masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles are continuing with their attempts to sign minor league free-agent shortstop Rey Navarro and talks are progressing, according to sources. They’re making a strong push for him.
Keep in mind that the Orioles have 37 players on their 40-man roster after yesterday’s maneuvering.
Navarro, 24, batted a combined .282/.343/.435 this season with 34 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 132 games at Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville in the Reds organization. He’s a…

The Orioles are continuing with their attempts to sign minor league free-agent shortstop Rey Navarro and talks are progressing, according to sources. They’re making a strong push for him.

Keep in mind that the Orioles have 37 players on their 40-man roster after yesterday’s maneuvering.

Navarro, 24, batted a combined .282/.343/.435 this season with 34 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 132 games at Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville in the Reds organization. He’s a career .265/.312/.375 hitter in eight minor league seasons.

Navarro is a switch-hitter with a plus glove at shortstop. The latter quality brings the most appeal.

hundley-throwing-orange-sidebar.jpgThe Orioles retain interest in free agent catcher Nick Hundley, but they’ve got to wait while he seeks a better opportunity to play. If he re-signs with the club, it’s not likely to happen until late in the process.

The Rays could be a match after designating Jose Molina for assignment yesterday. I’m just speculating here.

Hundley batted .233/.273/.352 with five home runs and 19 RBIs in 50 games with the Orioles after being acquired from the Padres on May 24 for left-hander Troy Patton.

The Orioles already have four catchers on their 40-man roster: Matt Wieters, Caleb Joseph, Steve Clevenger and Michael Ohlman.

I was told yesterday that there’s nothing “hot” regarding negotiations with free-agent right fielder Nick Markakis.

Earlier today, the Tigers signed former Orioles outfielder Xavier Avery to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

The Orioles selected Avery in the second round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft and traded him to the Mariners on Aug. 30, 2013 for Michael Morse.

Former Orioles pitcher Radhames Liz signed a two-year deal with the Pirates, who are hoping they didn’t get a reincarnation of Daniel Cabrera.