masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgReports have surfaced that the Tigers are close to inking catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez to a four-year, $50 million deal. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets – ugh – his confirmation right here.

The Orioles, according to Ignacio Serrano of El Nacional, offered Martinez $48 million over four years. I just got confirmation on it from an industry source, but not someone within the organization.

Assuming it’s true, that’s not bad for November. It also demonstrates how badly president of…Reports have surfaced that the Tigers are close to inking catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez to a four-year, $50 million deal. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets – ugh – his confirmation right here.

The Orioles, according to Ignacio Serrano of El Nacional, offered Martinez $48 million over four years. I just got confirmation on it from an industry source, but not someone within the organization.

Assuming it’s true, that’s not bad for November. It also demonstrates how badly president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail wanted Martinez at first base and backing up Matt Wieters. He wasn’t waiting for the market to “play out.”

Swing and a miss.

Martinez wants to catch. That was the main stumbling block for the Orioles. They wanted him primarily at first base.

Martinez is one of those rare creatures who doesn’t mind the wear and tear behind the dish.

I still predict that the Orioles end up with Adam LaRoche. I want Adam Dunn. I really wanted Victor Martinez, who mashes left-handed pitching.

You can’t always get what you want.

Jumping topics, MLB Network will feature Bobby Grich and Mark Belanger on it’s Prime 9 program at 8 p.m. The subject: Best all-time double play combinations.

The former Orioles will be included on a list that also features Omar Vizquel and Roberto Alomar, Joe Morgan and Dave Concepcion, and Bill Mazeroski and Gene Alley.