masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles’ deal with pitcher Alex Cobb should be made official later today after he passes his physical.
The club has zero concerns about the physical, so let’s not break out the tired observation that everyone fails it. And if we are going down that road, tell me again how they were wrong about Grant Balfour.
I’ve been told that $56 million for Cobb is “almost on the nose” over four years, the largest contract in club history for a free agent pitcher. There is deferred…

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles’ deal with pitcher Alex Cobb should be made official later today after he passes his physical.

The club has zero concerns about the physical, so let’s not break out the tired observation that everyone fails it. And if we are going down that road, tell me again how they were wrong about Grant Balfour.

I’ve been told that $56 million for Cobb is “almost on the nose” over four years, the largest contract in club history for a free agent pitcher. There is deferred money in each season, as I also wrote about last night.

This deal has been in the works for “a long, long time,” according to an industry source. It didn’t just happen overnight. And there were concessions on both sides. Cobb came down to the $56 million range and the Orioles softened their stance on contracts for pitchers by moving beyond three years.

duquette-showalter-chat-sidebar.jpgThey always were willing to exceed two years despite rumors to the contrary. I thought they might go three tops, or two plus a vesting option, but they ventured outside of their comfort zone for Cobb.

Update: To be exact, the deal is $57 million, according to an industry source.

* With less than a week remaining before the Orioles break camp, Danny Valencia still doesn’t know whether he’s going north with the team or searching for another major league job. He hasn’t gained or lost confidence in his chances because he’s unable to get a clear read on the situation.

“You tell me. I have no idea,” he said, passing the responsibility to a reporter who can only make assumptions.

“We’re not privy to that information. I have no idea. I don’t think many people here really know.”

Competing for a utility spot and perhaps the right side of a platoon at designated hitter, Valencia has gone 6-for-29 with three doubles, two home runs and six RBIs in 11 games. He was 1-for-19 before hitting a two-run homer Sunday afternoon off the batter’s eye at Ed Smith Stadium in his only at-bat.

Though he’s only played first and third base since signing a minor league deal on March 3, Valencia is taking fly balls with first base coach Wayne Kirby, who doubles as outfield instructor.

“They definitely talked to me about playing some right field,” he said. “I’ve worked with Kirby twice now. I’ve played a few games there last year, but the year before I played a decent amount. I feel pretty good in right.

“Being versatile is a thing that I think is going to extend my playing career, so it’s a good thing. I can’t complain.”

Valencia has made 42 starts in right field in the majors and 28 in left. He’s made only three at second base and none at any level at shortstop.

Manager Buck Showalter hinted that Valencia could play the middle infield before the Orioles conclude the Grapefruit League portion of their exhibition schedule. Valencia heard about the possibility from third base coach Bobby Dickerson, the club’s infield instructor.

“He’s come to me about maybe taking some ground balls at short,” Valencia said. “I have played second in the past, but whatever they want me to do, I’ll do. I mean, it’s not a big deal.”

* Andrew Cashner has allowed only one run in two exhibition starts covering nine innings, but his competitive nature seems to impress teammates more than his results.

Guys are still talking about the simulated games he pitched on Field 4 at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. The look on his face and the mannerisms that provided a stark contrast to the casual setting.

Cashner won’t go through the motions, even in a glorified session of live batting practice.

One veteran in camp who witnessed the first simulated game recounted how he noticed the expression on Cashner’s face and said, “Whoa.” He offered a brief but succinct scouting report on the right-hander’s approach to his profession.

“Some guys like to win, others hate to lose. He’s a hate-to-lose guy.”

* Outfielder Austin Hays remains in camp despite a series of cuts that reduced the roster to 40 players.

Able to play right field again without any soreness in his right shoulder, Hays is 7-for-32 (.219) with one double, three RBIs, two walks and 11 strikeouts. He doubled in his only at-bat Sunday against the Mets and was 1-for-4 Monday against the Tigers in Lakeland.

Any exposure to a major league camp is going to benefit Hays, including the occasional conversations with Showalter.

“Everybody wants that perfect player,” Showalter said last week. “If he walks 30 times or whether he walks 20 times, I just want him to be himself. He’s a good player. Same way with (Ryan) Mountcastle and all those guys. Just go play, man. Seek your level.

“Austin and I were talking. Everybody’s always giving these guys advice. You’ve just got to hit until you take. You got here because you did some good things offensively. Keep doing them. He’s going to seek his level. It’s going to be fun to watch.”

* A random observation from camp:

Left-hander Luis Gonzalez wasn’t included among the invites after given consideration, but he’s continuing to make a solid impression with his appearances as an “extra.”

Gonzalez hasn’t allowed an earned run or walked a batter in his four relief outings covering 4 1/3 innings. His fastball has sat at 92-94 mph and he’s flashing a much-improved slider and changeup.

The Orioles were relieved that Gonzalez, who turned 26 in January, went unclaimed in the Rule 5 draft and they envision him as someone who could work out of their bullpen later this summer. Showalter is endorsing the idea of pushing him up the organization ladder, believing that he can handle it.

Gonzalez has pitched at high Single-A Frederick the past three summers, making 24 starts among 26 appearances in 2015 and going 6-11 with a 6.88 ERA and 1.94 WHIP in 117 2/3 innings. His 36 outings last year came in relief and he posted a 2.47 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 75 strikeouts over 62 innings.