Could Orioles attempt to part ways with Kim? (Thayer opts out of contract)

SARASOTA, Fla. - As the Orioles attempt to shape their roster with nine games left before opening day, they're deciding whether South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim will be part of it.

Kim's two-year contract includes a stipulation that he can't be optioned to the minors without his consent. Meanwhile, the Orioles have held internal discussions about trying to reach a deal with Kim that would allow him to go back to the Korean Baseball Organization, similar to what happened last spring with pitcher Suk-min Yoon.

FOXSports.com first reported the discussions tonight, with executive vice president Dan Duquette stating, "I don't know if we're there yet."

Duquette couldn't be reached for comment when contacted by MASNsports.com

Kim started off 0-for-23 in the Grapefruit League before collecting hits in eight of his next 21 at-bats, leaving his slash line at .182/.229/.182 with no extra base hits, two RBIs, one walk and two hit by pitches in 16 games. Two of his hits are infield singles.

The emergence of Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard, a plus defender in the outfield who's batting .392/.475/.569 with six doubles, a home run, seven RBIs, seven walks and five stolen bases in 22 games, could make it easier for the Orioles to part with Kim. However, Kim would have to agree to such a deal and another team in Korea would need to sign him.

Rickard reached base four times today as the leadoff hitter in a 16-8 win over the Red Sox and has 20 hits in 51 at-bats.

The Orioles still have Nolan Reimold, who's out of options, and they continue to check the waiver wire for outfielders and pitchers. They're aware that David Murphy likely will opt out of his contract with the Red Sox. Murphy and first baseman Chris Davis are friends and were chatting on the field today during batting practice.

It must be noted that these are internal discussions regarding Kim's status and not a definite attempt to get out of his contract.

Kim, 28, signed a two-year, $7 million contract in December after batting .318/.406/.488 in 10 seasons with the Doosan Bears. He had career highs with 28 home runs and 121 RBIs last season.

Meanwhile, reliever Dale Thayer has opted out of his minor league deal with the Orioles, the club confirmed tonight.

Thayer, 35, hadn't pitched since March 17. The innings ran out for him as manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Dave Wallace needed to stretch out the starters and provide more work for relievers set to break camp with the team.

Thayer, who signed with the Orioles on Feb. 10, posted a 4.50 ERA in six innings. He allowed three runs and seven hits, walked three batters and struck out six.

The bullpen may have two openings with Brian Matusz likely going on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his lower back. However, Thayer still didn't project as part of the 25-man roster.

Thayer's removal leaves the Orioles with 42 players in camp, including seven non-roster invitees.