The Orioles may have played themselves into a wild-card chase and out of a fire sale.

Orioles general manager Frank Wren yesterday confirmed an organizational "shift" in its approach toward conceding this season as lost and dealing away veteran players. Instead, Wren classifies a three-game series beginning tonight against the Texas Rangers as "critical" to the team's decision of who, if anyone, to deal before the waiver deadline arrives at midnight Saturday.

At the same time, center fielder Brady Anderson insists he will not waive the no-trade provision in his five-year, $31 million contract in the event the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox or Atlanta Braves strike a deal with Wren this week.

"I made that decision when I re-signed [in 1997]," Anderson said. "As far as I'm concerned, there is no decision."

Wren's choices are less obvious. An 11-2 surge has allowed the Orioles to move within nine games of the wild card-leading Toronto Blue Jays with 64 games remaining. After a meeting with majority owner Peter Angelos last week, Wren predicted "limited" changes are pending but downplayed the possibility of an overhaul.

"I think we have shifted in some of the plans we talked about in terms of what we would get back," Wren said. "Maybe two weeks ago I would have traded some guys for more future talent whereas now we're not talking about prospects and future talent. Now, for those same guys we want more immediate help."

The Orioles have removed from consideration or hiked the asking price for starting pitchers Scott Erickson and Juan Guzman, reliever Arthur Rhodes and shortstop Mike Bordick. Recent interest in first baseman Will Clark and Harold Baines by the Braves and Blue Jays, respectively, may be stiff-armed if the Orioles maintain or improve their standing entering the weekend.

"Things could change very quickly," Wren said. "We've got to be aware of our record, how far out we are and which direction we're going. I think the next three days are critical."

Though trying to overcome a disappointing 45-53 record, the Orioles rank second in the league to the Cleveland Indians with a .286 team average, first in defense with 57 errors and have dramatically improved as a pitching staff since the All-Star break. The rotation has surrendered two earned runs or fewer in 10 of the past 13 games and a maligned bullpen provided seven shutout innings in Sunday's 8-7, 11-inning comeback win against the Anaheim Angels.

"You look at offense, pitching, relief pitching and defense. When you talk about all four aspects of the game, it's the best all four have been together this season," Wren said.

What had been a shapeless bullpen during the first half now features discernible roles and improved performance by closer Mike Timlin, left-handed specialist Jesse Orosco and Scott Kamieniecki, who Sunday gained his first win since April 18, 1998.

Kamieniecki, who likely will be converted to the rotation if Guzman is dealt, exhibited his best breaking ball since before experiencing last year's spate of injuries.

The Orioles now classify Erickson (6-8, 5.49) as virtually untouchable, joining fellow pitchers Mike Mussina, Sidney Ponson and Jason Johnson on their protected list.

Numerous teams, including the Indians, Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, have shown persistent interest in Erickson. Wren insists they will likely have to look elsewhere. The Phillies, who have made a recent push, are especially handicapped as one of eight teams listed in Erickson's limited no-trade clause.

"With Erickson, we've got three guys who can beat anyone in a short series," Wren said. "Scotty's pitched great recently. We now see him as the guy who was signed last year to a five-year deal and don't want to give that up. With the way he's throwing, I don't see us moving him."

Swept last weekend by the Yankees, the slumping Indians are believed to be more determined in obtaining pitching help. As their wild-card chances wither due to injuries, the Red Sox are desperate to acquire healthy arms.

The Blue Jays are satisfied with their pitching but would be interested in adding a bat such as the Orioles' designated hitter, Baines.

Trading with the Red Sox and Blue Jays, however, represents a concession the Orioles apparently aren't ready to make.

"It gets a little tougher every day as we win 11 out of 13," Wren said. " We're only seven games back in the loss column and we're playing well. I still think there are some things we can do to get players who can help us now as well as in the future."

While the Orioles play the Rangers, the Blue Jays begin a pivotal stretch against the Red Sox and Yankees, against whom they are a combined 1-12.

Guzman (5-8, 4.21) remains the player most likely to be traded. The Orioles have expressed no intention of retaining him beyond this season and recently have attempted to divert all inquiries about Erickson in his direction. The organization's only decision apparently is whether to trade Guzman for a prospect or gain a compensatory draft pick when he leaves as a free agent. The Rangers and Indians remain leading contenders for him.

"I've been through this before," said Guzman, acquired from the Blue Jays last July 31. "It's nothing new to me. Either way, you still go out and do your best."

Rhodes represents the most intriguing trade possibility. At the same time the Orioles have entertained trade talks from the New York Mets, Yankees, Braves and Red Sox, Wren and Angelos have spoken to Rhodes' agent, Danny Horwits, about a possible four-year contract extension.

A power left-handed reliever, Rhodes is a select commodity. However, he must also be maintained carefully, something that has often brought him into conflict with manager Ray Miller.

While the two sides apparently have agreed on a four-year structure, they remain far apart on money. Rhodes is seeking a deal similar to Timlin's four-year, $16 million package. The Orioles have so far offered about $10 million over the same term.

Speculation that the Orioles might hastily sign Rhodes, a pending free agent, then trade him is unfounded, says a club source.

Orioles tonight

Opponent: Texas Rangers

Site: Camden Yards

Time: 7: 35

TV/Radio: HTS/WBAL (1090 AM)

Starters: Rangers' Aaron Sele (9-6, 5.56) vs. Orioles' Mike Mussina (13-4, 3.44)

Tickets: Information unavailable