A few thoughts on Givens and Paredes

I've been asked whether the Orioles are waiting until they reach agreement with pitcher Yovani Gallardo and outfielder Dexter Fowler before announcing both deals simultaneously, as if it's more economical that way. Like they might have found a two-for-one sale.

I don't believe that the Orioles are putting anyone on hold. I don't see the logic in keeping a Gallardo agreement under wraps until Fowler also signs. But all theories are accepted here. Keep floating 'em while we wait for pitchers and catchers to report on Thursday.

I'm flying to Sarasota later today, unless the weather manages to disrupt my plans. Perhaps news will break while I'm choosing between pretzels and peanuts.

I'll dig a little deeper into the Orioles' camp roster this week, but reliever Mychal Givens definitely will hold my interest. He's expected to head north with the team, but there are no guarantees.

Givens has minor league options, which is a rarity for the Orioles. Their lack of bullpen flexibility presented some challenges last season, especially with Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia in the mix. Dylan Bundy could be the equivalent this year, since he's out of options and unable to compete for a spot in the rotation.

(If you don't know why Bundy can't compete for a starting job, you obviously haven't been paying attention and are ordered to run laps.)

No matter how effective he is, Givens may be forced to ride the shuttle between the majors and Triple-A Norfolk in order for the Orioles to bring up the occasional fresh arm. I'd be surprised if he lasted 162 games in the majors.

T.J. McFarland also can be optioned and may bounce back and forth. The Orioles don't have that luxury with other relievers, including Brad Brach and Brian Matusz. Chaz Roe also is out of options, if he's able to make the club.

Left-hander Chris Lee is looking forward to sharing a clubhouse with Givens after they attended different high schools in Tampa.

"It's fun," Lee said at minicamp. "We always played against each other in high school. Givens' team, Plant High School, always came out on the top.

"Yeah, we always got the short end of the stick. They had a better team, good players. But it was still fun. Good competition. It's nice seeing a friendly face around the clubhouse."

I'm also wondering if Jimmy Paredes can duplicate his production last spring, when he went 20-for-55 (.364) with seven doubles, a triple, two home runs and 12 RBIs in 24 games. Paredes forced his way onto the team, though he started out on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his lower back - an injury that occurred in the weight room.

Paredes could lose his spot on the 40-man roster if the Orioles need to clear room for a few additions. He's got no shot if they sign Pedro Alvarez. He's facing tough odds if they don't because Mark Trumbo projects as the full-time designated hitter.

Another good spring could make it easier to move Paredes in a trade, if he gets that far.

I've heard both sides over the winter, how Paredes could be a left-handed bat in the DH spot and off the bench, and how he's got no chance to make the team. It depends on who's doing the talking.