Torii Hunter off the board, Morse rumor, more on Markakis

Torii Hunter is no longer a free agent consideration for the Orioles. Hunter has agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Twins, according to multiple reports. He's returning to his original team. Hunter spent 11 seasons in Minnesota and included the Twins over the weekend among the clubs that could sign him this winter. However, he appeared to place them below the Orioles, Rangers and Mariners. The preference to play for a contender seemed to elevate the Orioles and Hunter had his supporters in the organization, but I'm told that there were no formal negotiations between executive vice president Dan Duquette and the outfielder's representative. His declining defense may have been a factor. The Rangers appeared to emerge as the favorites, especially with Hunter living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Instead, he's decided to play for the Twins in 2015. Here's your nightly rumor: USA Today is reporting that the Orioles are showing "strong interest" in Michael Morse, who could replace Nelson Cruz as a right-handed bat for left field and the designated hitter spot. Morse appeared in only 12 games for the Orioles in 2013 after they acquired him from the Mariners on Aug. 30 for outfielder Xavier Avery. He hadn't fully recovered from a wrist injury and went 3-for-29 with no extra-base hits. Morse, who turns 33 in March, batted .279/.336/.475 with 32 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs and 61 RBIs in 131 games this summer with the Giants. He hit a home run in the National League Championship Series and went 4-for-16 with four RBIs in the World Series. Will the Orioles need a replacement for Nick Markakis? I've talked to people today who view the Orioles and Braves as the favorites despite reported interest from the Giants and Blue Jays. Markakis prefers to stay on the East Coast. Toronto definitely would appear to be low on his list. One person in the organization said he's become more optimistic about Markakis re-signing with the Orioles despite the Braves jumping into the mix and the outfielder's ties to the Atlanta area. Markakis was raised in Woodstock, Ga., and attended Young Harris Junior College. The Orioles and Markakis' agent, Jamie Murphy, were working on a four-year deal, but talks stalled and there's been limited contact beyond the general managers' meetings last month in Phoenix. Duquette stated earlier today that the Orioles are "still in discussions with Nick." He wouldn't place odds on a deal getting done. According to multiple sources, the Orioles are trying to iron out any misgivings they may have concerning the length of the contract. Though Markakis played in 155 games this season, they're doing a thorough check on him physically and may be more comfortable offering three years. So much for a quick resolution. That ship sailed a while ago. No matter what happens with Markakis, the Orioles will attempt to improve their outfield depth at the Winter Meetings and the weeks that follow.