masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgMatt Wieters’ name came up in trade rumors this winter, but in a Fanfest media interview he deflected those rumors and indicated he doesn’t think much about it.

“Until I’m told I’m going somewhere else, I’m going to be happy to be here in Baltimore,” he said. “I love the guys in the clubhouse and love the guys here and we’re looking forward to this year.”

Wieters said he hopes to avoid an arbitration hearing with the Orioles. He is seeking an $8.75 million contract for 2014 while…Matt Wieters’ name came up in trade rumors this winter, but in a Fanfest media interview he deflected those rumors and indicated he doesn’t think much about it.

“Until I’m told I’m going somewhere else, I’m going to be happy to be here in Baltimore,” he said. “I love the guys in the clubhouse and love the guys here and we’re looking forward to this year.”

Wieters said he hopes to avoid an arbitration hearing with the Orioles. He is seeking an $8.75 million contract for 2014 while the team countered at $6.5 million.

“Hope so. I’m not really concerning myself with it. That is what I have an agent for,” he said. “Dan (Duquette) and the front office will work hard to get it done. Both sides respect each other and I’ll stay out of it, and when the time to make a decision comes, I’ll make a decision.”

Wieters was asked about the fan turnout today. The crowd is estimated around 15,000 and that is the second-highest ever at FanFest. Last year’s event drew 18,000.

“It’s great,” he said. “Baltimore has great baseball fans and I’ve known that for a while now. It’s fun to have activities to interact with the fans in addition to the autographs.

“The fans here want a winner and we want a winner in the clubhouse. Anytime the city and the ballclub and organization are working to the same goal, that is how something special is formed.”