A new year brings a new set of Orioles notes

Welcome to the first day of 2015. I hope you're not spending it in a holding cell.

The ball dropped in Times Square, but I fully expected Adam Jones to run it down. Maybe his range is diminishing.

As the Orioles continue their search for another left-handed bat, a source confirmed yesterday that they're interested in outfielder/first baseman Chris Parmelee, who became a free agent this week after declining his outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester.

The Twins designated Parmelee for assignment on Dec. 13 to make room for pitcher Ervin Santana on their 40-man roster. He cleared waivers for a second time - it also happened in March - and elected free agency.

A report earlier this week stated that the Dodgers wanted to sign Parmelee, who turns 27 in February.

Parmelee, who's represented by agent Scott Boras, is a career .271/.363/.453 hitter in nine minor league seasons. He appeared in 16 games for Licey in the Dominican Winter League, hitting .270/.343/.365 with one home run in 63 at-bats.

Parmelee was the Twins' opening day right fielder in 2013, but hasn't been able to establish himself in the majors. The 20th overall pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Parmelee is a career .249/.317/.392 hitter in parts of four seasons. He batted .355/.443/.592 with six doubles, four home runs and 14 RBIs in 21 games in 2011.

Colby Rasmus remains the Orioles' primary target and manager Buck Showalter's visit with him later this week could eventually lead to a one-year deal. Talks with agent Casey Close have heated up, so stay tuned.

I heard that Showalter will fly into Alabama and make the drive to Columbus, Ga. His visit has been described to me as "kicking the tires." If he approves, the chances that the Orioles sign Rasmus improve dramatically.

The Reds acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd from the Phillies yesterday for pitcher Ben Lively. The Orioles talked to the Phillies about Byrd at the Winter Meetings, but they weren't in on him.

The Orioles are looking to improve their outfield, bullpen and catching depth. The latter is a bit puzzling, with five catchers on the 40-man roster, but I'm told that they're exploring major league and minor league deals.

The Wesley Wright signing didn't end the Orioles' bullpen search. They'd like to add a right-hander and it could be someone on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

The Orioles are expected to announce their minor league staffs next week. They still need a field coach at Single-A Frederick. That's the only opening.

Former Orioles hitting coach Jim Presley, who was reassigned in November, apparently has expressed an interest in scouting. However, the Orioles don't necessarily have a job waiting for him.

Presley's situation should be resolved shortly.