it," said executive vice president Dan Duquette.

A deal with Markakis remains the most likely outcome. Cruz will have to come down from four years.

The general managers' meetings begin today in Phoenix. Too bad they can't take the place of next month's Winter Meetings. Does baseball really need both of them?

The main purpose of the GM meetings is to lay the groundwork for further discussions at the Winter Meetings. Executives huddle with other executives and agents. An occasional trade is consummated.

"We'll talk to other teams and see where we might match up, find out who's looking for what and see if there are any trade partners," Duquette said. "We'll get an idea of what players are on the market and fill some of our holes that way, through trades."

Will the Orioles be more active on the trade front or via free agency?

"We'll be active on both," Duquette said. "I don't know at this point what's more interesting for us. We'll get a better idea once we get up there."

As usual, the Orioles are searching for more arms. Can't have enough of them.

"We'll be looking for pitching and seeing if there's pitching that can help us," Duquette said. "The bullpen will be the focus. Some of the holes on our team can be filled with some players we've got coming back to join us next year that weren't with us this year. That will be helpful."

Manager Buck Showalter has made the same observation, noting the return of catcher Matt Wieters, third baseman Manny Machado and first baseman Chris Davis.

The Orioles would have to create room in their rotation for another starter.

"We do have established starting pitchers, so that's why the bullpen is more of a focus right now," Duquette said. "If we have some pitching depth in our starting rotation, that would allow us to explore some trades."

Bud Norris and Miguel Gonzalez, both due nice raises in arbitration, would appear to be trade candidates. The Orioles will listen if teams make a proposal.

Referencing the bullpen again, Duquette said, "(Andrew) Miller is a free agent, so there's a spot open."

A spot for a left-handed late-inning reliever?

"That would be ideal," Duquette said, "but I don't know that."