masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLet’s get this out of the way first: Nothing new to report on Alfredo Simon, but I haven’t been awake for that long.

It’s believed that he’s incarcerated while police try to determine whether the bullet that killed a 25-year-old man on New Year’s Eve came from his gun.

The story grows more complicated by the day, including the revelation that the victim, Michael Esteban Castillo, was Simon’s cousin. Simon has stated that he was close friends with the victim and the fatal shooting was…Let’s get this out of the way first: Nothing new to report on Alfredo Simon, but I haven’t been awake for that long.

It’s believed that he’s incarcerated while police try to determine whether the bullet that killed a 25-year-old man on New Year’s Eve came from his gun.

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The story grows more complicated by the day, including the revelation that the victim, Michael Esteban Castillo, was Simon’s cousin. Simon has stated that he was close friends with the victim and the fatal shooting was accidental.

Depending on which report you read, Simon could be held for three months while police expand their investigation or a year while he awaits trial. The Orioles need to sort it out and glean the truth.

It’s much too early to speculate, but I wouldn’t include Simon on my projected 25-man roster. And as I’ve stated, that’s the least of his worries.

The Orioles will sign at least one more reliever, and probably two. Kevin Gregg is expected to make a decision this week. The Orioles have other options if he passes on them, including Grant Balfour and Jon Rauch.

Simon had an uphill climb to make the team despite being used as the closer for part of 2010. It looked like a numbers issue, even without David Hernandez, Kam Mickolio and Jim Hoey.

Five spots appear to be occupied by Koji Uehara, Jim Johnson, Michael Gonzalez, Jeremy Accardo and Jason Berken. Rick VandenHurk is out of minor league options and viewed as a potential long man. That’s six. Pedro Viola and Troy Patton remain on the 40-man roster. The Orioles selected 21-year-old Adrian Rosario in the Rule 5 draft. And they would like to include another left-hander in this mix.

OK, we got to talk baseball for a few minutes.

Adam LaRoche appears close to reaching an agreement with the Nationals, which shouldn’t surprise many people. Again, what’s the market for this guy? It’s D.C. or … what?

The Rays are more inclined to go with Dan Johnson or a Casey Kotchman-type, as Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times has reported. The Padres signed Brad Hawpe to play first base and reportedly were seeking another bat to serve in a platoon role.

LaRoche lost some serious leverage.

And finally, since I’ve been asked numerous times about MASN’s Amber Theoharis, I’ll pass along that she’s been on maternity leave since the arrival of her daughter, Dylan Mattea, on Oct. 2. Amber and I exchanged text messages a few days ago and she says everyone is doing well.