Even after big Jimenez signing, Orioles have remained in contact with Ervin Santana.

[NedFromYork]

Would be great. I don't see a "surplus of arms" at all if they sign Santana. It bumps Norris to next in line, which is a solid, reliable fall back if there is an injury or performance issue. But after that, for a team that is supposed to contend, there is nobody else you can reasonably rely on in a year you are going for broke. There is no surplus, all the others after those six are question marks. Would be a good move.

[Guest]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Jim_Duquette">@Jim_Duquette</a> Jim are the O's still in on Ervin</p>— Greg (@OriolesChiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/OriolesChiefs/statuses/436904110655541248'>https://twitter.com/OriolesChiefs/statuses/436904110655541248">February 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/OriolesChiefs">@OriolesChiefs</a> yes they are</p>— Jim Duquette (@Jim_Duquette) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jim_Duquette/statuses/436905517001498624">February 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Hank Scorpio]

Team sources are never gonna confirm this unless it's done or close to done. See: Ubaldo Jimenez.

It's certainly possible but I just don't see it happening b/c it's so UNLIKE the Orioles.

[El Gordo]

Yep. Going Roch here.

I believe Roch tells you what the warehouse wants you to hear. If they were in on Santana, would they say so? I doubt they are though, because I keep hearing that teams are backing away from him due to health concerns.

[Hank Scorpio]

I will say this... most times, GM's will tell reporters the truth generally speaking. They'll say something vague about trying to add to the team or whatever... but if they're done, they'll come out and say, "I think we're pretty comfortable with what we've got."

[fearthenoodle]

The Jays need this guy real bad. If they don't sign him, I'm not sure what they are doing.

Could be a smokescreen, but they've pretty much said they are out on Santana.

[hoosiers]

Having more talent creates more roster flexibility and trade options. Signing Santana could enable us to trade Morris, Chen, MGon and even Gausman as long as the return is appropriate. Dealing Gausman for a like-kind hitting prospect would be an interesting thought.

I think sending out five quality starters (Jimenez, Santana, Tillman, MGon, Chen) limits losing streaks and extends winning streaks. The team would simply be competitive in more games.

[clapdiddy]

Team sources are never gonna confirm this unless it's done or close to done. See: Ubaldo Jimenez.

It's certainly possible but I just don't see it happening b/c it's so UNLIKE the Orioles.

"If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right."

[weams]

You think we would sign a guy who has had an un-repaired partially torn ulnar collateral ligament?

[MrOrange82]

It seems highly unlikely.

Agreed. The more that I read up on the injury, the scarier it sounds...even though he's thrown almost 1,000 ML innings since the injury was diagnosed.

I imagine the injury is just part of the calculus. If the price drops far enough, maybe the Orioles are in. Maybe they get him to agree to significant performance incentives (i.e., money tied to innings pitched). Maybe, maybe, maybe.

Interesting stuff to consider, regardless.

[fearthenoodle]

It makes a lot of sense to tell Santana's agent, "Look- here is our best offer (whatever that might be). We already signed Ubaldo, and we are comfortable with what we have. But Ervin would be a nice addition and we think this is a fair value. Unless you hear otherwise this offer is on the table."

Do that just to make sure the market doesn't dry up enough to make the Blue Jays jump back in. In the meantime, continue working on Morales, and pull Santana's offer if you need to once Morales is in the fold.

[El Gordo]

I believe Roch just tells us what the Warehouse tells him because that's his easiest source, but he certainly adds his own opinion. He broke Jimenez and has been writing that he thinks the O's should sign Morales.

He broke the Jimenez signing because the warehouse wanted him to. One of the main reasons I was sure it was a done deal, including the physical, was because Roch broke it. If there were any questions he wouldn't have been told anything. As to Roch's own opinions I don't give much credence to them. He doesn't strike me as being all that baseball savvy.

[AlbionHero]

Rochs a fine guy, but when it comes to rumors he normally tells you whatever the Orioles want you to know instead of legit sources. I'd go with the national guys to be more reliable here

[atomic]

Hear this. This team would be INSANE to trade Gausman right now.

Nonsense. If the right player came along I would trade him in a second. You are saying if the Orioles were offered Mike Trout for him they should turn the Angels down?

[Austin]

I trust Roch and I believe he reports everything he hears... but why would the O's front office want to leak this? I tend to believe the industry sources rather than whatever is coming out of the warehouse for this one.