masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgI ran into manager Dave Trembley last night as he was coming up the escalator of the Westin hotel with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

Well, not literally. He didn’t take a charge. But it was an unexpected meeting.

Trembley looks tanned and rested – and we assume he’s ready. He’s lost about 17 pounds and is looking to shed a few more.

According to the New York Post, plenty of baseball executives expect the Orioles and Mariners to be big spenders this winter. I believe…I ran into manager Dave Trembley last night as he was coming up the escalator of the Westin hotel with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

Well, not literally. He didn’t take a charge. But it was an unexpected meeting.

Trembley looks tanned and rested – and we assume he’s ready. He’s lost about 17 pounds and is looking to shed a few more.

According to the New York Post, plenty of baseball executives expect the Orioles and Mariners to be big spenders this winter. I believe the Mariners part, but I’m guessing the Orioles speculation comes from their low payroll and various needs rather than anything concrete. None of us in the local media get the impression that they’re going to start throwing money around this winter, but maybe they’ll surprise us.

I’m not sure where they’d aim, considering that the market is so weak beyond John Lackey, Matt Holiday and Jason Bay, but they certainly have the funds. And they have the pitching depth in the minors to swing a deal.

Let’s get busy.

The Mariners, meanwhile, have added Chone Figgins and could make a serious run at Bay, who reportedly wants to play for them. I expected him to land on the West Coast, and Seattle makes sense for the British Columbia native.

I don’t have any indication that the Orioles are one of the mystery teams interested in Marlins reliever Matt Lindstrom. He could be dealt later today.

FOXSports is reporting that the Dodgers might make George Sherrill available in a trade. The Orioles should acquire him and sign Erik Bedard. Then they can try to get back Curt Schilling, Pete Harnisch and Steve Finley.

A reminder: Trembley will meet with the Baltimore media at 2:30 p.m., and we’ll huddle with MacPhail at 6 p.m.