During a forum at the Orioles' FanFest on Saturday afternoon, an audience member asked president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail whether there was any update on the team's pursuit of free-agent designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who was sitting to the left of MacPhail on the dais, leaned exaggeratedly out of his chair and cupped his ear toward his boss, as the fans in attendance laughed.
Despite all the additions to the Orioles' 2011 roster this offseason, Guerrero, a one-time Most Valuable Player and dangerous right-handed slugger who hit 29 homers for the Texas Rangers last season, was the talk of club's annual winter gathering.
The Orioles are searching for a starting pitcher and a left-handed reliever, but with Guerrero still available and few teams needing a designated hitter, the Orioles have offered the slugger a one-year deal worth between $3 million and $5 million and are waiting to see what happens.
"We're wondering, too, to some degree," MacPhail said. "We do have several conversations going on with different players, as you would think at this time of year. As a practical matter, I've already exceeded the number that [owner Peter Angelos] and I had focused on by the end of last year, and he's continued to encourage me to look and see what is out there and available to us. That's what we're doing."
The Orioles have added first baseman Derrek Lee, shortstop J.J. Hardy and third baseman Mark Reynolds to bolster their lineup, but signing Guerrero could take the offense to another level.
"He would mean that you don't have to worry about a cleanup hitter. You put him in fourth, and then you work around him," center fielder Adam Jones said. "Most teams that win, they have a guy hitting fourth every day. You need that in your lineup. Stability."
Showalter joked several times about adding Guerrero, telling fans he was "collecting donations" and later saying that he has composed a few lineups already but "I hope I get to use my eraser in the next week or two."
When asked about Guerrero's timetable, MacPhail said: "I don't really get the sense that he is close to something. I don't know. We never really know exactly the extent of other clubs' interest in other players, but I don't get the sense that they are ready to do anything in the very near future."
Jones, for one, highly endorses adding Guerrero.
"Why not? I am tired of chasing the [stuff] he hits."
Health updates
Several Orioles at FanFest are coming off injuries, and all said they are ready to go. Second baseman Brian Roberts (back and concussion) said he hasn't felt this good in more than a year. Right-handers Jim Johnson and Brad Bergesen, who dealt with arm injuries in 2010, said they should not have any problems heading into spring training.
"It's been a complete turnaround. Last year, I don't even think I was throwing at this point. I hadn't picked up a ball yet versus now," Bergesen said. "I've thrown about six [bullpen sessions] so far, and the arm has felt healthy, really good. Hopefully, it's one of the things that I can carry on into the season."
Jake Arrieta, who has a bone spur in his elbow that he decided not to have removed this winter, said he has been on a long-toss program and his arm feels strong.
"Everything is coming out nice and easy. I want to get on the mound two more times in the offseason, maybe three," the righty said. "I'm ready to get down to Sarasota and get going."
Pitching prospect Brandon Erbe, who had right labrum surgery in August, has been throwing long tosses for several weeks and expects to get onto a mound in about a week. He hopes to be pitching in games by the end of spring training.
"I'm not too far behind compared to where some of the other guys are," said Erbe, a McDonogh graduate. "[The shoulder] feels good. It feels stable for the first time in a couple years. It feels attached all the time. The strength isn't quite there yet, but I'll get there by throwing."
Slimming down
Two Orioles were visibly slimmer Saturday.
Right-hander Jason Berken, who was shut down in August with shoulder inflammation, said he has dropped 30 pounds this winter by working out harder in Atlanta and eating better. He has cut out fried foods and fast food — though the Wisconsin native acknowledges he'll have a bratwurst on Super Bowl Sunday when his beloved Green Bay Packers play the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Berken said being off for a few months made him realize how much he loves pitching and how important it is to stay in good shape.
"My conditioning level has been at an all-time high, and my diet has been a lot better," said Berken, who said he would like to be a starter again but enjoyed pitching in relief in 2010. "I had a little extra time with my injury, and I wanted to use that time wisely. And I have been able to drop some bad weight."
Third baseman Josh Bell doesn't know how much weight he has lost this winter, but it's noticeable. He ended the season at about 250 pounds, and after spending the first part of the offseason at his home in Arizona, he has been in California the past two weeks with former Oriole Brady Anderson, who also has done some training with Reynolds and outfielder Nolan Reimold.
"It's crazy; he motivates you," Bell said of Anderson. "His workouts are great."
With the acquisition of Reynolds, Bell likely will start 2011 in the minors. But he's headed to Sarasota with his mind on the major leagues.
"My job is going to be win a job out of spring [training], and I think that's the way everybody has to look at it," he said.
Looking for another starter
The Orioles remain in the market for another starting pitcher, though that market is thin.
"Believe me, it's something we've kicked around and vetted a lot," Showalter said. "There are a lot of different ways to acquire players. We're still talking through a lot of different scenarios."
On Friday, the Orioles watched Justin Duchscherer, who is attempting to come back from hip surgery, throw a side session in Arizona.
"We saw Justin throw, and we're pleased how well he's come along at this point," MacPhail said. "We have seen, this year, three or four guys throwing in side sessions like we saw Justin throw the other day. We've been pleased with what we have seen, but you can only learn so much in those kinds of climates."
Coaches come together
For the first time, Showalter's new coaching staff had a chance to meet the fans. The only one who did not make an appearance Saturday was hitting coach Jim Presley, who is recuperating from an illness that recently sent him to the hospital.
Showalter had the opportunity to pick his staff, and he said he believes he has gathered a group of men who know how to instruct and relate to a young team — but will also be harsh if the need arises.
"They'll be their pals, but they'll be their fathers, too," Showalter said. "They'll be their fathers more than their pals."
Around the horn
Designated hitter Luke Scott and starter Jeremy Guthrie, the club's two remaining salary arbitration cases, have both talked to the Orioles about multiple-year deals, but neither has advanced beyond the initial discussion stage. … Lee and reliever Michael Gonzalez could not make FanFest because of prior commitments. … Scott said he loves the idea of the Orioles' signing Guerrero and he would welcome the opportunity to play more left field. … Reimold said he has spent a lot of time this offseason working on his swing and hopes to make a good impression on the new staff in spring training.
Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec contributed to this article.