Quick note on Cespedes rumor

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

December 10, 2014, 12:46pm

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SAN DIEGO - The media will gather with executive vice president Dan Duquette in about 30 minutes for updates on today's meetings with agents and executives. Duquette may volunteer to shoot down a few rumors and confirm others, depending on whether he's in a generous mood. A report surfaced earlier today that the Orioles are interested in Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. While it makes sense that they'd check on Cespedes after losing Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis in free agency, a source said there haven't been any internal discussions about him. The Orioles like Cespedes. They're just not currently in pursuit, according to the source. The Orioles probably would be reluctant to give up more pitching, especially to a division rival, for a pending free agent. The Reds reportedly are one of the favorites to acquire Cespedes, a career .316/.464/.780 hitter in three major league seasons. He's averaging 32 doubles, six triples, 28 home runs and 102 RBIs.

The Orioles are continuing negotiations with Delmon Young's representative and they maintain interest in Michael Morse, among others. They entered these meetings with "limited" interest in Nori Aoki, according to one official.