masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAs expected, former Rockies third base coach Rich Dauer and former Rangers and Indians third base coach Steve Smith are confirmed outside candidates for the Orioles job.

Dauer was fired following the 2012 season, his fourth in Colorado, and the Indians decided not to retain Smith after hiring Terry Francona as manager.

Dauer, 60, has local ties, though no connection to Orioles manager Buck Showalter. He spent all 10 seasons of his major league career with the Orioles and played on the 1979…As expected, former Rockies third base coach Rich Dauer and former Rangers and Indians third base coach Steve Smith are confirmed outside candidates for the Orioles job.

Dauer was fired following the 2012 season, his fourth in Colorado, and the Indians decided not to retain Smith after hiring Terry Francona as manager.

Dauer, 60, has local ties, though no connection to Orioles manager Buck Showalter. He spent all 10 seasons of his major league career with the Orioles and played on the 1979 and 1983 World Series teams. The Orioles inducted him into their Hall of Fame this summer.

Dauer also coached third base in Kansas City and Cleveland, and past experience is a prerequisite for landing the Orioles’ job.

Smith served as Showalter’s third base coach in Texas, which made him an obvious candidate once DeMarlo Hale was named Blue Jays bench coach this week. He spent the past three seasons with the Indians.

Dauer and Smith also have worked as infield instructors, which is beneficial following Hale’s departure.

Brian Graham, the Orioles’ coordinator of minor league instruction, and Bobby Dickerson, their minor league infield coordinator, are two of the in-house candidates on Showalter’s list.

It’s possible that the Orioles announce their hire before the Winter Meetings that begin Monday in Nashville.