Orioles president Andy MacPhail is a believer in stockpiling pitching. Now, it seems, he's willing to stockpile outfield talent, too. With center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis seemingly locked into the outfield picture for the future and Luke Scott providing more than enough offense to hold down left field in at least a platoon, Pie would seemingly be a player without a position.

But after a trying rookie season, the organization began to sour on Olson -- particularly after he declared his season a success despite a 6.65 ERA. Getting a highly touted outfield prospect like Pie -- who could create a future trade possibility, whether it be himself, Scott or Aubrey Huff -- would be viewed as a coup by many in the industry.

The rumored trade would send Olson to Chicago for Pie, with the Cubs then putting a package together -- presumably to include Olson -- to obtain Padres right-hander Jake Peavy.

Should the trade go through, the left-handed hitting Pie would likely start in left field for the Orioles, with Scott becoming a regular designated hitter. It's unlikely the duo would platoon in left field.

There is one hangup: The Cubs seemingly don't have any openings in their rotation, according to manager Lou Piniella.

"We're set," Piniella told the Chicago Sun-Times. "We've got six good starters, and they're all experienced."

It's conceivable the Orioles and Cubs could still work out a deal. There's a strong trade history between the clubs in recent seasons.