Hearing from Duquette at the Winter Meetings

SAN DIEGO - Now that you've had time to digest the nuggets of information coming from executive vice president Dan Duquette's session with the media earlier today at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, here are some expanded quotes that went along with them. "We've met with a bunch of agents on outfield options and a couple of pitching options, so we were sharpening our focus on the market in those two areas," he said. "We've got a much better idea of what the market is in the outfielders and also some of the relievers we're looking at." Told about a report that Duquette met with the Phillies regarding outfielder Marlon Byrd, he replied, "Really? That's interesting. We did have, I guess, about four or five trade discussions, and the trade discussions were focused on the same two items - outfielders and pitching." Duquette still seems to be leaning toward signing a free agent rather than making a trade. "We were focused on what the free agent market was going to bear and that's where we're continuing to put our energy," he said. As for the length of any deal for a free agent, Duquette said, "Well, shorter is generally better, but we met with a number of agents and talked about several players. I think we'll be able to find a couple of fits. "There are a couple good players available who can help our team." Does this mean leaving the Winter Meetings with these players? "Yeah, we should be able to get a couple players before we leaving the meetings," he replied. Duquette mentioned how there are a number of outfielders in the market below Melky Cabrera. "It's coming together," he said. "There are some good possibilities for us. And there's good interest in the Orioles. The Orioles have had a couple of winning teams and there's a good culture here. The players enjoy playing for Buck (Showalter). They like the veteran players on our team and there's some good things going on in Baltimore that makes it a good place to play. "We're adding to our team and we're doing what we have to do to add to our team. You know, sometimes we can add players during the Winter Meetings and sometimes we can do it right after the Winter Meetings. We're always looking to add to our depth. I'm sure we'll get a couple of players from this meeting to add to our team. But it's an ongoing process. It's something that we do all the time." Losing Nick Markakis seemingly leaves the Orioles without a leadoff hitter. Is Duquette searching for one? "(Alejandro) De Aza might be able to hit first or second," he replied. "David Lough, maybe. We'd like to see some better on-base capability. Steve Pearce has got a good on-base percentage. I don't know if he could be a leadoff hitter, but he could hit in the top of the order and set up the rest of the order. Buck has used him in that job a couple of times." Duquette met with representatives for a couple of free agent catchers. Could Matt Wieters serve as designated hitter early in the season while he continues his recovery and rehab from ligament-reconstructive surgery? "I don't know the answer to that," Duquette said. "I expect that he's going to come along and be able to play, which means catch and hit."