Orioles return focus to Chris Davis after retaining Darren O'Day

NASHVILLE - You may not agree with every move made by the Orioles, but you can't deny that they've been busier than the previous offseason.

You also may find comfort in knowing that they're not done.

They're determined to get a left-handed hitting outfielder via trade or free agency. They're determined to find another starting pitcher - a trade now seems more probable than a free-agent signing - and they continue to monitor the relief market despite retaining Darren O'Day.

Another left-handed bat could be slotted into the designated hitter role or at first base. And make room in spring training for at least one Rule 5 selection.

Catcher Matt Wieters accepted the qualifying offer and O'Day agreed to terms on a four-year, $31 million contract. The Orioles won't go 0-for-6 in retaining their free agents, as so many people predicted.

Sinking $15.8 million into Wieters and $7.75 million into O'Day for 2016 hasn't ended the Orioles' interest in re-signing first baseman Chris Davis, according to a source. They still think they've made a "competitive offer" and intend to meet with agent Scott Boras this week, perhaps as early as today.

They're not ready to pull the offer and end the dance, but the time is approaching. Executive vice president Dan Duquette has indicated as much, knowing that the Orioles can afford Davis, but can't afford to wait all winter for him.

People in the industry still don't have a firm grasp on the market for Davis, which provides another reason for the Orioles to wait a little while longer. They won't bid against themselves. They just want to know what they're up against.

As I've written, the Orioles haven't reached out to free-agent outfielder Steve Pearce. There's some interest in bringing back outfielder Gerardo Parra, but they're in no rush with him. He seems to be more of a fallback option if they still need a left-handed bat and he's still on the market. Meanwhile, he's reportedly seeking a four-year deal and the Royals are listed among his suitors.

While ownership is fond of left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, the Orioles aren't going to outbid the big spenders.

Chen could reel in a five-year deal, and the average annual value may match the amount he made in four seasons in Baltimore.

Vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson flew into Nashville yesterday after organizing and monitoring another workout program for players at his California home. He took an active role in getting O'Day's deal finalized - agent Jeff Borris was one of Anderson's representatives with Beverly Hills Sports Council when the outfielder played for the Orioles - and he's got a strong voice in the hiring of the new assistant hitting coach.

Anderson also will beat you in a race in the parking lot, and he'll run backward toward the finish. Don't even try it.

Wieters, O'Day, pitcher Vance Worley, outfielder L.J. Hoes, minor league catcher Francisco Pena and assorted minor league free agents. And we're only in the second day of the Winter Meetings.

There are more moves to be made and the Orioles say there's more money to be spent. Let's see what comes of it.

Not everyone is fine with $31 million being allocated to a set-up man who turned 33 in October, but the Orioles appreciate O'Day's value on the mound and in the clubhouse and bullpen. Leadership also comes at a cost. And, hey, they put the best offer on the table. Doesn't that count for something?

They didn't bid against themselves. This wasn't Marty Cordova. They had to step up with a fourth year to top the Nationals and retain the best reliever on the market.

The 2016 season hasn't started and the Orioles are 1-0 in the Battle of the Beltways.

While meeting with the Baltimore media yesterday following his news conference, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. inquired about O'Day's status in the organization.

"They sign O'Day? Not officially?" he asked before the agreement became final. "That's a good piece. He's been really an anchor in that bullpen."

Hey, if it's good enough for baseball's Iron Man ...

Ripken probably could give 2,632 reasons why O'Day should stay. The Orioles offered 31 million.