masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAn industry source confirmed that Wayne Kirby has agreed to become the Orioles’ first base coach, nearly completing manager Buck Showalter’s staff for 2011.

It’s been later rather than sooner, but it’s almost done.

The Sun cited a source earlier today while reporting that the Orioles came to terms with Kirby, who also will work with the outfielders.

I sought out former manager Mike Hargrove’s opinion of Kirby a few days ago. You can review it right here.

It looks like we’re down to…An industry source confirmed that Wayne Kirby has agreed to become the Orioles’ first base coach, nearly completing manager Buck Showalter’s staff for 2011.

It’s been later rather than sooner, but it’s almost done.

The Sun cited a source earlier today while reporting that the Orioles came to terms with Kirby, who also will work with the outfielders.

I sought out former manager Mike Hargrove’s opinion of Kirby a few days ago. You can review it right here.

It looks like we’re down to bench coach. Still waiting for Don Wakamatsu to run out of managerial openings.

Gary Allenson still hasn’t been told whether he’s going to be part of the staff, but that seems unlikely with Juan Samuel expected to return as third base coach, the job he held on Opening Day before becoming interim manager. Allenson has the option of going back to Triple-A Norfolk, but he’s waiting to hear from the Orioles.

Meanwhile, 19 more players became free agents today. See anything you like?:

Ankiel, Rick AT

Farnsworth, Kyle AT

LaRoche, Adam AZ

Hendrickson, Mark BA

Beltre, Adrian BO

Harang, Aaron CI

Cabrera, Orlando CI

Francis, Jeff CO

Peralta, Jhonny DE

Davis, Doug MI

Hoffman, Trevor MI

Zaun, Gregg MI

Chavez, Eric OA

Garland, Jon SD

Young, Chris SD

Bedard, Erik SE

Branyan, Russ SE

Wheeler, Daniel TB

Kennedy, Adam WA

Garland seems to be a free agent every year. The Orioles had interest two winters ago, but his contract demands were considered too excessive.