Orioles still expect to take three players to arbitration hearings

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated again today at FanFest that the club is prepared to go to arbitration hearings with pitchers Kevin Gausman and Brad Brach and catcher Caleb Joseph.

"The club took the stance that if you file, there's a trial. We took file-to-trial this year," he said.

"We were able to resolve six of the nine cases and it looks like we're going to have to go to arbitration with a couple of them, but we were prepared. We're not afraid of the process. The Orioles have done well in arbitration. That's not our first choice. We tried to get a deal with all of the players, but we weren't successful in this case, and to the extent that we're at this stage of the season, I expect that we'll go to trial."

Gausman filed at $3.55 million and the Orioles countered at $3.15 million. He said today that he's not uneasy with the arbitration process.

"It's part of the business," he said. "It's one of those things where it's kind of weird. First time you go through it, it's definitely going to be a little weird. I didn't really know much about the process before this offseason, so it's been cool to kind of learn about everything that's going to happen. Definitely looking forward to it.

"I think we're both willing to come to a deal soon, so it will be a little weird, but like I said, it's just part of the business."

A three-person arbitration panel determines the salary and there's no compromise. One of the figures submitted is chosen.

The Orioles are 10-1 in hearings since Peter Angelos became majority owner and 8-0 when general counsel H. Russell Smouse handles the cases. However, Smouse isn't involved this year.

Duquette remains in the market for pitching depth and said it could be a minor league signing with the 40-man roster full.

"It's kind of tight until you get into spring training and see how your team shapes up and see who you're going to add and who you can take off from the current list," Duquette said.

I hosted the Orioles' version of "Deal or No Deal" during one of the forums. Joseph carried his briefcase to our first contestant and said, "Maybe my RBI is in here."

He stole my line.