masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgDALLAS – Just to keep the rumor mill from spinning completely out of control, I’ll try to slow it a little by passing along confirmation that the Orioles aren’t interested in Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano.

The Cubs reportedly are trying to convince the Orioles to take Soriano and are willing to absorb most of the $54 million he’s owed.

I’m told that the Orioles will pass on that offer.

Keep in mind that the Cubs approached the Orioles. I never heard that the Orioles initiated talks….DALLAS – Just to keep the rumor mill from spinning completely out of control, I’ll try to slow it a little by passing along confirmation that the Orioles aren’t interested in Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano.

The Cubs reportedly are trying to convince the Orioles to take Soriano and are willing to absorb most of the $54 million he’s owed.

I’m told that the Orioles will pass on that offer.

Keep in mind that the Cubs approached the Orioles. I never heard that the Orioles initiated talks.

The Orioles are looking for a left-handed hitting outfielder who can back up in center field and maybe platoon with Nolan Reimold in left. Soriano, who turns 36 in January, bats right-handed and has played 12 games in center in his entire 13-season career.

One other note: There’s still no update on Demarlo Hale’s status. The Red Sox haven’t informed him whether he’s staying on manager Bobby Valentine’s staff as bench coach.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter would like to have his coaching staff completed by Thursday. Hale would replace Willie Randolph at third base if he’s let go by the Red Sox.