Quick hits from the Winter Meetings

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said his relievers are drawing lots of interest at the Winter Meetings. The Mets reportedly want Brad Brach for outfielder Curtis Granderson. Other bullpen arms also are deemed attractive by clubs hoping to dip into the Orioles' relief depth.

"We want to keep that strength intact," Duquette said while meeting with local media inside his suite at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

I'll pass along more quotes in my next blog entry, but here are some bullet points:

* Duquette still shows no inclination to trade closer Zach Britton.

* The Orioles' starting pitchers also are garnering outside interest, but Duquette seems more likely to go into spring training with the unit intact.

* Duquette indicated that nothing has changed in negotiations with outfielder Mark Trumbo. As I reported earlier, the Orioles discussed a four-year deal, but Trumbo's camp sought $80 million and a full no-trade clause before moving talks into the $70-$75 million range. Still too rich for the Orioles.

* The Orioles remain focused on outfielders and veteran catchers at these meetings. Duquette repeated that he'd be willing to offer a two-year deal for a catcher while the Orioles wait on prospect Chance Sisco, who seems certain to begin the 2017 season at Triple-A Norfolk.

* Players could join the team via free agency or trade. Duquette spent part of today meeting with agents and executives. He's not placing more emphasis on one over the other.

* The Orioles worked on their Rule 5 list in preparation for Thursday morning's draft. Duquette said the club is looking at catchers, outfielders, pitchers and infielders. That just about covers it.

* Duquette wants a left-handed bat or two to balance out the lineup.

* Though Manny Machado can become a free agent following the 2018 season, and is capable of shattering the bank, Duquette showed no signs that he'd consider trading the All-Star third baseman.

Note: The Astros claimed former Orioles left-hander Ashur Tolliver, 24, off waivers from the Angels.

Tolliver appeared in five games with the Orioles as a rookie after making the jump from Double-A Bowie and allowed three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. The Angels claimed him off waivers on Sept. 3 as the Orioles tried to remove him from the 40-man roster and outright him.

Tolliver posted a 2.42 ERA in 18 appearances at Double-A Bowie and a 1.42 ERA in 11 appearances at Triple-A Norfolk.