--RF Nick Markakis and the Orioles are expected to reopen contract negotiations this month. But as the mid-point of January rolls around, the two sides are said to be about $10 million apart. A source told The Sun an offer of six years, $60 million is on the table.
--INF Chris Gomez has returned to Baltimore. The Orioles and their former utilityman agreed to a minor league deal, The Sun reported Friday. The deal includes an invite to spring training, meaning there is a strong likelihood Gomez will break camp with the major league club. --INF Ryan Freel will have to earn his way onto the roster. With Friday's signing of utilityman Chris Gomez, Freel is not guaranteed a roster spot. Freel is more of an outfielder and third baseman/second baseman, while Gomez can play all four infield positions. It's likely both will have a spot on the roster.
--1B Kevin Millar is unlikely to return to Baltimore, The Sun reported. The veteran seems to fill the void of a right-handed hitting first baseman, but the Orioles have other options.
--C Matt Wieters will enter spring training with little pressure. The Orioles seem intent on letting their top prospect ease his way into the majors and are said to be interested in signing a veteran to start -- perhaps Ivan Rodriguez.
BY THE NUMBERS: 12 -- Starts in his last 81 games by RHP Koji Uehara. The Japanese hurler has been shuffled to and from the rotation with the Yomiuri Giants but will be in the Orioles' rotation this spring.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I would suspect 80 percent of the people in Japan have no idea about the Baltimore Orioles. But by this time next year, there will be a good percentage of people that know there is a major league team in Baltimore and that (Koji) Uehara plays for them." -- Bobby Valentine, former major league and Japanese League manager, on the impact of the Orioles signing RHP Koji Uehara.
