Marlins claim Mahoney, and a closer look at Orioles' expected non-tenders

The Miami Marlins have claimed Joe Mahoney off waivers from the Orioles, who designated him for assignment on Wednesday to make room for third baseman Danny Valencia on the 40-man roster. Mahoney batted .265 with 10 homers and 56 RBIs in 132 games for Triple-A Norfolk in 2012, and made his major league debut for the Orioles, going hitless in four at-bats over two games. So much for "The Big Irish" being the Orioles' first baseman of the future. Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post first reported the waiver claim. There isn't much drama attached to tonight's 11:59 p.m. deadline for the Orioles to offer contracts to their arbitration-eligible players. It's more waiting than wondering. Ten players seem certain to receive contracts: Alexi Casilla, Chris Davis, Jason Hammel, Tommy Hunter, Jim Johnson, Brian Matusz, Darren O'Day, Troy Patton, Nolan Reimold and Matt Wieters. I listed them alphabetically, not in order of importance. Barring a late agreement on a new deal or a trade, Mark Reynolds will be allowed to test free agency and perhaps find a team that trains closer to his Arizona home. The Orioles aren't going to risk paying him around $9 million in arbitration, as you've heard repeatedly over the last few weeks. You probably have Reynolds' contract numbers and stats memorized by now. He made $7.5 million this year, and the Orioles declined his $11 million option after he batted 221/.335/.429 with 26 doubles, 23 homers and 69 RBIs in 135 games and improved the club's defense at first base. The only real drama today seems to be whether Reynolds is traded. Spoiler alert: Steve Pearce, Omar Quintanilla and Taylor Teagarden also figure to be non-tendered. However, the Orioles will attempt to re-sign Teagarden. They also liked Pearce enough to acquire him twice this year, and would prefer to bring him to camp next spring. Teagarden, who made $489,500, batted .158/.226/.316 with three doubles, two homers and nine RBIs in 22 games. He got a late start because of a back ailment in spring training, but he was pretty clutch, collecting four go-ahead or game-winning hits in the seventh inning or later. The Orioles were 10-5 when he started. Pearce batted .254/.321/.437 with four doubles, three homers and 14 RBIs in 28 games with the Orioles. He's a bench option if they re-sign him. Quintanilla batted 232/.284/.354 with three doubles, three homers and 12 RBIs in 36 games. He went from starting second baseman to missing person. Look for him to surface in another organization. On a separate topic, Brad Bergesen will pitch in Japan next season after being released by the Diamondbacks earlier today. He's looking forward to the move.