Orioles discussing exhibition game in Cuba

An Orioles official confirmed today that the club is interested in playing an exhibition game in Cuba this spring.

"The club is looking at the possibility," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "Peter (Angelos) has contacts there and it's something we're looking at."

Duquette wouldn't qualify the chances of a game being held in Cuba this spring, though it may be more realistic in 2016 with pitchers and catchers reporting to the Sarasota complex next week.

"It's something we've been looking into," Duquette said.

The Orioles played an exhibition game against the Cuban All-Stars on March 28, 1999 in Havana, winning 3-2 on an RBI single by Harold Baines that scored Will Clark in the 11th inning, and they hosted a rematch at Camden Yards on May 3, providing little resistance in a 12-6 loss. The Cuban team led 12-3 in the ninth inning before Delino DeShields hit a three-run homer.

It was the first time in 40 years that a major league team had ventured onto Cuban soil. Angelos and former commissioner Bud Selig viewed the game in Havana as an opportunity to improve relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

President Barack Obama announced in December that the United States will restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba and open an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half-century, which led to the following statement from Major League Baseball:

"Major League Baseball is closely monitoring the White House's announcement regarding Cuban-American relations. While there are not sufficient details to make a realistic evaluation, we will continue to track this significant issue, and we will keep our clubs informed if this different direction may impact the manner in which they conduct business on issues related to Cuba."

The Orioles have signed four Cuban players: outfielders Henry Urrutia, Dariel Alvarez and Elier Leyva, and pitcher Lazaro Leyva. Urrutia appeared in 24 games with the Orioles in 2013. Alvarez is expected to make his debut this summer.

ESPN.com's Buster Olney reported earlier today that the Orioles and Red Sox have explored the possibility of playing an exhibition game in Cuba.