More on Orioles' interest in Gallardo and Kazmir

While wondering if the Nationals will try to block Jonathan Papelbon from their spring training facility ...

Michael Cuddyer is following me on Twitter. Is that just random or should I read anything into it?

Hyun-soo Kim's two-year deal with the Orioles may become official later today, though it could take until Monday morning. The press conference that follows will offer the media a chance to learn more about the Korean outfielder and gauge whether his interpreter will be useful in the clubhouse.

We've been exposed to a wide range. I'd just prefer that a two-minute response from the player isn't followed by a 15-second interpretation.

"My arm felt good" just makes me feel as though I've been cheated, though confirmation on his health is appreciated.

Speaking of arms, the Orioles are figuring out whether their best shot at acquiring one is via trade or free agency.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated during and after the Winter Meetings that the enormous cost of pitching has led the Orioles to engage in talk trades. The challenge, of course, is finding a match. Teams usually want young, controllable pitchers in return and the Orioles have parted with quite a few in recent years.

I'll spare you the roll call, in case you don't have tissues handy.

Teams always inquire about Kevin Gausman, but he's off limits. The Orioles found a significant amount of interest at the Winter Meetings in pitcher Jason Garcia, minor league catcher Chance Sisco and third baseman Jomar Reyes. There's no doubt that first basemen Trey Mancini and Christian Walker appeal to certain clubs. Left-hander Tanner Scott gained a tremendous amount of notice in the Arizona Fall League with a fastball that touched 100 mph, and he's only 21.

Scouts flock to the AFL, radar guns in hand. Can't sneak much past them.

Despite concerns over the price tags on pitching, the Orioles remain in the running for free agent right-hander Yovani Gallardo and left-hander Scott Kazmir. No market goes completely ignored, and that includes the supermarket, as Duquette quipped in Nashville.

They apparently have been most aggressive on Gallardo - and "Aggressive on Gallardo" sounds like a movie or rock cover band. I'm still deciding.

Duquette seemed hesitant earlier this week to part with the 14th overall pick, the cost for signing Gallardo, but there obviously are exceptions. Kazmir doesn't require draft compensation.

Gallardo turns 30 in February and he's made at least 30 starts in seven consecutive seasons, durability that puts him ahead of others. He shut out the Orioles on two hits over six innings on July 2 at Camden Yards, lowering his season ERA to 2.56 in his only career start in Baltimore.

MLBTradeRumors.com projected that Gallardo would receive a four-year deal worth $52 million. He won 13 games and posted a 3.42 ERA this season, but he also had a career-high 1.416 WHIP in 184 1/3 innings and averaged a career-low 5.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

Gallardo is 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in three career starts against the Blue Jays, and he tossed 8 1/3 scoreless innings in his only appearance at Rogers Centre. Manager Buck Showalter wouldn't have to protect him as he did left-hander Wei-Yin Chen.

Gallardo also is 2-2 with a 4.35 ERA in four starts against the Red Sox, 1-1 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts against the Yankees and 2-1 with a 3.06 ERA in three starts against the Rays.

Kazmir, who turns 32 in January, also is seeking a four-year deal and the Orioles don't seem comfortable going beyond three. His stock rises and drops with such force that it makes the plates rattle in your kitchen.

For example, Kazmir posted a 1.73 ERA and 1.046 WHIP in six starts with the Angels in 2009 and a 5.94 ERA and 1.580 WHIP in 28 starts the following season. He had a 2.38 ERA and 1.085 WHIP in 18 starts with the Athletics this year and a 4.17 ERA and 1.391 WHIP in 13 starts after being traded to the Astros.

He's been hurt - elbow, hamstring, shoulder - and he's been optioned to work on his mechanics. He made 14 starts with the independent Sugar Land Skeeters in 2012, going 3-6 with a 5.34 ERA, and he made three All-Star teams in the majors.

MLBTradeRumors.com projected that Kazmir also would receive a four-year deal worth $52 million - from the Orioles. He's familiar and comfortable with the American League East. The Orioles are familiar with him and they're comfortable enough to be in negotiations with his agent.

Kazmir is 6-5 with a 4.12 ERA in 17 starts against the Orioles and 3-3 with a 4.09 ERA in eight starts at Camden Yards. He's 9-9 with a 3.99 ERA in 29 starts against the Red Sox, 8-7 with a 3.19 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) against the Yankees, 1-4 with a 5.13 ERA in five starts against the Rays and 5-6 with a 3.63 ERA in 17 starts against the Blue Jays.

The Orioles would like a left-hander to better balance the rotation, but it's not a requirement.

Shameless plug alert: You're not required to watch "Wall to Wall Baseball" today from noon-2 p.m. on MASN, but it's recommended.