More on Orioles' search for left-handed hitter and arbitration hearings

It may be a relatively quiet Saturday for the Orioles compared to yesterday, when they settled with four arbitration-eligible players, exchanged salary figures with six others, outrighted catcher Ryan Lavarnway to Triple-A Norfolk and announced details on the autograph stations at FanFest.

Still no word on a left-handed hitting outfielder, however, which remains a top priority.

Nori Aoki reached agreement with the Giants yesterday on a deal reportedly worth $4 million in 2015 that includes a $700,000 buyout on a 2016 option. The total value could reach $12.5 million.

I wrote previously that the Orioles had "limited" interest in Aoki, viewing him as the cheapest alternative but also the greatest risk due to age and deficiencies in the field and on the basepaths. They just weren't that into him. I tried to warn you.

Aoki reportedly turned down multi-year offers because he preferred signing with the Giants, so the Orioles' level of interest may not have mattered anyway.

I wasn't overly excited about Aoki beyond his career .353 on-base percentage. He could have filled needs in the outfield and atop the order.

Colby Rasmus remains the Orioles' first preference among left-handed hitting outfielders and I've gauged their offer around $7 million for one year. However, I heard at minicamp that his agent is checking around for a better deal, which makes sense considering that he hasn't agreed to terms.

He's definitely not looking for less.

The risk here is that the Orioles may lose patience if this drags out. They're considering alternatives outside the organization, though Ichiro Suzuki still isn't high on their list according to sources, and they also seem willing to just go with their current in-house options.

As for the six unsigned arbitration-eligible players, the Orioles haven't gone to a hearing since beating Brad Bergesen - not to be confused with "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" - on Feb. 9, 2012 to run their winning streak to seven.

Bergesen filed at $1.2 million after going 2-7 with a 5.70 ERA in 34 games, including 12 starts, and the Orioles countered at $800,000. A three-person arbitration panel decides the outcome.

The Orioles are known for avoiding these hearings, but I've heard that they're willing to "file and go" with one or more players this year. No negotiations leading up to the hearing date, which is quite a change in philosophy.

That's not the case with all six players, but they seem destined to reach at least one hearing unless there's a late change in strategy.

I was taken aback by the gaps in some of the filings yesterday. Splitting the difference isn't quite so simple

Bottom line here is the Orioles' payroll is increasing again, perhaps to a record high, despite the lack of a major free agent signing. They were braced for it last season. They knew it was coming.

How many teams had more than 11 arbitration-eligible players? You can look it up.

I've fielded the usual complaints from fans about player salaries, particularly how raises are doled out despite a drop in production. Why are actors and actresses immune to the same scrutiny? When's the last time you heard someone vent about the amount of money that Bradley Cooper or Meryl Streep made for a film?

This is a serious question. It's all entertainment, right? I'd appreciate some feedback here.

Shameless plug alert: I'm on "Wall to Wall Baseball" today from noon-2 p.m. on MASN.