Tillman doesn't figure to be flustered by pending free agency

One of the lingering images from this week's minicamp that concluded yesterday was pitcher Chris Tillman wandering around the back fields with a beard that would make him a perfect cast member on "Duck Dynasty."

There was no masking how much Tillman enjoyed watching the two days of bullpen sessions. He stood off to the side and studied each pitcher and talked baseball with anyone who ventured over to him. On the second morning, he sought out reliever Mychal Givens for a chat about spring training and the World Baseball Classic.

If anyone needs a scouting report on some of the young arms in the system, Tillman can offer his assistance.

It was a peaceful week for Tillman, who moved to Sarasota and works out at the Ed Smith Stadium complex over the winter. He chatted with a few reporters, the beard a popular topic, but he wasn't subjected to interviews at his locker. There's plenty of time for those sessions to unfold.

He gets a free pass in January. And it's just nice to quickly get caught up on his life and facial hair.

Tillman will be exposed to free agency questions beginning next month. He's entering the final year of his contract and there isn't anything new regarding an extension, though talks could start up again during negotiations on a 2017 deal to avoid arbitration.

The deadline for players and teams to exchange salary figures is Friday, and hearing dates will be set. It often serves as an impetus for the sides to reach agreement.

The Orioles rarely go to hearings and when they do, the player never walks out feeling good about the process. The club is 8-0 in cases handled by H. Russell Smouse.

Most recently, outfielder Alejandro De Aza came out on the losing end in February 2015 as a "file and go," meaning that a hearing was assured as soon as the figures were exchanged. He was a good sport about it, saying, "I know this is a business and it is what it is. It was something they needed to do and now I have a fresh mind going into spring training." He also had a $5 million salary instead of the $5.65 million that he sought.

"I'm excited about the opportunity here," De Aza said, "and I want to be here for a long time."

De Aza was traded to the Red Sox four months later for pitcher Joe Gunkel.

Tillman is staying, of course. It's just a matter of how long.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette met with Tillman's representatives from the Beverly Hills Sports Council during the Winter Meetings, but they didn't attempt to hammer out a long-term deal. Not even a love tap. They're in the preliminary stages at best. Nothing serious is happening at this point.

An uncertain future wrecked former Orioles pitcher Bud Norris. He went 15-8 with a 3.65 ERA and 1.216 WHIP in 2014 and earned the win in Game 3 of the American League Division Series in Detroit. In his free agent year, he went 2-9 with a 7.06 ERA and 1.643 WHIP in 18 games, lost his spot in the rotation and was given his release.

Norris made $8.8 million in 2015 and settled for $2.5 million the following year. The big payday on the horizon was a mirage. He's back on the free agent market this winter.

Tillman collected $6.225 million last season and MLBTradeRumors.com projected him to earn $10.6 million this year. He's not fretting over it. It's just not his personality.

"We're all pending free agency in a lot of walks of life," Showalter said, turning philosophical.

"First of all, if you know Chris and his personality and his makeup ... Chris can get along fine. I don't want to say he's saving his money and he's a frugal guy, but he is. This is not a guy who's playing this game ... Yeah, it's a great byproduct of it, but I think Chris' biggest thing right now is getting ready to pitch for the Baltimore Orioles and contribute to win, and the rest of it will take care of itself.

"What's he going to make this year? What's his arb number? I was looking at it the other day. He's going to be OK. Don't cry for me Argentina."

The truth is he never wants to leave you. #Evita

Shameless plug alert: The "Hot Stove Show" resumes tonight on 105.7 The Fan with Tillman and Givens serving as call-in guests. We're broadcasting from the CBS Radio studios, but will return to Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant next week.