masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles shortstop J.J. Hardy has been in the national spotlight this offseason, as he was awarded both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. However, the latest place his name has been seen is the rumor mill.

Both Hardy and Matt Wieters have been subjects of trade rumors this week. However, Dan Duquette said that the O’s “like Hardy and Wieters as core players on our ballclub.”

While the rumors are mostly speculative at this point, there have been many concrete changes around the…Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy has been in the national spotlight this offseason, as he was awarded both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. However, the latest place his name has been seen is the rumor mill.

Both Hardy and Matt Wieters have been subjects of trade rumors this week. However, Dan Duquette said that the O’s “like Hardy and Wieters as core players on our ballclub.”

While the rumors are mostly speculative at this point, there have been many concrete changes around the organization this week. Former Braves special assistant Dom Chiti has been hired as the Orioles bullpen coach, and Dave Anderson has been brought on as the O’s minor league infield coordinator.

This week, the postseason awards were announced. Buck Showalter received a third-place vote for AL Manager of the Year, and Chris Davis finished third behind Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout for American League MVP.

These are just some of the top headlines that you may have missed this week. Be sure to check out MASNsports.com each Friday for the latest Weekly Wrap!

* Orioles’ Brian Graham named winner of Bender Award

* Decision pending on Reimold

* For the Orioles, improving starting pitching could be a challenge

* Chiti: “It’s a great group of guys that are … very good at what they do”

* Olelky Peralta making way up O’s prospect charts