Teams Interested In Rodrigo Lopez

Rodrigo Lopez is suddenly a hot property.  The O’s talked to at least five teams looking for starting pitching.  The Brewers and Mariners have inquired specifically about Lopez.

Lopez will turn 31 later this month.  He’s a 200 inning back-rotation guy with good control; he probably belongs in the NL.  He earned $3.75MM in 2006 and will be a free agent after the 2007 season.

Other Oriole tidbits from MLB.com’s Spencer Fordin:

Baltimore met with Doug Melvin of the Brewers, presumably to discuss outfielders Kevin Mench and Geoff Jenkins.  Chris Shelton could be another target.

Negotiations with Luis Gonzalez are ongoing; Jay Payton and Cliff Floyd seem unlikely.