masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgFree agent outfielder Colby Rasmus is taking a physical in Houston, according to multiple reports, and could be on the verge of signing with the Astros.
Rasmus confirmed that he’s in Houston, telling FOX 26 sports director Mark Berman (via Twitter), “Jeff (Luhnow) being the scouting director that drafted me, it’s pretty enticing.”
The Orioles were believed to be the frontrunners for Rasmus, a career .246/.313/.438 hitter in six major league seasons. Manager Buck Showalter flew to Rasmus’…

Free agent outfielder Colby Rasmus is taking a physical in Houston, according to multiple reports, and could be on the verge of signing with the Astros.

Rasmus confirmed that he’s in Houston, telling FOX 26 sports director Mark Berman (via Twitter), “Jeff (Luhnow) being the scouting director that drafted me, it’s pretty enticing.”

The Orioles were believed to be the frontrunners for Rasmus, a career .246/.313/.438 hitter in six major league seasons. Manager Buck Showalter flew to Rasmus’ home last month and both sides were comfortable with a one-year deal.

colbyrasmusjays.jpgRasmus’ agent, Casey Close, seemed to be pushing his client toward Baltimore, according to sources. The deal, which was expected to guarantee Rasmus around $7 million, could serve as a platform for a bigger payday next winter – following Nelson Cruz’s blueprint.

However, I’ve heard that Rasmus decided to keep looking in an attempt to get more money in 2015. The Orioles weren’t going to budge. They drew a line in the sand with Rasmus, who comes with baggage.

Beyond a poor reputation that needs repairing, he’s a high-strikeout guy who mostly has played center field. The Orioles need a corner outfielder.

Rasmus’ numbers have been poor in three of the last four seasons. He batted .225/.287/.448 last season with the Blue Jays.

The Orioles still viewed him as having more of an upside than Nori Aoki, who signed with the Giants for $4 million.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette told me last week that he’s still checking the trade and free agent markets for a left-handed hitting outfielder. He’s probably got a better chance dealing with another club, since the Oriole don’t seem overly enthusiastic about Ichiro Suzuki.

One possibility is the Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon, but teams usually ask for Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy in return, which immediately ends discussions.

There are people in the organization who seem comfortable sticking with their own players, including Alejandro De Aza, David Lough, Steve Pearce and Triple-A outfielder Dariel Alvarez, rather than settling for the sake of adding another bat.

Update: Rasmus has signed with the Astros, according to reports. No word on exact terms beyond one year.

Update II: Rasmus signed for $8 million, according to reports.