Tuesday: It's not a question of "if" a trade will happen but "when" a trade will happen, writes Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. There's no guarantee a trade will happen at the Winter Meetings, but one could be done shortly after the conclusion.
Kubatko goes on to add that Duquette is also interested in bullpen help, which he speculates could be an indication that a starter will be moved for a power hitter. In that case, someone like Jake Arrieta, who may not be penciled in for a rotation spot now, could join the starting mix.
Monday: The Orioles have the pieces in place to acquire a power bat via trade right now, but are weighing whether or not to pull the trigger on the deal, writes Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.
Connolly writes that "landing a first baseman or designated hitter with pop is a real possibility." His sense is that the Orioles will make a deal either at the Winter Meetings or within a few days of their conclusion.
Executive VP Dan Duquette told reporters on Sunday that a power bat is his biggest target, and that the addition would likely come via trade as opposed to free agency. According to Connolly, free agent signings will be more complementary pieces, meaning that Josh Hamilton is likely out of the picture.
The Orioles seem willing to deal from their crop of starting pitchers in order to facilitate a trade, writes Connolly. Presumably that means that names like Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton, Jason Hammel and Chris Tillman could all be on the table. While Connolly's piece doesn't say it, I'd imagine that Dylan Bundy is probably off the table in any talks. Those specific names, however, are just my speculation.
