Spring training report dates and other notes

The Orioles have announced their report dates for 2017 spring training in Sarasota.

Pitchers and catchers will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex on Feb. 13, with the first workout held the following day. Position players will gather on Feb. 16, with the first full-squad workout the following day.

If past years are any indication, the vast majority of Orioles will be in Sarasota before position players are due. Many of them work out in January.

Center fielder Adam Jones, third baseman Manny Machado, second baseman Jonathan Schoop and outfielder Hyun Soo Kim will leave camp to participate in the World Baseball Classic.

The Orioles went 12-15-5 in Grapefruit League games last year and set a franchise record with 11 sellouts, including five in a row from March 8-16. The total home attendance of 119,029 marked the second-highest attendance for an Orioles spring training in franchise history.

Meanwhile, the Orioles are attempting to reach agreements Friday on 2017 contracts with at least a few of their arbitration-eligible players, rather than just tender them and exchange figures later. They've already had discussions with a few players.

I've been told that they've pretty much made their decisions regarding non-tenders and don't anticipate working until the 8 p.m. deadline.

If you're updating the Orioles' shopping list at the Winter Meetings, lower the need for a designated hitter. Executive vice president Dan Duquette said Trey Mancini can handle the role.

Of course, re-signing Mark Trumbo would likely change those plans.

The Orioles are searching for a veteran catcher and aren't opposed to offering two years. They still want a left-handed bat and are looking for a right fielder and pitching depth for the rotation and bullpen.