Orioles GM Links: Dipoto, Reagins, Levine, Ricciardi

Here's the latest from Baltimore as the O's look to replace Andy MacPhail…

• The Diamondbacks have given permission for the Orioles to interview Jerry Dipoto, reports Scott Miller of CBSSports.com.  Dipoto is Arizona's senior VP of scouting and player development and served as the club's interim GM after Josh Byrnes was fired midway through the 2010 season.
• Dipoto's interview should come this weekend, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com.  The Orioles also hope to speak to Al Avila (Tigers), Dan Jennings (Marlins), Tony LaCava (Blue Jays), De Jon Watson and Logan White (both Dodgers), all of whom have been mentioned in connection to the Baltimore job.  Avila could be passed over since "the Orioles want to wrap up this process as soon as possible" and can't wait until the Tigers finish their playoff run.
• Two names that will apparently not be part of the process, according to Kubatko, are former Angels GM Tony Reagins and Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine.  Both men could still resurface as candidates, Kubatko notes.  Given that Texas is still alive in the postseason, Levine could be facing the same issue as Avila.
• J.P. Ricciardi is on the "short list of decision-makers" that the Orioles are considering, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney.  Since the O's are just starting their search, Olney says it's too early to say if Ricciardi or any others on the short list are favorites for the job.  Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports (via Twitter) that the Mets haven't received requests from any team to interview Ricciardi or Paul DePodesta about a general managing job.
• No surprise here, but Olney says "it's pretty clear that Buck Showalter will have extensive influence in the selection of the Orioles' GM."