masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is about to enter the final year of his contract and could be a free agent at the end of the 2014 season.

He says he is very open to remaining an Oriole, but so far there have been no contract talks about an extension.

“Obviously, I love it here in Baltimore,” Hardy said this afternoon at FanFest. “The last three seasons here have been awesome and I like the direction that this organization is going. I said that three years ago when I signed that…Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is about to enter the final year of his contract and could be a free agent at the end of the 2014 season.

He says he is very open to remaining an Oriole, but so far there have been no contract talks about an extension.

“Obviously, I love it here in Baltimore,” Hardy said this afternoon at FanFest. “The last three seasons here have been awesome and I like the direction that this organization is going. I said that three years ago when I signed that extension.

“I kind of want to see it to the end. I want to be here for a World Series and it would be awesome if I could. But no one has come to me or said anything so I don’t know what is happening with that.”

He said at this point, his agent has not talked contract with the club.

“We are just waiting to see what they want do to. I like Baltimore and I’m happy in Baltimore,” Hardy said. “I don’t (know) about sitting there and trying to hold out for the most money or whatever. But if it makes sense and is fair, I think I want to stay in Baltimore and hopefully finish my career here.”

Is he disappointed that extension talks have not started yet?

“You know, it is something I can’t control,” Hardy said. “I don’t know if it’s disappointment. If it happens, I’d love it. If not, it’s really not up to me.”

Hardy said his dad has been keeping up with the baseball transactions this winter to keep him updated. He also knows the Orioles have not made a marquee acquisition.

“I don’t know want the front office is trying to add, but we all feel confident with the guys we’ve got,” he said. “If they don’t add anyone, I still feel like we are still going to be good. If they do and it makes us better, we are all for that.

“I know everyone is out there looking for a starting pitcher. If we get one, then awesome. If we don’t, I feel like we have guys that can fill the role and step up and hopefully be great.”

Hardy was asked if he was surprised that Brian Roberts left for New York.

“I was texting with him quite a bit,” Hardy said. “I think he was still thinking he might come back here. He wanted to play more, but I don’t think he got the contract he was looking for here, or even if they offered one, I don’t know.”